Senior Electrode Design Engineer

Overview

Purpose of the Role

Sr. Electrode Design Engineer – Cell Design

Location:

Oxford, UK

Department:
Cell Technology / Cell Design

Reports To:

Cell Design Manager – Cell Technology / Cell Development

The Opportunity:

Join Agratas, Tata Group’s global battery business, and help build the next generation of high-performance lithium-ion batteries. As a Senior Electrode Design Engineer, you will be responsible for leading the design, development, and optimization of electrode structures, enabling innovative and scalable battery solutions. This role will be central in defining electrode compositions, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and ensuring designs meet both electrochemical performance and manufacturing processability targets.

You will also guide junior engineers and play a key role in technical strategy and execution within our Oxford-based R&D Centre.

• Lead test plans and DOE execution to optimise electrode performance, processability, and design robustness.
• Finalize electrode compositions aligned with product targets and manufacturing feasibility.
• Evaluate and down-select electrode components (active materials, binders, conductives, foil) based on performance, cost, and manufacturability.
• Act as a subject matter expert in supplier discussions and validation.
• Collaborate with process engineers to align electrode designs with manufacturing processes and throughput targets.
• Integrate Design for Manufacturability (DFM) into all development phases.
• Drive continuous innovation in electrode structure, materials, and coating techniques.
• Lead root cause analysis and implement improvements based on electrochemical and mechanical performance data.
• Mentor junior engineers and coordinate small technical teams.
• Collaborate closely with R&D, process, and product teams to ensure timely and aligned development milestones.
• Support DFMEA/PFMEA development and maintain high standards in technical reporting, specifications, and validation results.

• Technical Expertise — In-depth knowledge of Li-ion cell design, especially electrode structure and its impact on cell performance and manufacturability.
• Expertise in performance analysis, failure analysis, and electrode testing methods.
• Industry & Process Knowledge — Experience working with APQP milestones and developing material and process specifications.
• Broad knowledge of electrode manufacturing processes from lab-scale to pilot/prototype levels.
• Analytical & Communication Skills — Proficient in data analysis, modelling, statistical design of experiments (DOE), and technical reporting; strong stakeholder communication and cross-functional teamwork.
• Leadership Capability — Experience mentoring or line-managing engineers; proven ability to lead through influence and manage cross-disciplinary challenges.

• Education — PhD or Master’s in Cell Design, Materials Science, Electrochemistry, or a related field.
• Experience — Extensive hands-on experience in Li-ion battery electrode development; track record of transitioning designs from R&D to prototype scale, with DFM in mind.

Agratas is driving the global energy transition by building cutting-edge battery cell technologies. Backed by the Tata Group, we combine the agility of a startup with the strength of a global enterprise. Youll be part of a growing, world-class team at our flagship Oxford R&D Centre, contributing to technologies that will power EVs and energy systems of the future.