Roles and Responsibility
- Evaluate and test advanced electrolyte formulations specifically optimized for LFP based cells, focussing on ionic conductivity, thermal stability and compatibility with LFP cathodes and anodes
- Innovate additives to improve cycle life, safety and wide- temp performance
- Benchmark electrolytes and separators from suppliers and create library of materials
- Lead electrochemical testing including ionic conductivity, viscosity and electrochemical stability window evaluations
- Analyze cell performance data to establish correlations between Separator and electrolyte properties and cell performance metrics like cycle life, energy density and safety
- Work closely with electrode and cell design team to ensure seamless integration of electrolyte formulations and separators
- Evaluate and qualify raw material suppliers to ensure consistent quality and supply chain reliability.
- Keep abreast on advancements in separator and electrolyte technologies and implement as and when needed
- Explore sustainable and low cost alternatives system and additives
- Identify opportunities for cost reduction while maintaining/enhancing electrolyte performance
- Evaluate material compatibility for electrolyte and separator battery with high safety and high reliability for various form factor cells, cylindrical, prismatic, pouch cell to meet customer requirement and deliver to mass production phase in giga factory.
- Work closely with suppliers to source high quality precursors and ensure consistent performance.
- Work on logistics, packaging and shelf life improvements for electrolytes
- Assist in testing materials for Proto/A/B/C sample of developing cell in pilot line and manufacturing line.
- Troubleshoot production issues and refine process parameters for consistency and quality in manufacturing line.
- Drives failure analyses and design of experiments (DOEs) to reach design solutions and corrective actions.
- Co-Create separator and electrolyte material technology roadmap (High energy, high power, long life, fast charge, high safety) and make strategy for low-cost solutions.
- Closely working across functions with procurement team, manufacturing team, quality team, pack team to succeed high level company projects.
Mandatory Skills
- PhD or Master's degree in Organic chemistry, material engineering, analytical chemistry, mechanical, physics, or related field.
- Experience with battery separator & electrolyte and the electrolyte additive design and development for LFP systems
- In-depth understanding of polymer film making technologies including BOPP and multilayered films and have strong background in organic chemistry, solvents, battery fundamentals, electrochemistry and material science
- Robust knowledge of electrolyte package used in LFP for better cycle life, safety, and performance in LFP cell technology, familiarity with separator & electrolyte materials synthesis process
- Strong background in materials, structure-property relationships
- In-depth knowledge of Li salts, solvents and additives used for LFP cathode, material properties and performance optimization
- Hands-on experience with material synthesis techniques such as SEI, Li diffusion and electrolyte transport in different cell formats.
- Proficiency in materials characterization required for electrolyte – transport number, ionic conductivity, and tools such as NMR, GC -MS, XRD, SEM, TEM, ICP-OES, Ion chromatography, EIS, coin cell and pouch cell level material testing
- Proficiency in separator characterization and testing with ceramic coatings, thickness profiling, Gurley, air permeability, puncture strength, tensile strength, elongation breakdown, thermal shrinkage test, peel strength, breakdown voltage test
- In-depth knowledge in cell specification, cell validation, analysing performance, failure mode analysis, safety test and regulation certificate.
- Hands on experience in working with material suppliers, communication with customers
- DFMEA, Six Sigma, QC tools, DOE planning, problem solving skills.
- Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
- Logical thinking, speed action, high responsibility, create enthusiasm.
Desired Skills
- Over 5yr experience in LFP materials, Separator and electrolyte knowledge for new cell development.
- Working experience in Tier 1 cell suppliers.
- Experience with evaluation before launch with several types of new cells through A/B/C sample to SOP.
- Experience with advanced cylindrical commercial cell form factors, 46xx series.
- Knowledge of alternative cathode materials and their role in next generation batteries
- Expertise in supply chain dynamics for LFP precursors and raw materials
- Hands on experience with pilot plant operations and materials scale-up challenges
Note:
1. Office Adress: Hi-tech Defence & Aerospace park, Phase II, Devanahalli, Channarayapatna, Bengaluru Rural, Karnataka, 562135
2. It is a work from office opportunity and 1st and last Saturdays of the month are working.
We are looking for immediate joiners. (within 30-60 days)
Thanks & Regards,
Saket.
