Materials Scientist II or Materials Scientist III

Materials Scientist II or Materials Scientist III

• 12500 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA

Materials Scientist II or Materials Scientist III Job Description

ION Storage System is hiring a motivated, team-oriented scientist or engineer to join our Ceramics R&D team, developing our next-generation solid-state lithium metal battery. This is a great fit for an early or mid-career scientist or engineer with research lab experience who is detail-oriented, curious, and eager to contribute to a fast-moving, interdisciplinary team.

In this hands-on laboratory role, you will work with the team to design and execute experiments aimed at expanding understanding of the surface chemistry of our materials, how it impacts cell performance, and define process parameters to obtain desired properties. The ideal candidate would have experience with a broad variety of analytical methods including experimental design, data collection, and interpretation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Understand key stages of the solid electrolyte processing and fabrication method
• Apply materials background to contribute to projects for ceramic electrolyte development and manufacturing
• Identify, develop, and implement material analysis methods to deepen process understanding and monitoring
• Conduct and monitor experiments, characterize the products, analyze the results, and make actionable recommendations based on it
• Identify opportunities for innovation and optimization to improve process yield, throughput, and scalability
• Partner with Operations and Quality teams to troubleshoot process issues, conduct root cause investigations, and implement corrective actions
• Document and communicate experimental methods, results, and uncertainties
• Maintain workplace cleanliness and promote environmental health and safety in the daily work environment
• Level III:
  Lead efforts and projects to develop and improve ceramic processing

Required Qualifications:

• Level II:
  • B.S. + 4 years' experience; M.S. + 2 years' experience; OR Ph.D. in Inorganic Chemistry, Materials Science & Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Ceramic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
  • 3+ years of experience conducting research in academic or industrial R&D environment, preferably in ceramics, solid-state chemistry, or surface characterization
• Level III:
  • B.S. + 8 years' experience; M.S. + 6 years' experience; OR Ph.D. + 5 years' experience in Inorganic Chemistry, Materials Science & Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Ceramic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
  • 6+ years of experience conducting research in academic or industrial R&D environment, preferably in ceramics, solid-state chemistry, or surface characterization
  • Demonstrated experience leading projects which answered key questions and had clear outcomes to drive progress
• Experience with multiple analytical techniques such as SEM, XRD, particle size analysis, FTIR, XPS, NMR, Raman, LIBS etc.
• Ability to communicate clearly, openly, and efficiently across technical and non-technical audiences
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Eagerness to make meaningful contributions and work collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic R&D environment

Desired Qualifications/

Skills:

• Experience with technical ceramics, e.g., solid electrolytes, solid oxide fuel cells, or ceramic capacitors
• Experience with surface analysis techniques, treatments and processes
• Familiarity with ceramic or materials processing operations such as powder synthesis, milling, tape casting, sintering, or related thermal processes
• Proficiency in data visualization and statistical analysis software such as Python, R, Minitab, or JMP

The base salary range for this role is $90,000 to $115,000 for Level II and $115,000 to $145,000 for Level III, depending on experience. In addition to base salary and equity, we offer the following company benefits:

• Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance
• Equity opportunities in the company
• Company and floating holidays
• 17 days of PTO to start, with increase upon tenure
• 401(k) plan with a 4% company match beginning after first paycheck
• Wellness allowance of $1,000 annually

Salary Range: Level II $90k to $115k;
Level III $115k to $145k

Department: Research and Development

Reports to: Ceramics R&D Manager

Company Description

ION Storage Systems is commercializing breakthrough solid-state lithium metal battery technology, based on discoveries made at the University of Maryland, that prioritizes performance, safety, and durability. Built on a…