PhD Lithium Cell Technologist at EnerSys in Reading, Pennsylvania

Job Description:

EnerSys is the global leader in stored energy solutions for industrial applications. We have over thirty manufacturing and assembly plants worldwide servicing over 10,000 customers in more than 100 countries. Worldwide headquarters are located in Reading, PA, USA with regional headquarters in Europe and Asia. We complement our extensive line of Motive Power and Energy Systems with a full range of integrated services and systems. With sales and service locations throughout the world, and over 100 years of battery experience, EnerSys is the power/full solution for stored DC power products. We continue to grow in our industry by ensuring all employees possess the following core competencies: customer focused, team player, engaged, ethical, strong communication skills, and works safely.

Job Purpose

The goal of advanced R&D work in the Global Technology department is to conduct innovative approaches for enhancing the company's product line through analysis of electrochemical devices. The Lithium Cell Technologist will set a clear goal and timeline of his/her very challenging research items and identify the risk in technology of third-party electrochemical storage devices. The Lithium Cell Technologist will lead activities working with his/her team member to provide strong guidance and consultation for scientific approaches and procedures in characterizing electrochemical materials and battery components and conducting destructive physical analysis, failure analysis, and analyzing the cell data, Future planned activities in optimizing electrode formulations and process, optimizing assembly structure and process, optimizing formation schedule, will be required.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Evaluate and analyze materials, including electrode, electrolyte, and separator materials during destructive physical analysis.


• Coordinate third party analysis of cell materials when appropriate.


• Prepare material test plans and procedures for component evaluation.


• Complete battery cell chemical analysis.


• Analyze battery and cell usage and related specification development.


• Be responsible for Chem test lab operations, planning and test methods development.


• Be responsible for Cell electrochemical methods and modeling.


• Cell performance, life and degradation studies.


• Key Cell Life Test development and evaluation.

Qualifications

Required

• Master's Degree or PhD in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering, or related field of study


• 5+ years hands-on experience


• Resident expert on sciences and models in details of battery materials, electrode formulation, and chemical formation mechanisms


• Deep knowledge about analytical equipment used in lithium-ion industries, such as, SEM-EDX, TG-DSC, GC-MS, XRD, etc


• Electronics or laboratory skills


• Excellent teamwork and communication skills


• Leader/Manager experience


• Self-motivated with the ability to manage multiple tasks


• Ability to work independently and with test teams


• Good interpersonal skills and documentation discipline


• Hands-on experience in a fast-paced environment


• Excellent analytical skills


• Ability to operate electronic test equipment


• Experience collaborating with department team members


• Experience maintaining safe work practices and environment


• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and to set own priorities

Preferred Skill Sets

• Conduct failure mode analysis and identify the root cause and provide inputs for solutions


• Verify standard test articles, equipment, and protocols for R&D purposes.


• Assist making the test tool in case it impacts the battery performance.


• Apply diagnostics to investigate the reactions and identify the root causes


• Utilize empirical models to predict and describe cell performance and life


• Participation in product development that resulted in commercial battery product advancements through scientific approaches


• Work with suppliers to exchange technical information and enable access to advanced research


• Deep knowledge in lithium ion materials, chemistry and battery components, aging modes and performance modeling

General Job Requirements

• This position will work in an office setting, expect minimal physical demands.
  


• Must be able to frequently bend; twist; reach; stoop; kneel or crouch.
  


• This position is exposed to harmful materials such as lead/fiberglass products. Periodic blood tests are required to measure the level of lead. Precautions are taken by the company/employee to reduce the risk of exposure and help ensure everyones safety.
  

EnerSys provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. EEO/M/F/Vets/Disabled

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