Sr. Electrolyte Engineer

ABOUT ONE

To transition away from fossil fuels, the world needs innovative and affordable technology. That’s why Our Next Energy (ONE) is accelerating the world’s progress toward net zero emissions and electrification by doubling the range of electric vehicles, prioritizing safety and building a sustainable U.S. supply chain.

Founded in 2020, ONE designs and manufactures energy storage solutions for vehicles, renewables and the grid that use safe, sustainable LFP chemistry based on abundant iron. ONE is headquartered in Novi, Michigan with offices in Fremont, CA, Torrance, CA and Boston. In 2024, ONE will start battery production at the ONE Circle Gigafactory in Van Buren Township, Michigan.  

ONE is looking for a wide variety of innovators to help us engineer, test, improve, manufacture and market our technology. Join the #ONETeam today and be part of Forbes #3 “Best Startups to Work For” in 2023.

ONE team members are transforming the energy storage industry worldwide. The future will arrive faster if we build it together. Visit www.one.ai/careers for more information.

Job Summary

Our Sr. Electrolyte Engineer will be responsible to develop and validate electrolyte and electrolyte additives to maximize power and life capability.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Design and develop electrolyte system compatible with LFP cells. including solvent, salt, additives and composition to meet cell performance requirements.
• Validate and optimize the electrolyte system to improve the performance and hit the target performance.
• Lead the development of electrochemical and chemical methods  for understanding the reaction mechanisms between the electrolyte and electrode and other cell components, and identify related  failure mechanisms in the cell.
• Analyze electrochemical and chemical characterization data to inform cell development process.
• Develop e-fill and soaking process to ensure adequate electrode wetting prior to formation.
• Work with the formation team to develop the formation process appropriate for the electrolyte system.
• Work with raw material suppliers and ONE’s supply chain team to qualify and source electrolyte components.
• Develops and creates reports, comprehensive technical specifications, and assist with DFMEA.
• Provide expertise to resolve production and quality issues.
• Perform any additional duties as assigned

Qualifications/ Education and/or Experience

To perform the job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• MS or PhD degree in Chemistry, Chemical or polymer or material Engineering
• 5+ year experiences with deep and fundamental knowledge in design of lithium ion chemistry in the industry
• Experience in lithium-ion electrolyte systems, including solvents, conductive salts, additives development and familiar with various electrolyte and additives technical performance analysis and evaluation.
• New electrolytes development experience in next generation battery cell
• Experience with liquid electrolytes, polymer electrolytes, ionic liquids, lithium-ion battery and anode free electrolytes
• Expertise and hands-on experience in organic chemistry including characterization and evaluation
• Familiar with physicochemical properties of electrolyte measurement, such as pH, density, viscosity, conductivity, acid-base titration, etc
• Fluent in electrochemical techniques such as cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy etc.
• Strong academic and industrial background in electrolyte or electrodeposition preferred
• Has worked with moisture sensitive materials in a glovebox or dry room, and has cell teardown and failure analysis experience.
• Experience with making coin cell, pouch cell, cell testing, and electrochemical data analysis.
• Proven track record of success in bringing projects to fruition
• Willingness to execute on multiple tasks in a fast-paced start-up environment
• Ability to work within project teams and with customers with dedication and technical excellence

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Sit at a desk and work on a computer for prolong periods of time
• Walk/move around and/or travel as needed 

Work Schedule

• Full-time 40 hours and generally scheduled Monday through Friday 8am-5pm EST
• Work schedule to be established with supervisor to ensure Company’s client and business needs are met
• Flexible work schedule and environment, see company policy if applicable.

Education

Masters or better in Chemistry or related field.

Experience

5 years: MS or PhD degree in Chemistry, Chemical or polymer or material Engineering 5+ year experiences with deep and fundamental knowledge in design of lithium ion chemistry in the industry