Sr. Staff Scientist

Senior Staff Scientist - Polymer

The responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to initiating, planning, conducting, and directing research and development projects to develop polymers for lithium ion battery anode especially silicon which require advanced knowledge in chemistry, materials science and engineering and electrochemistry.

The person will act as a subject matter expert, and will provide project leadership in designing and producing polymers for anode electrodes and executing physical, analytical, and electrochemical tests needed for qualification prior to mass manufacturing. It is expected that this person will have experience with or are familiar with negative active materials for lithium ion batteries such as silicon, carbon, Silicon oxide, silicon-carbon composites, etc.

Enevate is a leader in advanced silicon anode technologies and this position is critical for our ongoing efforts in innovating and developing novel active materials for a variety of battery applications in industries such as EVs, Power tools, Motorbikes, and Aerospace industries, etc.

Essential Duties

• Plan and lead the design of resins

• Perform resin synthesis and scale-up using synthetic polymer techniques

• Modification and functionalization of reins

• Evaluation of resin, carbon yield, film forming capability and mechanical and electrochemical properties

• Use analytical methods such as DSC, TGA, porosimetry, FTIR, GC-MS, ect. to evaluate the properties of the newly developed reins

• Lead the invention, development, and early scale-up of sophisticated polymers for anodes

• Carry out comprehensive physical and chemical analyses of the materials produced using methods like XRD, BET, SEM, TEM, etc.

• Analyze the data and modify the synthesis procedures according to the results obtained

• Develop experimental plans to enhance material characteristics for targeted uses

• Initiate, plan, conduct and direct research and development projects to resolve complicated issues related to silicon anode materials which require advanced knowledge in Chemistry, Materials Science and Engineering and Electrochemistry

• Provide project leadership and assist other scientists and engineers in designing silicon dominant and silicon containing anode materials and executing physical, analytical, and electrochemical tests as needed

• Collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary teams, encompassing areas like chemistry, engineering, and product innovation

• Help the team to improve Enevate’s state-of-the-art anode technology by designing, formulating, and fabricating new anode chemistries and materials including development of electrochemically active and non-active materials

• Persistently strive to enhance and refine synthesis methods for greater efficiency and quality

• Setting up a small-scale synthesis set up or partnership with external manufacturers

• Maintain adherence to all safety standards and regulations within the laboratory and production settings

• Manage time and adhere to timelines to be able to complete tasks on time

• Prepare technical documents, and draft and submit patents

• Prepare electrochemical cells (coin cell, pouch cell, cylindrical cell, prismatic cell)

• Perform physical, analytical, and electrochemical tests on various anode/cathode technologies

• Adhere to company rules and regulations

• Prepare, report and present key results to the team

• Interact with the Enevate team and its partners from the development stage to the scale up

• Maintain the equipment used for the resin development

• Interact with vendors and customers when needed

Qualifications Required:

• Hands on experience with lithium ion batteries

• Technical degree (M.S or equivalent or highly-qualified B.S)

• High level of maturity, drive and flexibility to work in a rapidly developing environment with strong hands-on focus

• At least 2 years of industrial experience with polymer science or polymer engineering

• knowledge of lithium-ion batteries

• Experience of environmentally friendly methods to produce anode active and inactive materials

• Knowledge of electrochemistry

• Strong knowledge of analytical chemistry and analytical techniques

• Hands on experience and ability to formulate, prepare, handle and coat slurries and prepare electrodes

• Hands on experience and ability to build cells (coin cells, pouch cells, etc.) without significant oversight

• Hands on experience with material characterization, analysis, and synthesis

• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team in a dynamic, fast-paced work environment

• Excellent communication skills to effectively communicate with superiors, colleagues, staff, and external partners is essential

• Resourceful problem solver with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work as a team player as well as provide creative “out-of-the-box” solutions and approaches

Qualifications Preferred:

• More than 5 years of experience in the industry as synthetic polymer chemist/scientist

• PhD with 10+ years experience in polymers sciences, chemistry other related field

• Strong Knowledge of lithium-ion batteries

• More than 2 years of experience with silicon anode

Enevate Corporation is dedicated to fostering diversity, inclusion, and promoting racial equity as an equal opportunity employer.