Senior Battery Electrolyte Engineer

Zeta Energy is a battery company developing next‑generation battery cell and materials technology, located in Houston, Texas. Zeta Energy has an opportunity for a highly motivated, exceptionally resourceful, and technically talented battery electrolyte engineer to work on a critical mission to develop sustainable, innovative, high‑performing battery electrode materials, cells, and processes. As Zeta Energy transitions its game‑changing technology from the laboratory to the factory floor, the battery electrolyte engineer will support the commercialization of patented, high‑energy, high‑power, and low‑cost electrode materials and cells.

The battery electrolyte engineer will use fundamental understanding of battery electrode, electrolyte, and interfacial electrochemical processes to drive material and cell designs for production of consistent, safe, and high‑performing battery materials. This includes execution of projects from concept through process design, procurement, equipment building/assembly, integration of control and safety systems, operation, and continuous maintenance. The battery scientist will possess a fine blend of conceptual, analytical, and hands‑on skills in process & analytical equipment design/analysis and equipment operation/maintenance.

• Prepare electrodes, assemble coin/pouch cells, perform cell electrochemical characterization and analysis of cell performance
• Design and formulate electrolyte solutions, including use of electrolyte additives, salts, and solvents to optimize cell performance and safety
• Investigate the relationship between electrode characteristics, electrolyte/interfacial properties, and cell performance e.g., gravimetric/volumetric capacity, energy density, and cycle life, for Li‑metal‑based anode and sulfur‑based cathode
• Apply a variety of characterization tools and instruments, such as electron microscopy techniques(e.g. SEM, AFM), optical spectroscopy (e.g. Raman spectroscopy), image/spectral analysis, etc., to uncover material properties, including post‑mortem electrode analysis
• Apply the principles of design of experiments and/or data science to develop experiments, analyze data, and optimize battery electrode material properties
• Uncover connections between active material synthesis/structural parameters, electrode preparation, and electrochemical properties/performance, such as specific rate performance, safety, thermal and electrochemical stability
• Utilize available resources and subject matter experts, e.g., company scientists, equipment manufacturers/suppliers, university collaborators, national labs, or partners to leverage knowledge into processes/materials and technical know‑how
• Provide creative and conceptual material/process design input based on in‑depth understanding
• Develop and implement analytical and engineering best practices and safe standard operating procedures

• MS or equivalent in materials science, chemistry, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, polymer engineering, or a related discipline, with 2+ years of relevant research and development experience
• Demonstrated knowledge and/or experience in the design, optimization, and execution of electrolyte preparation/formulation, including at least one of liquid, polymer, or solid state electrolyte
• Conceptual and hands‑on skills on more than one of the following techniques: electrode preparation, electrochemistry (e.g charge/discharge measurements, cyclic voltammetry, EIS), microscopy (e.g. SEM), spectroscopy (e.g. Raman, FTIR), image analysis, thermogravimetry, calorimetry. Willingness to learn new/evolving characterization techniques is essential
• Understanding of or willingness to learn design of experiment and statistical data analysis. Experience in scientific/engineering computing, modeling/simulation, and machine learning is a plus.
• Competence in process troubleshooting, problem‑solving techniques, and understanding/compliance with engineering standards
• Solid understanding of engineering fundamentals and demonstrated ability and practical experience in applying this understanding to solve complex and challenging technical problems