Associate Research Engineer/ Research Engineer
Position: Associate Research Engineer/ Research Engineer (depending on experience)
Reports To: Senior Research Scientist
Location: Waltham, Massachusetts
A123 Systems, LLC is a leading developer and manufacturer of lithium-ion batteries and battery systems for the transportation and commercial markets. Applicable to a wide range of industries, A123 Systems’ products remove many traditional technology constraints to provide OEMs expanded flexibility in system design. Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Michigan, A123 Systems’ proprietary nanoscale electrode technology is built on initial developments from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. For additional information please visit www.a123systems.com.
Position Overview
The research engineer’s primary responsibility is to support the development, validation and preparation for scale-up of novel solid state battery (SSB) technologies for safe, high energy density storage systems. Responsibilities include support of basic materials and processing studies, operation and engineering support of lab and pre-pilot scale mixing, coating and test facilities, and the execution of small format cell builds for the evaluation of advanced technologies. Primary job activities include conducting experimental testing in a controlled environment such as dry room and glove box, preparing and optimizing cell designs and prototypes according to established procedures, and collaborating with cell development team to transfer those results to A123 Systems’ global production facilities. Additional responsibilities include data collection, test procedure modification, data analysis and presentation, updating SOPs, and maintaining shared laboratory facilities.
Primary responsibilities
- Support in planning and execution of fundamental materials and cell design studies.
- Design and validation of new solid state battery technologies and processes.
- Trouble-shooting and optimization of existing cell fabrication processes and device level performance.
- Implementation of new quality control, materials and cell- level test routines.
- Support transfer of proven R&D findings from bench and pre-pilot level through to pilot and production scale.
- Interact with existing and potential collaborators inside and outside of A123.
- Performing other functions as required to support the R&D operation and other A123 business units.
Specific Skills/Abilities
The position requires:
- Adept at and a preference for hands-on laboratory work and problem solving.
- Experience with a variety of materials characterization techniques, e.g. rheology, PSA, FTIR, EIS, XRD.
- Strong work ethic, detail oriented, highly accountable, and able to take ownership of laboratory functions.
- Good communication skills with the ability to interact with technicians, laboratory managers, and scientists.
- Takes initiative and is able to work with a creative mindset with little or no supervision.
- Can effectively work with others in a fast paced, collaborative environment.
- Drives for results - The passion to set and meet high standards of performance.
- Drives accountability - The ability to establish clear, measurable goals and deliver on commitments.
- Proficient in Excel, Word, and other PC based software.
Education/Experience
- M.S. in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, materials science, or related field; 0-2 years of experience in field of Li-ion battery technology development desired.
- Alternatively, B.S. in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, materials science, or related field and minimum of 2 years of industrial laboratory experience.
- Knowledge of Li-ion battery technology is highly desirable.
- Hands-on experience with the preparation, characterization and coating of slurries is preferred.
- Test and analysis of electrochemical systems.
- Moisture sensitive chemistry experience both in a glove box and dry room a plus.
This position will be based in Waltham, MA.