Senior Applications Engineer, Concept Development

• Lead advanced metrology execution, implementing continuous improvement projects to ensure robust, repeatable quality systems.
• Develop battery characterization and test methods to address needs for scientific understanding and process control.
• Own cell testing, planning and operation, failure analysis, and driving yield optimization for next-generation battery materials.
• Plan and execute designed experiments (DOEs) both internally and with external development partners to elucidate structure/process/property/function relationships in novel battery materials.
• Serve as a subject matter expert and technical resource, mentoring junior engineers and technicians in best practices for electrochemical testing and data analysis.
• Document and communicate findings for a broad set of partners.
• Proactively identify safety hazards and work cooperatively to implement improvements, * Pass a respirator fit test and be able to wear respiratory protection on a periodic basis
• Wear personal protective equipment including, but not limited to, a lab coat, gloves, safety glasses, and steel toe safety shoes
• Use a glove box to prepare samples
• Move items up to 25 lbs with the assistance of lift equipment and carts
• 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, copier/printer, etc in a fixed location

• BS or MS degree in engineering, materials science, or physical sciences with 3-5+ years of battery materials or metrology industry experience, OR a PhD with 0-2 years of experience.
• Proven track record in hands-on lithium-ion battery research, cell testing operations, and failure analysis.
• Demonstrated capability in developing and validating new test methods.
• Proficiency in advanced data analysis and statistical software (e.g. JMP, Minitab).
• Experience using Quality Systems (e.g. SPC, Control Plans) and continuous improvement methodologies in a laboratory or pilot manufacturing environment is a plus.
• Experience as data scripting/database tools (e.g. Python, SQL) is a plus.
• Demonstrated success collaborating in a highly technical interdisciplinary setting, with the ability to clearly communicate technical findings to diverse audiences (verbal, written, and presentation).

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

The starting base pay for this role is between $128,000 and $162,000 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.

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?