Cell Assembly Process Engineer

Sion Power, the global leader in the development of a new generation of high-energy, rechargeable lithium batteries for portable power is currently searching for a Cell Assembly Process Engineer to be based at its research and development facility in Tucson, Arizona. Sion's exciting new technology package yields a battery system with the highest theoretical gravimetric and volumetric energy densities of any battery and offers significant improvements in performance over current rechargeable batteries.

The Cell Assembly Process Engineer will be responsible for establishing and maintaining a production process for large area cell assembly for Sion Power's proprietary lithium metal batteries. This position involves establishing and maintaining cell manufacturing processes on both the pilot and production scale for flat plate cell assembly using semi-automated and fully automated assembly tools. This will include stackers as well as cell packaging and electrolyte fill steps.

The candidate must have solid experience in process development, manufacturing, supply chain control and quality procedures as well as troubleshooting and maintaining the process equipment.

• Develop and maintain process capabilities for Sion Powers large area cell assembly, including automated cell assembly, packaging and electrolyte fill in close collaboration with the production and equipment engineering teams.
• The candidate will be responsible for establishing and maintaining a cell assembly line to achieve production goals for both quantity and quality of product. This includes:
  • Analyzing process capabilities
  • Designing and performing process development, optimization, and validation experiments and activities
  • Characterizing and reducing manufacturing variation
  • Tracking and improving process yields
• Work with cross-functional teams to develop solutions to problems, improve product quality and consistency, and increase understanding of failure modes, performance, and life expectancy of cell products.
• Create SOPs and machine recipes and define proper operation of equipment for cell assembly processes.
• Report SPC metrics, yields, corrective actions, and improvement plans.
• Define and perform equipment qualification/validation activities
• Create and maintain cell assembly process documentation, such as Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis documents.
• Train technicians in the operation and maintenance of the equipment within cell assembly process.
• Other duties as assigned.

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering or related field. Commensurate relevant work experience will be considered.
• 3-5 years process engineering experience in manufacturing environment.
• Successful candidates will have meticulous attention to detail, possess outstanding problem-solving skills, and have direct, hands-on machine experience.
• Work experience in cell manufacturing with a practical mechanical aptitude preferred.
• Expert knowledge of automated assembly line operating in a high-tech manufacturing environment.
• Ability to communicate and work efficiently with engineering, manufacturing, quality, product development and research departments.
• Ability to communicate effectively with Sion Power's management and regularly report on work status to meet deadlines.

Ability to speak and understand English in a manner that is sufficient for effective communication with supervisors, employees, beneficiaries and customers, based on the assumption that such individuals can only speak and understand English. This position also requires the ability to present information and data to large groups of people.

While performing the duties of the job, the employee will be required to regularly use a PC, telephone, copy machine, lift objects, speak, hear, and write. The employee may need to work in a dry room (~-60 °C Dew Point) for 6 or more hours a day  employee may be required to handle and transport packaged chemicals. Working with potentially hazardous and/or toxic chemicals, with appropriate protective clothing and apparatus, though infrequent, is required.

The employee should be able to lift and move 25 pounds and could be called upon to lift or move up to 50 pounds on occasion. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

The candidate will be immersed in a fast-paced environment. This person must be able to adapt quickly, meet deadlines and goals, and interface with all levels of employees both internal and external to the company. While performing the duties of this job, the person will occasionally work near hazardous and/or toxic chemicals, energized electronic and manufacturing equipment.