Senior Inactive Battery Material Engineer

Job Title: Senior Inactive Material Engineer

Location: Milton Park, Oxford, UK

Join Agratas – Powering the Future of Energy

We are seeking a Senior Inactive Material Engineer to join our dynamic Cell Technology & Product Strategy team in Oxford, UK. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of battery materials and play a critical role in developing next-generation lithium-ion technologies for a sustainable tomorrow.

In this role, you'll take the lead in specifying, sourcing, and optimizing inactive materials—such as binders, conductive additives, and separators—ensuring alignment with Agratas’ commercial and performance objectives. You'll work at the cutting edge of battery material innovation, collaborating with cross-functional teams and external suppliers to define materials that power the electric revolution.

Key Responsibilities

• Inactive Material Selection: Lead surveys, screening, and down-selection of inactive materials. Drive engagement with Tier 1 and emerging suppliers to align on performance specs and commercial targets.
• Material Characterization & Testing: Lead the specification of analytical tools and methods for defining key characteristics of inactive materials. Lead the development and deployment of novel analytical tools and techniques. Support the down-selection and deployment of related quality tools and methods.
• Formulation Input: Support electrode design through expert selection of binders, additives, and conductive materials.
• Supply Chain Support: Collaborate with procurement and supplier quality to ensure rigorous material specifications and participate in audits, DFMEA, and supplier assessments.
• Production Support: Assist manufacturing teams by specifying best practices for material handling and processing conditions.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with design, procurement, and manufacturing teams to achieve development and production milestones.
• Reporting: Maintain and manage material specifications, providing regular updates and insights to stakeholders.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Battery Materials Expertise: Deep understanding of inactive materials commonly used in lithium-ion batteries, covering critical structure property relationships (PSD, tensile strength, degree of substitution, etc), synthesis (bench-top to volume manufacturing), processability and impact on electrochemical performance/behaviour.
• Materials Characterization & Testing Proficiency: Subject matter expertise in materials (SEM, XRD, PSD, etc), and electrochemical (cycling, dq/dv, EIS) analysis techniques
• Supply Chain Awareness: State-of the-art awareness of major players in the global inactive material marketplace and familiarity with emergent market trends (non-fluorinated binders, etc)
• Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to analyse test data, troubleshoot issues, and optimise battery material formulations for enhanced cell performance.
• Collaboration & Communication: Excellent teamwork skills to collaborate with cross-functional R&D teams and effective communication for reporting findings and technical challenges.
• Continuous Learning: Strong commitment to staying updated on advancements in materials and the broader Li-ion battery field.

Ideal Qualifications

• A degree or PhD in Electrochemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Materials Science.
• Demonstrated experience in battery material development, especially in inactive components.
• A strong desire to work in a high-impact, innovation-driven environment.

Why Join Agratas?

At Agratas, we are on a mission to drive progress in sustainable energy storage solutions. As part of a global enterprise, you'll be empowered to innovate, collaborate, and shape the future of battery technology in a role where your contributions truly matter.

This is a chance to influence the future of battery technology from the inside – working with some of the best minds in the field in a fast-paced, purpose-driven environment. We offer competitive compensation, flexible banding for the right talent, and significant career progression opportunities.

At Agratas, we do more than build batteries – we build futures. This is your chance to join a fast-moving business that combines the agility of a start-up with the resources and stability of Tata Sons.

Here, your work will directly contribute to the clean energy transition. You'll be supported, celebrated, and empowered to do the best work of your career – while being your authentic self.

We believe innovation thrives in a culture of inclusivity. At Agratas, we actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, races, genders, abilities, and identities. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please let our Talent Acquisition team know.

Ready to help power the electric future?

Apply now and be part of something transformative.