Staff Researcher - Cell Process Development

GM • Warren, MI

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

General Motors is seeking a Staff Researcher to join Battery Research and Development and lead electrode process development from requirements through scale-up. The role supports and improves electrode preparation methods and develops new processing techniques to increase product performance, quality, and reliability. The researcher will develop next-generation cathode and anode technologies and lead processes including mixing, coating, calendaring, and cell assembly, coordinating with design, process, controls, operations, facilities, manufacturing, and other stakeholders.

The position provides technical cell-development leadership, develops engineering processes and standard work, sets goals and tracks cross-functional deliverables, manages risks, and drives mitigation throughout programs. It works with engineering and manufacturing teams through concept development, prototyping, design, system build, integration, and testing, and partners with vendors, supply chain, and purchasing to align on engineering requirements, scope, schedule, and cost.

The researcher optimizes and qualifies electrode processes, establishes quality-control protocols and specifications, performs data analysis, supports control-chart development, and manages proof-of-concept design of experiments. The role also includes hands-on electrode fabrication and testing, investigating process obstacles and failure modes, identifying root causes and solutions, documenting results and recommendations, and reviewing prior art and relevant developments. The role is hybrid, with the selected candidate expected to report to a specific location at least three times a week or at another frequency set by their manager. Travel is under 25%. Relocation benefits are available to candidates who qualify under company policy. Qualified candidates may be eligible for a company vehicle evaluation program, subject to program conditions.

Requirements

• MS or PhD in chemical engineering, material science, physics, chemistry, or a related field.
• 10 or more years of experience in electrode process development, electrode fabrication and characterization/analysis, and quality-control methods and measurements.
• Hands-on experience with processes such as mixing, slurry coating, and calendaring.
• Proficiency in statistical methods for experiment planning, data analysis, and process control.
• Ability to operate under pressure while managing multiple priorities.
• Extensive experience developing and characterizing electrodes and electrode processes.
• Knowledge and understanding of battery cell technology.
• Design principles and integration requirements for electrodes in electrochemical systems.
• Experience with electrode defect analysis, process capability, statistical process control, and design of experiments.
• Ability to comprehend complex problems and break them down into manageable work streams.
• Ability to create and maintain schedules, communicate them, and respond to setbacks.
• Ability to work cross-functionally and in a multidisciplinary environment, with analytical, interpersonal, organizational, and professional judgment skills.
• Self-motivation, attention to detail, ability to work independently, and ability to meet deadlines.
• Good record keeping and follow-through.

Nice To Haves

• Cell design and evaluation experience across components, including cathode, anode, and electrolyte.
• Experience in pilot- or mass-production-scale electrode processes.
• Prior electrode and electrode-equipment scale-up and manufacturing experience.
• Experience transferring new electrode processes into high-volume manufacturing.
• Experience with next-generation lithium-ion, solid-state, or other advanced battery technologies.
• Experience with automation, controls, data systems, or digital manufacturing tools.
• Experience managing technical teams or mentoring scientists and engineers.
• Knowledge of battery safety, quality systems, and manufacturing standards.
• Excellent laboratory practices, record keeping, report writing, and presentation skills.
• Prior experience with technology transfer, quality control, FMEA, and Six Sigma.
• Knowledge of various testing platforms for battery materials.
• Strong written, oral, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Experience setting up project plans and swiftly communicating and mitigating setbacks.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical cell-development leadership to a team of scientists and drive innovation and technology strategy for next-generation electrochemical devices and products.
• Establish engineering processes and standard work for electrode development and cell assembly.
• Set goals, define and track cross-functional deliverables, identify risks, and drive mitigation throughout program stages.
• Work collaboratively with project engineering, design, manufacturing, process, controls, and other stakeholders through concept development, prototype testing, engineering design, system build, integration, and testing.
• Work with manufacturing engineering and cross-functional teams to advance manufacturing programs according to plan.
• Coordinate vendor partnerships with supply chain and purchasing, aligning engineering requirements, scope, schedule, and cost.
• Develop and adapt processes and methodologies to team needs.
• Optimize and qualify electrode processes and establish quality-control protocols and specifications for processes and materials.
• Perform data analysis and support development of control charts.
• Identify process obstacles and evaluate mixing, coating, calendaring, and storage management approaches to optimize electrode processes.
• Manage proof-of-concept design of experiments to meet electrode specifications.
• Fabricate and test electrodes and coatings to quantitatively measure performance against product requirements, supporting day-to-day work activities.
• Apply independent judgment to adapt and modify standard techniques, processes, and criteria to resolve complex technical challenges.
• Work with analytical chemists and process engineers to identify, assess, and communicate technical risks and issues; investigate electrode failure modes, identify root causes, and develop solutions.
• Prepare reports and document results, conclusions, and next steps to address identified gaps.
• Contribute to intellectual property development by systematically reviewing prior art and presenting relevant developments to the team.

Benefits

• Relocation benefits are available for candidates who qualify under company policy.
• Eligible candidates may participate in a company vehicle evaluation program and be assigned a General Motors vehicle to drive and evaluate; participants must purchase or lease a qualifying GM vehicle every four years unless an applicable exception applies.
• GM describes its benefits as supporting employee well-being at work and at home; specific benefit offerings are not listed in this posting.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior