Senior Process Engineer

GDI; City of Rochester (NY); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Stock options

Job summary

GDI is developing next-gen energy storage with silicon anode roll-to-roll deposition, transitioning from R&D to pilot and production. You will own and optimize deposition processes, collaborate with vendors and manufacturing partners, and drive scalable platforms for megawatt-scale silicon production.

The role is hands-on, requiring troubleshooting and close work with manufacturing, R&D and external partners to ensure reproducible, scalable processes and documentation.

Qualifications

• Ph.D./M.S. in a relevant field; exceptional B.S. candidates considered.
• 5+ years in process engineering, materials development, or thin-film processing.
• Strong expertise in thin-film deposition tech (PECVD/CVD/ALD).
• Experience scaling to pilot/manufacturing environments.
• Background in energy materials, batteries, or semiconductor processing.
• DOE design, data analysis, and process optimization experience.
• Familiarity with roll-to-roll or sheet-to-sheet manufacturing a plus.
• Hands-on with process equipment installation, troubleshooting, commissioning, and qualification.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and optimization of silicon anode deposition processes (PECVD or related).
• Define scalable architectures to move from R&D to pilot/manufacturing systems.
• Develop recipes, operating windows, and key process parameters for silicon deposition.
• Support design, installation, commissioning, and qualification of R2R deposition equipment.
• Collaborate with vendors and partners to create scalable process platforms.
• Implement robust process controls for reproducibility and readiness.
• Work with cell engineering to integrate silicon anodes into battery architectures.
• Support process qualification and continuous improvement toward production.

Skills

Thin-film deposition

PECVD

CVD

ALD

Roll-to-roll deposition

Process engineering

Data analysis

DOE

Vacuum systems

Plasma processing

Equipment installation

Troubleshooting

Battery materials

Education

Ph.D. in Materials Science

M.S. in Chemical Engineering

B.S. or higher in related field (considered)

Related field experience

Tools

R2R deposition equipment

PECVD equipment

Laboratory equipment

Job description

GDI is developing the next generation of energy storage, starting with advanced battery solutions for defense applications and expanding into other high-performance markets. Our100%silicon anode technology is designed to deliver higher energy density, longer runtime, and faster chargingcapabilities that are especially important for demanding defense applications and, over time, a wide range of commercial uses.As our technology and manufacturing capabilities mature, GDI plans to expand into other high-performance markets, including electric mobility, consumer electronics, aerospace, and other demanding energy storage applications.

GDI is an investor-backed company focused on electrode development, manufacturing, and advanced materials. Our team has decades of combined experience andhas developed a portfolio of more than 40 issued patentsandmore than 40 pending patent applications. We are developing practical, scalable battery technology with the goal of delivering safer, higher-performance energy storage solutions for some of the most demanding applications in the market.

Position Title:

SeniorProcess Engineer

Ideal Candidate:

GDI isseekinga highly experienced, hands-on Senior Process Engineer withexpertisein thin-film deposition, plasma-based processing, and advanced materials manufacturing. The ideal candidate will own and lead the development, optimization, and scale-up of GDI’s silicon anode roll-to-roll (R2R) deposition technology and play a key role in transitioning our processes from the laboratory to pilot- and large-scale manufacturing systems.

The successful candidate will drive process development and innovation, work closely with equipment vendors and manufacturing partners, and helpestablishstable, repeatable, and scalable deposition processes capable of supporting megawatt-scalesiliconproduction. This is a hands-on, cross-functional role that will work across R&D, equipment development, facility support, and manufacturing operations.

The role will also support facility and operational requirements related to process development, equipment installation and commissioning, and day-to-day manufacturing activities, working closely with internal teams, contractors, and external partners. The successful candidate should be comfortable working directly on equipment, troubleshooting process issues in real time, and supporting operations in a manufacturing environment.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Leadthedevelopment and optimization of silicon anode deposition processes, including PECVD or related thin-film technologies.
• Define scalable process architectures to transition from R&D tools to pilot and manufacturing systems.
• Develop process recipes, operating windows, and key process parameters for silicon deposition and related process steps.
• Supportthedesign, installation, commissioning, and qualification of R2R deposition equipment.
• Work closely with equipment vendors and engineering partners to develop scalable process platforms.
• Implement robust process controls to ensure reproducibility, reliability, and manufacturing readiness.
• Collaborate with cell engineering teams to integrate GDI’s silicon anodes into next-generation battery architectures.
• Support facility and operational requirements related to process development, equipment installation, commissioning, and manufacturing operations.
• Support equipment troubleshooting,processqualification, and continuous improvement activities as GDI moves from R&D toward production.
• Work with internal teams, contractors, and external partners toidentifyand resolve process, equipment, facility, and operational issues.
• Develop andmaintainprocess documentation, specifications, operating procedures, and other technical documentation needed to support scale-up and manufacturing.

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. or M.S. in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, orarelated field.Exceptional candidates with a B.S. and significant relevant industry experience will also be considered.
• 5+ years of experience in process engineering, materials development, or thin-film processing.
• Strong expertise in thin-film deposition technologies (PECVD, CVD, ALD, or related processes).
• Demonstrated experience scaling advanced materials processes from R&D to pilot or manufacturing environments.
• Experience working with advanced energy materials, battery technologies, or semiconductor processing.
• Experience with experimental design (DOE), data analysis, and process optimization.
• Familiarity with roll-to-roll or sheet-to-sheet manufacturing processes is a plus.
• Experience with roll-to-roll manufacturing, particularly thin-film deposition or coating processes, is strongly preferred.
• Hands-on experience with process equipment, including equipment installation, troubleshooting, commissioning, and qualification.
• Experience with vacuum systems, plasma processing, gas delivery systems, or related process equipment is preferred.
• Excellent communication skills with experience collaborating with external partners and cross-functional teams.

Behavioral Attributes:

• Highly independent and self-driven with a passion for hands-on technology development.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a data-driven approach to process engineering.
• Comfortable working across lab development, pilot operations, and manufacturing environments.
• Collaborative team player who thrives in a fast-paced deep-tech startup environment.
• Motivated by the opportunity to develop technology that willadvancethe energy storage industry.

Travel:

Some travel may be required domestically (up to 10%) and internationally (up to 10%) annually. Total travel will not exceed 20% annually. A valid driver's license and use of a personal vehicle may be required.

Compensation:

GDI offers competitive market-based compensation, including health insurance coverage and stock options. This is a full-time role suitable for experienced professionals. Range begins at $110,000 annually.

Eligibility:

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States and have dependable transportation.

GDI is an equal opportunity employer andcomplies withall applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices and laws. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexualorientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information or characteristics, physical or mental disability, marital/domestic partner status, age, military/veteran status, medical condition or any other characteristic protected by law.