Principal Separator Material Engineer in Oxford

Purpose of the Role

Principal Separator and Foil Material Engineer – Cell Design

Location

Oxford, UK

Function

Cell Technology / Cell Design

Reports to

Materials Manager (UK) – Cell Technology / Cell Development

About Agratas

Agratas is building the next generation of sustainable battery technologies to power a cleaner future. As a global battery business backed by Tata Group, we are developing advanced cell technologies, world‑class gigafactories, and a supply chain built on innovation, responsibility, and long‑term impact. Join us as we scale rapidly and shape the future of energy storage.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a Principal Separator and Foil Material Engineer to lead our efforts in specifying, sourcing, optimising, and managing separator and foil materials for our next‑generation lithium‑ion cells. This is a highly technical, cross‑functional role that sits at the heart of our Cell Design organisation. You will collaborate closely with internal teams across cell design, manufacturing, procurement, supplier quality, and with global materials suppliers to ensure our separator and foil technologies meet Agratas’ commercial, performance, and sustainability objectives. This is an opportunity to influence material strategy at scale and contribute directly to the development of world‑leading battery technologies.

Key Responsibility Areas

Separator & Foil Material Selection

• Lead market surveys, materials screening, parameter optimisation, and down‑selection for separator and foil categories.
• Engage with Tier 1 and emerging suppliers to align on material characteristics, performance requirements, and commercial objectives.
• Act as subject matter expert on structure–property relationships to support material optimisation.

Material Characterisation & Testing

• Define analytical tools and methods to characterise separator and foil materials.
• Lead development and deployment of novel analytical techniques.
• Support quality tool selection and implementation for material validation.

Formulation & Design Support

• Provide technical input into separator design, including bare‑film selection, coating methods, materials, and thickness optimisation.
• Support JR assembly process optimisation to achieve target functionality and performance.

Supply Chain & Supplier Quality Support

• Partner with procurement and supplier quality to define and control material specifications and analytical requirements.
• Support supplier audits, DFMEA activities, and specification management.

Production & Manufacturing Support

• Define optimal materials handling, formulation, and processing conditions for manufacturing teams.
• Provide technical guidance to ensure robust production processes.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with cell design, manufacturing, procurement, and supplier quality to ensure milestones are met and materials are fully validated.

Documentation & Reporting

• Own and maintain material specifications.
• Provide periodic updates and technical reports to stakeholders across the business.

Job Context

About You – Knowledge, Skills & Experience

Technical Expertise

• Deep understanding of separator and foil materials, including raw material differences, processing considerations, and supplier capabilities.
• Strong proficiency in materials characterisation (e.g., permeability, ionic conductivity, thermal behaviour) and electrochemical analysis (e.g., CH/DCH characteristics).
• Awareness of global separator and foil suppliers and emerging market trends.

Analytical & Problem‑Solving Skills

• Ability to interpret complex test data, troubleshoot material issues, and optimise formulations to enhance cell performance.

Collaboration & Communication

• Excellent teamwork skills with the ability to work effectively across R&D, manufacturing, procurement, and supplier quality.
• Strong communication skills for reporting findings, presenting recommendations, and influencing stakeholders.

Continuous Learning

• Commitment to staying current with advancements in materials science and the broader Li‑ion battery field.

Qualifications

This role is ideal for scientists or engineers with deep expertise in battery materials and a passion for advancing next‑generation technologies.

We Welcome Applicants With

• A degree or PhD in Electrochemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
• Significant experience in separator, foil, or battery materials development.

Join Us

At Agratas, you’ll be part of a fast‑growing global team working to deliver breakthrough battery technologies at scale. If you’re driven by innovation, excited by complex technical challenges, and motivated to make a real impact on the future of clean energy, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now and help us build the future of sustainable energy storage.