R&D Manager, Advanced Materials

Job Summary: 
We are seeking a manager in R&D to lead a high-powered technical group to conduct research on the next generation of active materials for use in our 3D cell architecture.
The term ‘Active Materials’ refers to anode, cathode, separator and electrolyte materials.
The manager will hire and develop a talented group of engineers and scientists to deliver solutions enabling the technology roadmap for the company. 

Responsibilities: 
· Evaluate new candidate advanced materials (anode, cathodes, electrolytes, separators, other functional materials) that will deliver high performance batteries with superior energy density, cycle life, gassing, etc. consistent with client’s technology roadmap. 
· Work with external material suppliers and partners to specify and source materials. 
· Improve methods to rapidly screen candidate materials, understand their interactions with other cell components, and predict full cell performance. 
· Transfer new material formulations to external coating vendors to enable high-volume manufacturing. 
· Design and optimize new cells that utilize these materials.  
· This includes directly working with the design team, process module owners, process integration, and test engineers, as well as directing appropriate characterization and failure analysis on various experiments 
· Analyze in-line process data, metrology data, and electrical test data for rapid feedback to inform the next round of development. 
· Summarize results in a clear and concise manner and present results and findings to internal and external customers in meetings and conferences. 

Qualifications: 
· PhD in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field 
· 5+ years of industry experience working on Li-ion batteries or related technology. 
· Demonstrated experience in battery materials synthesis, structural characterization, and performance correlation. 
· Experimental design and data analysis experience with tools like JMP is preferred. 
· Demonstrated tolerance of ambiguity; flexibility to adapt to new situations. 
· The ability to work in a fast-paced environment is required. 
· Strong oral and written communication skills. 
· The ability to work well with other team members, lead projects to completion, and work independently. 
· Experience working in high volume and pilot production environments is preferred.