Anode R&D Engineer/Senior Anode R&D Engineer

Richmond, CA

WHY JOIN ENZINC?

Imagine your impact. At Enzinc, we know batteries are the key to a clean energy future, and we are passionate about stretching the boundaries of what’s possible with batteries for mobility and stationary energy storage.

Our talented team is inspired by creating massive impact, not marginal improvements. The people who work here value teamwork and transparency, drive and diversity, respect and results. We learn from each other, and seek to bring out the best in our teammates.

Anode R&D Engineer or Senior Anode R&D Engineer 

Bring your engineering A-game. Our Anode group is seeking an Anode R&D Engineer to refine the formulation of our zinc anode for next generation zinc-based battery and cell platforms. You’ll work closely with the R&D team to optimize the anode properties and work with the Cell team to test the performance of new anode formulations. The focus will include improving the existing anode formulation process and designing new anode formulations for next generation products. 

Enzinc has openings for both Anode R&D Engineer II or Senior Anode R&D Engineer III, and job level will be dictated based on relevant experience. The minimum experience in the job posting is based on the level II position.

As part of the Enzinc team, you’ll help craft creative battery solutions that use a unique zinc sponge anode to make a safer, high-performance battery. We’re early enough that you’ll contribute to all aspects of bringing a new battery to market and growing fast enough that you can carve out a career path.

MUST HAVE SKILLS AND EXPIENCE

  • 3+ years of experience in slurry development and casting processes for battery electrodes, with a strong preference for zinc-based chemistries
  • Knowledge of the slurry rheology, casting, drying, and thermal processing and how it translates to film properties
  • Experience characterizing mechanical and structural properties of porous materials
  • Familiarity with DOE, FMEA and Taguchi methodologies preferred.
  • Ability to use data to justify technical decisions and to explain technical issues clearly.
  • Strong documentation and interpersonal skills and high attention to detail.
  • A self-starter mindset with excellent time-management skills, a curious spirit and the willingness to work in fast-paced team.
  • A proven ability to work independently under high pressure and be comfortable working in a multifaceted environment.
  • Strong presentation and communication skills, experience presenting to customers, and managing customer expectations

DESIREABLE SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

  • Experience with electrode fabrication for batteries, preferably alkaline zinc batteries
  • Experience with screen printing or roll-to-roll electrode coating processes is desirable
  • Experiencing with high temperature (>500°C) annealing and material processes
  • Experience leading projects, working independently, and as part of a team

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Design, fabricate, and characterize zinc sponge electrodes based on design input from the electrochemistry and battery engineering teams
  • Optimize existing and develop new processes for mixing, coating, and thermal treatment of zinc-based slurries
  • Work with the Cell team to test new anode formulations and incorporate feedback into design iterations
  • Responsible for managing the schedule and batches for R&D furnaces and coordinating with technicians to execute development runs
  • Write, execute, and report on test plans.
  • Develop processes, write SOPs, and qualify materials for battery testing and customer battery development.
  • Transfer processes to the Manufacturing team and define quality specifications for production

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

  • Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or similar is required.
  • 3+ years of hands-on experience fabricating and testing battery electrodes

Benefits:

  • Medical, dental and vision insurance
  • 401k
  • Employee Stock Plan
  • Paid Time Off

Work involves sitting, walking, and lifting to 35 pounds. Requires close visual acuity, the ability to distinguish color, and the ability to hear in laboratory and office environments

Enzinc is committed to diversity and inclusion. Advancing energy technology requires a workforce as diverse as the populations who'll benefit from a cleaner future. Our culture and values are shaped by engineering best practices: we are curious, open, creative, transparent, respectful and always learning from each other.

 *We are currently not able to sponsor Work Visas