Senior Scientist/Program Manager

Summary

Candidate will support the development of an all solid state lithium battery product (as well as other all solid state electrochemical devices) and its transition into manufacturing. Candidate must be able to resolve tough technical and logistical issues in the development of a vacuum-based process and product within a teaming and mentoring environment; leading as well as being led. Communication skills are key as the candidate will be expected to status progress as well as develop new program and product (as well as research) opportunities.

Essential Functions

Must have strong technical background with proven track record in the area of solid state electrochemistry/physics in order to solve touch technical issues in the development of electrochemical devices, such as batteries, supercapacitors, fuel cells, electrochromics, and the like;

Must be capable of leading, mentoring, and training others in the pursuit of the established internal technical objectives and goals as well as effectively responding and interacting with outside clients and customers;

Must have strong communication and 'people' skills in order to effectively manage program activity and participate in the development of new program activity in the areas of energy storage and generation.

Nonessential functions

Although it is paramount to have a strong background in solid state storage devices (i.e., batteries), versatility and proficiency to investigate a broad category of energy related technologies would be desirable;

Desirable to have direct manufacturing and product development experience (actual experience with scale-up of vacuum-based, manufacturing process)

Knowledge, skills and abilities

Advanced degree in materials science (i.e., solid state physics/chemistry/chemical engineering) with 5-10 years experience in the area of solid state electrochemistry and devices;

Experience (5- 10 years) in the development of new material chemistries, processes/synthesis using vacuum physical and chemical vapor deposition methods;

Familiarization with process development and controls methodologies as applied to pilot scale and manufacturing processes (i.e., design of experiments, statistical process controls, etc);

Good analytical and diagnostics skills at thin film interfaces and surfaces

Good communication, program management, and leadership skills

Supervisory responsibilities

Lead, through mentoring as well as training, a small team in the development of a solid state battery product

Working conditions

Primary activities within office (desk) and research laboratory environment although limited promotional, conferences/workshop, and client/customer visits will be necessary

Minimum qualifications

Advanced degree with minimum of 5-10 years of experience in industrial research laboratory or product development environment;

U.S. Citizenship for government contracts (security clearance not required)

Success factors

Demonstrated technical and problem solving prowess and confidence within scientific field;

Versatility and ability to innovate not just in primary field of interest and expertise;

Strong organizational, planning, and communication skills

Interpersonal (mentoring, team building, honesty, respectful of others)