Senior Electrode Engineer

Sila; Alameda (CA); On-site; USD 128,000 - 162,000; Full time

Job summary

Sila, a next-generation battery materials company in Alameda, CA, seeks an experienced electrode R&D engineer to define structure–property relationships and scale lab results to production.

You will lead design, development, qualification, and scale-up of novel electrodes, apply data analysis, and communicate results to internal and external partners. A BS in engineering or science and 4+ years in batteries required.

Qualifications

• BS in engineering or science with 4+ years in batteries or related field
• Experience with Li-ion batteries and slurry/coating processes
• Strong data-driven problem solving and experimental design
• Ability to communicate with internal and external stakeholders
• Willingness to travel up to 10% domestically/internationally

Responsibilities

• Investigate active materials, binder, and conductive additives on Li-ion battery performance
• Lead design, development, qualification, and scale-up of novel electrodes
• Scale electrodes for commercially built Li-ion batteries
• Apply data analysis, modeling to interpret results and inform design
• Communicate ideas and results to stakeholders and partners
• Collaborate with cross-company team for long-term knowledge sharing
• Accelerate learning by developing new test methods
• Identify safety hazards and implement improvements
• Support values and growth of the company

Skills

Batteries knowledge

Data-driven problem solving

Communication skills

Project management

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor of Science in Engineering or Science

Tools

JMP

Python

Job description

We are Sila, a next-generation battery materials company. Our mission is to power the world’s transition to clean energy. To create this future, our team is building a better lithium-ion battery from the inside out today. We engineer and manufacture ground-breaking battery materials that significantly increase the energy density of batteries, while reducing their size and weight. The result? Smaller more powerful batteries that can unlock innovation in consumer devices and accelerate the mass adoption of electric cars to eliminate our dependence on fossil fuels. We're tackling one of the biggest challenges of our time every day, and together we're redefining what's possible. Are you ready to be a part of a team committed to changing the world?

Who You Are

You’re an engineer excited to perform R&D structure-property relationships at the electrode level and scale R&D electrodes into prototype and production lines. You enjoy using design thinking to put creative solutions into practice and are driven to quickly test out and iterate concepts. You know how to be a thoughtful, supportive team member, and are ready to both give and receive feedback with humility. As part of a collaborative effort, your work will help to elucidate the underlying structure-property relationships of anode component materials and their impact on electrochemical performance, and scale the electrodes for commercially-built lithium-ion batteries.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Investigate the roles of active materials, binder, and conductive additives on the performance of Li-ion batteries
• Discover, understand and explain the fundamentals involved in the relationships between electrode components and cell performance
• Lead the design, development, qualification, and scale up of novel electrode and participate and develop skills of cell prototyping and testing capabilities
• Apply advanced data analysis, statistical methods, and modeling techniques to interpret test results, predict performance, and inform design iterations
• Effectively communicate ideas, plans, and results to internal stakeholders, and occasionally to external partners
• Work with a larger cross-company team of diverse backgrounds to discover and communicate knowledge for the long term development of our next generation battery materials
• Accelerate learning cycles by developing new techniques or test methods to detect downstream challenges early in the development
• Identify safety hazards and work cooperatively to implement improvements
• Invest in our values and champion them as we grow

Knowledge and Skill Requirements

• Strong technical background, experience with lithium-ion batteries including different process steps (slurry, coating, cell design and cell tear down) is required; direct experience in slurry & coating formulation / process and their characterizations is a strong plus
• Well-organized and data-driven approach to problem solving and experimental design, driven by curiosity and attention to detail
• Proficiency in using databases, and data analysis tools such as JMP, Python, etc.
• Exceptional communication abilities with both internal groups and external customers; Japanese or Korean language fluency is a plus
• Ability to carefully plan and implement multiple projects simultaneously
• Understanding of lab safety best practices
• At least a B.S. in engineering or science and 4+ years of experience in batteries or related field (fewer for candidates with an advanced degree)

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Wear personal protective equipment including, but not limited to, a lab coat, gloves, safety glasses, and steel toe safety shoes
• Use a glove box and/or fume hood to prepare samples
• Operate analytical equipment at a lab bench
• Move items up to 25 lbs with the assistance of lift equipment and carts
• Operate a computer and other office equipment, such as a laptop, copier/printer, etc in a fixed location
• Move long distances (such as from building to building) and be stationary for extended periods of time
• Pass a respirator fit test and be able to wear respiratory protection
• (As needed) Up to 10% domestic and international travel

Compensation

The starting base pay for this role is between $128,000 and $162,000 at the time of posting. The actual base pay depends on many factors, such as education, experience, and skills. Base pay is only one part of Sila’s competitive Total Rewards package that can include benefits, perks, equity, and bonuses. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future.

Working at Sila

We believe that building a diverse team at Sila helps us amplify our individual talents. We are an equal opportunity employer and committed to creating an inclusive environment where good ideas are free to come from anyone. We are proud to celebrate diversity and all qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, national origin, or any other status protected by law.