Staff Materials Development Engineer
About The Position
Sila is a next-generation battery materials company working to advance clean energy through engineered and manufactured materials that increase lithium-ion battery energy density while reducing battery size and weight. The Staff Materials Development Engineer will be a hands-on technical contributor focused on input materials and the development of high-purity porous carbons. The role applies polymer chemistry and materials science, synthesis, characterization, analytical data interpretation, and process optimization to improve precursor materials and develop cost-effective solutions. It combines theoretical and empirical work, reducing laboratory concepts to practice and supporting commercial-scale production. The position works with external partners, technical leads, and adjacent teams to optimize materials and processes, define specifications, and support product development. Work takes place under a Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. schedule. The role involves periodic use of respiratory protection and personal protective equipment, movement of items up to 25 pounds with lift equipment or carts, walking between buildings, and standing or remaining stationary for extended periods.
Requirements
- Degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, or equivalent.
- Minimum industry experience of 8+ years with a bachelor's degree, 6+ years with a master's degree, or 4+ years with a Ph.D.
- Extensive hands-on experience transforming precursors into porous carbons.
- Strong background in polymer and carbon analytical characterization techniques.
- Experience synthesizing materials, characterizing their properties, and measuring the impact of those properties on product or device performance.
- Ability to pass a respirator fit test and periodically wear respiratory protection.
- Ability to periodically wear personal protective equipment, including a lab coat, gloves, safety glasses, and steel-toe safety shoes.
- Ability to move items up to 25 pounds with the assistance of lift equipment and carts.
- Ability to walk long distances, such as between buildings, and remain stationary for extended periods.
- Ability to operate a computer and office equipment, such as a laptop and copier/printer, in a fixed location.
Nice To Haves
- Familiarity with electrochemical testing.
- Track record of bringing new processes and products from concept phase through New Product Introduction (NPI).
- Proficiency in statistical analysis and knowledge of Design of Experiments (DOE).
Responsibilities
- Identify, evaluate, and process feedstocks for generating high-purity porous carbons.
- Design and execute material studies to optimize thermal conversion of precursors into high-quality porous carbons.
- Use internal and external experimental data, statistical techniques, and design of experiments (DOE) to develop process-properties-performance models and define material specifications.
- Work with external partners to optimize raw-material properties and processes to meet performance targets.
- Collaborate with technical leads and adjacent groups to establish product-development standards and technical specifications.
- Proactively identify safety hazards and work cooperatively to implement improvements.
Benefits
- Competitive Total Rewards package that can include benefits, perks, and equity.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
