Materials Performance Engineer

Materials Performance Engineer

Cache is a rapidly growing energy storage startup at the forefront of next-generation clean energy innovation, developing a new class of ultra–long-duration storage technology. The company’s approach is built around a novel “solid fuel” that is safe to deploy in a wide range of environments and can be transported using existing infrastructure, delivering the same on‑demand reliability as fossil fuels without emissions.

Cache partners with leading industrial companies to help decarbonize energy-intensive operations. In this role, you will contribute to advancing this technology from development to commercial deployment, helping bring a new category of clean, dispatchable energy to market.

We encourage candidates to apply even if they don’t meet every listed qualification.

• Drive performance improvements and cost reductions for a novel “solid fuel,” with the goal of delivering the most economical energy storage solution on the market.
• Contribute to the development of Cache’s next‑generation high‑temperature storage materials.
• Design and execute hands‑on experiments, including thermal and mechanical characterization of materials.
• Conduct both accelerated and long‑term testing under relevant operating conditions to validate performance and durability.
• Collaborate within a small, highly driven team, taking on significant ownership and autonomy in your work.

• Innovative, self‑driven mindset with the ability to independently plan, execute, and interpret hands‑on experiments.
• Strong bias for action, with a demonstrated ability to move quickly and deliver results in a fast‑paced environment.
• Proven experience solving technically complex problems, with deep understanding of microstructure and the ability to relate it to mechanical and thermal properties, particularly in cementitious and/or ceramic systems.
• PhD (or current enrollment) in Civil, Materials, Mechanical, or Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific field, is preferred.

• Energy, Drive, and Speed
• Superior inter‑personal skills.
• Ability to act as a team player in a cohesive team, constructively seek and provide critique.
• Constant willingness to learn and improve.

Location:

Champaign, IL, Onsite. Position:
Full‑time.

Benefits: 401k;
Health, Vision, and Dental insurance;
Unlimited PTO.