Job Description
The Electrolyte Scientist will design, develop, and analyze innovative electrolyte materials for high-energy lithium-ion batteries, contributing to advancements in energy storage technology through experimental research, characterization, and project leadership in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, develop, and optimize electrolyte formulations for high-energy lithium-ion batteries.
- Analyze interactions of electrolyte systems with cell components during cycling and storage.
- Perform electrochemical characterization of new materials and formulations using techniques like EIS and galvanostatic cycling.
- Plan, execute, and manage research projects independently, including supporting prototype development.
- Implement streamlined testing protocols, such as Design of Experiments (DoE), to accelerate R&D cycles.
- Communicate research findings, project updates, and technical insights effectively to team members.
- Mentor junior staff and provide technical leadership in experimental design and development.
- Integrate existing knowledge with new discoveries to facilitate development and problem-solving.
- Contribute to intellectual property development through invention disclosures and patent filings.
Requirements
- A MS or better level of understanding in Electrochemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related physical science field.
- Minimum of 3 years of industrial or advanced academic experience post-MS focused on electrolyte or battery materials development.
- Strong knowledge of common lithium-ion electrolyte systems, including common lithium salts, solvents, and additives, and their specific roles.
- Experience applying physical-chemical methods to tackle formulation problems and understanding properties like density, viscosity, and ionic conductivity.
- Hands-on expertise in advanced electrochemical characterization, including Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) and galvanostatic cycling.
- Proven experience working with moisture sensitive materials in a glovebox or dry room environment, and expertise in handling high purity chemicals.
- Proficiency in battery cell tests (coin and pouch cells) and scientific data analysis using statistical or scientific software.
- Ability to independently plan, execute, manage, and communicate progress on projects.
- Ability to support product development as required for the prototype-manufacturing team.
- Experience in designing, developing, and optimizing electrolyte formulations compatible with high energy density lithium-ion anodes and high nickel content NMC cathode cell chemistries to achieve a long cycle life safely.
- Experience in designing electrolyte systems to demonstrate improvements in safety performance, including dimensional stability during battery cycling and storage.
- Experience in providing technical assessment on existing electrolyte systems, additives, and lithium salts in high energy, high-capacity rechargeable lithium-ion cells.
- Experience in fully characterizing coin and pouch cell performance using new materials and formulations.
- Ability to utilize electrochemical testing and analytical techniques to understand reaction mechanisms, failure modes, and potential benefits of new formulations.
- Experience in designing and implementing streamlined testing metrics such as Design of Experiments (DoE) to significantly shorten the R&D learning and development cycle.
- Excellent communication skills to effectively convey new concepts, findings, and project updates to the team, drawing actionable insights from discussions.
- Ability to serve as a technical mentor and leader to junior staff, guiding experimental design and professional development.
- Ability to actively integrate and synthesize existing in-house knowledge with new discoveries to accelerate development and problem-solving.
- Proactively contribute to the company’s intellectual property portfolio through invention disclosures and patent applications.
- Proven ability to work with and develop semi-solid electrolytes such as in-situ gel polymer electrolytes, polymer electrolytes, or hybrid solid-liquid electrolytes (preferred).
- Experience with developing formulation beyond liquid electrolytes, including polymer electrolytes, ionic liquids, and solid-state electrolytes (preferred).
- Experience working with and characterizing large format cells (e.g., prismatic or cylindrical) (preferred).
- Experience with computational chemistry or battery modeling tools (preferred).
- Demonstrated passion for and experience in the mobile energy or automotive space (preferred).
Benefits & Perks
highly competitive salary
comprehensive health coverage
attractive equity stock options program
opportunity to contribute to meaningful scientific projects with broad public impact
work in a dynamic, collaborative, and innovative environment
significant opportunities for professional growth and career development
access to state-of-the-art facilities and proprietary technologies
Ready to Apply?
Join SES and make an impact in renewable energy
Stay Updated on Sustainability Jobs
Get the latest renewable energy jobs and career tips delivered to your inbox.
Job Alerts
Get notified about new sustainability jobs
More jobs at SES
Business Development Representative BDR
SES
Woburn
ON-SITE
Jan 29
Materials Business Unit Head
SES
Woburn
Full Time
Jan 21
IT Manager
SES
Woburn
Full Time
Jan 6
More jobs in Woburn, Massachusetts
Senior Staff Accountant
Unison
Woburn
Full Time
Jan 28
Accounts Payable Coordinator - Temporary to Permanent
Unison
Woburn
TEMPORARY_TO_PERMANENT
Dec 16
Accounts Payable Coordinator - Temporary to Permanent
Unison
Woburn
TEMPORARY
Jan 1