Cell Scientist - Engineer

A fantastic opportunity for an experienced engineer to join LiNa Energy,

a disruptive clean-tech battery technology company,

whose ambition is to significantly contribute to achieving global net-zero targets

LiNa Energy is based in Lancaster and is developing a novel battery to transform energy-storage. As a Cell Engineer, you will directly contribute to the engineering and design of LiNa’s solid-state sodium batteries and support their integration into modules and systems, using first-principle design techniques.

This role is full-time and is based at our science facility in the centre of Lancaster.

Responsibilities

• Working between the R&D team and the Engineering team, you will focus on optimising cell design parameters, developing test cells and setup at LiNa to achieve the product performance targets
• Contribute to the engineering and development of novel cells, modules, systems and products, in line with the company roadmap, strategy, and product delivery schedule
• Work with LiNa’s cell testing team to engineer cell designs that impact parameters such as sealing and cell interfaces. Progressing these developments with the engineering team, to implement these changes in a repeatable and scalable way
• Participate in ongoing refinements to LiNa’s protocols for design and testing with the testing and engineering team, to optimise cell design and cell-testing methodology
• Work closely with the Director of Engineering and the R&D Lead to plan work packages to meet sprint goals. Contribute to and lead internal team meetings and project updates
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define cell and system requirements, specifications for validation and verification throughout the technology stack
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of documentation including design specifications, test plans, SOP’s, etc
• Maintain awareness of industry standards, regulatory compliance, and technical advances
• Collaborate with external suppliers and vendors to source components or materials, tools, or services required for cell engineering and development

Essential Skills & Experience

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical, Mechanical or Electrochemical engineering or a closely related field
• A strong understanding of the principles of battery operation and electrochemical fundamentals
• 3+ years in battery cell or electrochemical energy conversion cell development, with experience in translation of cell design changes and quantifying these electrochemically
• Experience of cell development, testing, or simulation, with mathematical modelling and design experience an advantage
• Ability to collaborate across disciplines and departments, with focus on commercialisation and on novel research and development
• Proficiency with battery test systems, methods and evaluation
• Experience working within a laboratory and operating within a glovebox environment
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work effectively in a team environment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Skills and Experience Preferred (but not essential)

• Working knowledge of battery manufacturing methods and fabrication techniques, system builds and verification/validation techniques
• Experience in cell to battery pack or system design, translating battery system-level requirements into cell-level specifications.
• Knowledge of different battery cell chemistries and operational parameters
• Experience working within agile project management methodologies
• Knowledge of CAE/FEA packages, e.g. Simulia Abaqus and first-principle techniques to inform design and development in both steady-state and transient systems
• Technical curiosity for understanding all aspects of battery cell and pack design and manufacturing

About the employer

• LiNa Energy is commercialising a safe, high-performance, low-cost, solid-state sodium battery technology for stationary storage and transport applications. We work at the cutting-edge of alternative battery technology.
• At LiNa, we strive to create a healthy work environment by placing strong emphasis on teamwork, openness, and communication between all areas of the business. The successful candidate will be an integral part of the technical team and drive LiNa’s cutting edge, disruptive battery technology to full commercialisation.
• LiNa is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity

Additional Information

• Applicants must have right to remain and work in the UK.
• Salary range: LiNa Energy will offer the successful candidate a competitive package that includes pension contributions, Private Medical and Life cover, and EMI share options
• Job type: Permanent
• Hours: Full-time
• Location: Based at our Head Office in Lancaster