Chemical Engineer

Job Title: Chemical Engineer
Location: San Diego, CA – Bay Park area
Position Type: Full-time
Experience Level: Bachelors degree in chemical engineering or related field
Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401k, paid vacation, and a great team environment

Support company technical programs encompassing the test and characterization of materials and properties supporting the development and commercialization of South 8’s novel Liquefied Gas Electrolyte. Apply physical, chemical, and engineering principles towards electrolyte process development and their characterization within battery cells. Support auxiliary functions within the lab space including tubing infrastructure, equipment configuration, setup, and maintenance. Creative problem solving, time management, and excellent attention to detail are required.

Become a critical member of our fast-growing team working to develop a breakthrough battery technology to change the way batteries are made and used worldwide to advance a clean energy future. In this position, you will be a key part of our core team, at the forefront of taking next-generation chemistries and packaging them into advanced battery cells.

The ideal candidate would be given a target project and develop detailed technical plans and execute and present data summary and analysis. The candidate will work across the South 8 team to characterize and support production, new electrolyte formulations, processing methods, and scale-up operations while working with pressurized electrochemical fluid systems. The candidate shall further support research operations by assisting in design, build, maintenance and operation of equipment and battery cell architectures.

Use optical, mechanical, electrical characterization techniques to support development and work to research and procure tools and equipment towards these goals. This is an incredibly exciting, dynamic work environment with several parallel projects with various timelines.

• Support programs for the chemical characterization of electrolyte and cell manufacturing processes.
• Support data generation and testing to develop electrolyte performance specification sheets including information critical to internal and external stakeholders.
• Present data at stakeholder meetings on technical programs.
• Support electrolyte chemical characterization as it relates to cell performance.
• Develop and manage various performance models to simplify calculations of electrolyte formulations, cost analysis, manufacturing processes, and other metrics.
• Sourcing, characterizing, and evaluating equipment and materials from various suppliers.
• Develop and author work instructions to support new and existing tasks.
• Support scale operations through participation in process and manufacturing FMEAs.
• Contribute to ideation and technical writing patents and reports.
• Effectively communicate ideas, concepts, designs, and results with the team through presentations and routine updates.
• Work independently and efficiently to reach goals with target timelines.
• Other duties requested by the company.
• Deliver epic High Fives.

• B.S. in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, or related discipline.
• Track record of achievements in materials and process development.
• Experience in chemical handling and knowledge of safe practices.
• Ability to lead a team to achieve research and development goals.
• Demonstrated ability to launch, develop, and deliver on a multitude of technical programs.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize, multi-task, and succeed in an environment with competing demands.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Basic machining (ex. drill press, sanding).
• Ability to lift 35 lbs.
• An aptitude for learning new things and a keen eye for improving processes.

At the time of posting, the expected starting salary range for this role is $85,000 – $155,000 annually. The actual pay depends on multiple individualized factors, including education, job-related knowledge, experience, and skills, which will be assessed during the interview process. The comprehensive compensation package for this position may also include…