Cell Engineering Manager
Mitra Chem is a specialty chemicals innovator focused on solving 3 problems:
- Speed - developing a proprietary machine learning advantage to significantly reduce the time to bring battery materials products from lab to market
- Iron-Rich Cathodes - an initial product focus on lithium-ion battery materials for mass electrification
- Scale - building US manufacturing capacity for Inflation Reduction Act compliance
We recently were awarded >$125M in grants from the Department of Energy and State of Michigan to develop our first domestic manufacturing asset. With teams across multiple offices in Asia and the USA, Mitra Chem is constantly looking for motivated team members across a variety of functions. Join our team and be part of the growing battery revolution.
We are seeking an experienced Cell Engineering Manager to join our team. They will be responsible for leading the CAM material qualification, designing experiments to standardize the powder-to-cell process and performing failure analysis to feedback material design.
Responsibilities:
- Lead a multidisciplinary team of engineers in executing electrode and cell fabrication processes, along with comprehensive cell testing protocols, to support cathode material development.
- Oversee resource allocation across multiple R&D and infrastructure initiatives, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities and optimal utilization.
- Manage and continuously optimize R&D and pre-pilot scale workflows, including slurry mixing, electrode coating, and cell assembly.
- Drive continuous improvement of internal cell manufacturing and testing methodologies to enhance cathode material screening, identify failure modes, and determine root causes.
- Perform in-depth statistical analysis of cell testing data to extract insights, inform development strategies, and guide product iterations.
- Partner with Product Development teams to assess and mitigate risks in new product concepts.
- Collaborate with the Acceleration team to improve data accessibility and promote data-driven decision-making.
- Recruit, train, and lead a high-performing technical team capable of managing diverse and dynamic workstreams.
- Serve as a technical liaison to the Commercial team for customer engagements.
- Own electrochemical testing data, analyses, and reporting delivered to customers.
- Proactively anticipate and prioritize customer requests, balancing routine and customized support with timely responsiveness.
Qualifications:
- Master’s or Ph.D. degree in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field.
- Demonstrated hands-on industry experience in the design, development, and production of Lithium-ion cells at the R&D or pilot scale including experience optimizing cell parameters (e.g., anode, electrolyte) to enhance performance.
- Proficiency with standard cell manufacturing equipment, including benchtop scale mixers and coaters, roll-to-roll coating systems, semi-automated cell assembly lines, and battery testing equipment (e.g., Arbin, Neware).
- Solid background in electrochemical data analysis techniques.
- Proven experience in project management, particularly leading cross-functional cell development teams within the battery industry.
- Strong foundational knowledge of materials chemistry and battery electrochemistry is highly desirable.
Benefits:
- Competitive compensation package including company equity
- Comprehensive benefits including health, vision and dental insurance, Tax-free spending accounts, along with life and disability insurances
- 401k matching and savings programs
- Flexible time off with company holidays
- Free daily lunch and snacks
Mitra Chem is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions on the basis of merit. Company policy prohibits discrimination based on race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion or religious creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, status as a protected veteran, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information or characteristics (or those of a family member) or any other consideration made unlawful by applicable federal, state or local laws. We take steps to provide our employees, applicants, and others with whom we do business with an environment that is free of any form of discrimination and harassment (including harassment based on any of these characteristics). Mitra Chem is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job applications procedures. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please contact us.