Principal Scientist

Position Overview:

Solid Power is seeking a Principal Scientist to join our talented team of engineers and scientists working to revolutionize the battery industry through the development of next-generation, all solid‐state rechargeable batteries. Solid Power is a dynamic, fast‐paced, collaborative and innovative team environment. The preferred candidate will bring hands-on experience with lithium-metal anodes and/or reservoir-free (anode-free) cells. The scientist will lead Li metal anode development in R&D and work closely with electrolyte and cathode R&D, technology integration, and cell engineering teams to commercialize a high-energy solid-state battery with a lithium metal anode.

Job Duties:

• Serve as a technical lead for development of lithium metal anodes in all-solid-state batteries. Develop anodes and cell processing conditions that support high energy density, fast charging, and long calendar life.

• Establish mechanisms for cell degradation using electrochemical methods and other analytical tools. Make recommendations for improvements and implement design changes.

• Work with management to create anode development strategies, plan group projects, and execute business objectives.

• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, including establishing timelines, allocating resources, and overseeing project milestones. Provide regular updates to internal and external stakeholders on project progress.

• Collaborate with academic partners for anode development and technology transfer.

• Work closely with technology integration and manufacturing teams to scale R&D cell designs to large-format, multi-layer cells.

• Support laboratory infrastructure by bringing new capabilities on-line and maintaining existing tools. Communicate with vendors to source new materials and equipment.

• Mentor and contribute to the professional development of junior staff. Foster a collaborative and inclusive team environment that promotes innovation, creativity, and scientific excellence.

• Keep current with advancements in the field by regularly reviewing academic literature and attending conferences. Apply emerging scientific knowledge to initiate new research directions.

• Contribute to a culture of innovation by identifying, developing, and documenting intellectual property.

Qualifications/ Requirements:

• Extensive experience with the design and fabrication of Li-metal anodes and/or reservoir-free cells including interface modification, electrochemical testing, and electroanalytical techniques.

• Hands-on experience in material characterization including microscopy, spectroscopy, rheology, calorimetry, and/or mechanical testing.

• Proven experience in leading and managing scientific research projects from conception to completion, including experimental design, data analysis, and interpretation.

• Proven ability to lead data driven decision making and establish credibility with others at all levels of an organization.

• In-depth knowledge of Li-ion battery cell materials, operation, performance, and failure modes.

• Strong technical communication skills including the ability to convey complex ideas to diverse audiences.

• Positive attitude, flexibility, creativity, and the ability to balance multiple projects in a fast-paced start-up environment.

Education and Experience:

• Ph.D. in chemistry, material science, engineering, or a related discipline is required.

• 10+ years of experience in the battery industry is required.

• Direct, hands-on experience with lithium metal anodes is required. Experience with solid state cells is preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Fine motor skills

• Prolonged periods of sitting and standing

• Ability to work in a dry room environment and wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as necessary including, but not limited to eye protection, hair net, gloves, face mask, coveralls, full-face respirator or PAPR.

Salary Range: $123,000 - $173,000 annually

Benefits: Solid Power offers a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical/dental/vision insurance, employer paid Life/AD&D/STD/LTD insurance, 401k with company match, paid holidays, PTO, up to six (6) weeks paid FMLA leave, cell phone reimbursement and eligibility to participate in our bonus and equity plans.

Export Control Requirements:

This position requires access to technology, software and other information that is subject to governmental access control restrictions, due to export controls. Employment in this position is conditioned on the continued availability of government authorization to authorize release of such items, to the extent required, including without limitation an export license, or other documentation required to establish authorization to receive access to such items.

Company may delay commencement of employment, rescind an offer of employment, terminate employment, and/or may modify job responsibilities, compensation, benefits, and/or access to Company facilities and information systems, as Company deems appropriate, in order to ensure compliance with applicable government access control restrictions.

All offers of employment at Solid Power are contingent upon clear results of a thorough background check.

No soliciting from staffing agencies. Thank you!

Application Deadline: 06/30/2024

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