Cathode Formulation Engineer

About Us We are Sila, a next-generation battery materials company. Our mission is to power the world’s transition to clean energy. To create this future, our team is building a better lithium-ion battery from the inside out today. We engineer and manufacture ground-breaking battery materials that significantly increase the energy density of batteries, while reducing their size and weight. The result? Smaller more powerful batteries that can unlock innovation in consumer devices and accelerate the mass adoption of electric cars to eliminate our dependence on fossil fuels. We’re tackling one of the biggest challenges of our time every day, and together we’re redefining what’s possible. Are you ready to be a part of a team committed to changing the world?

Who You Are

As a Cathode Formulation Engineer at Sila, you will develop and qualify cathode slurries and electrodes to support our internal product development and external customer engagements. You are passionate about contributing to the global transition to renewable energy by developing scalable energy storage materials, and deploying them in devices. You are excited to join a fast-moving mission-driven company working to scale and deploy their innovative battery materials in millions of electric vehicles, consumer devices, and more.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Source and evaluate cathode active materials for use in Sila’s internal test platforms as well as external prototype builds
• Develop cathode formulations for high energy density batteries, including bench-top and overhead mix slurry recipes
• Conduct experiments to evaluate the performance and characteristics of cathode coatings
• Support electrode coating runs at different scales for both internally, as well as externally at vendor sites
• Help develop and maintain representative test platforms for particle and electrode testing
• Thoroughly document and communicate results, with conclusions and recommendations to management and other stakeholders.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in cathode materials through literature reviews and attendance at industry conferences.
• Ensure all work complies with safety standards and regulatory requirements.
• Mentor and train junior scientists and technicians as needed.

Knowledge and Skill Requirements

• Hands-on experience with slurry preparation, electrode coating, and characterization techniques.
• Experience with electrochemical techniques such as impedance spectroscopy, cell cycling, dQ/dV analysis, EIS etc.
• Understanding of materials for energy storage; experience with building and testing lithium ion batteries is strongly preferred, including working in a glovebox.
• Proficiency in data analysis and interpretation using software such as JMP, Python, or equivalent.
• Well organized approach to problem solving and experimental design, driven by curiosity and attention to detail
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Demonstrated experience working and managing external vendors.
• B.S. in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field. Advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in lithium-ion industry or related field (fewer for candidates with an advanced degree)

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Pass a respirator fit test and be able to wear respiratory protection for certain tasks.
• Wear personal protective equipment including, but not limited to, a lab coat, gloves, safety glasses, and steel toe safety shoes.
• Move long distances (such as from building to building) and be stationary for extended periods of time
• Operate a computer and other office equipment, such as a laptop, etc in a fixed location
• Up to 10% travel – both domestically and internationally

Work Schedule

Regular Shift: Monday – Friday, 9:00am – 6:00pm

Payscale Disclosure

The starting base pay for this role is between $128,000 and $191,000 at the time of posting. The actual base pay depends on many factors, such as education, experience, and skills. Base pay is only one part of Sila’s competitive Total Rewards package that can include benefits, perks, equity, and bonuses. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future.

Working at Sila

We believe that building a diverse team at Sila helps us amplify our individual talents. We are an equal opportunity employer and committed to creating an inclusive environment where good ideas are free to come from anyone. We are proud to celebrate diversity and all qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, national origin, or any other status protected by law.