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Automotive, Battery Technology, Clean Energy, Advanced Materials

Catholyte R&D Senior Scientist

LouisvilleOnsiteFull TimeSenior$105,000–$145,000 /yrPosted 26 days ago

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Required skills

  • Materials Science
  • Chemistry
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Electrochemistry
  • R&D projects
  • Experimental design
  • Method development
  • Data analysis
  • Three-electrode measurements
  • Impedance spectroscopy

Nice to have

  • Solid-state electrolytes
  • Electrolyte properties
  • Stable performance
  • Cathode composites
  • Solid-state batteries
  • Electrochemical systems

Role summary

Solid Power is seeking a Sr. Scientist I to lead catholyte development in their R&D group, focusing on next-generation solid-state electrolytes for safer, higher-performing energy storage. The role requires technical leadership in understanding electrolyte properties for stable performance in cathode composites. The ideal candidate will have expertise in electrochemistry, interfacial science, and materials characterization, with a proven ability to guide research strategy, mentor staff, and translate fundamental science into commercial improvements. Responsibilities include technical ownership of catholyte development, defining priorities, establishing test methods, managing a small team, and collaborating with cross-functional teams. A Ph.D. or Master's degree in a related scientific field is required, along with strong experience in experimental design, data analysis, and materials characterization.

Position Overview:

Solid Power is developing next-generation solid-state electrolytes to enable safer, higher-performing energy storage solutions. We are seeking a ​Sr. Scientist I​ to lead catholyte development within the R&D group. This individual will provide technical leadership to grow our fundamental understanding of electrolyte properties that enable stable performance within cathode composites for solid-state batteries. The ideal candidate combines deep expertise in electrochemical systems, interfacial science, and materials characterization with a demonstrated ability to guide research strategy, mentor scientists and engineers, and translate fundamental understanding into commercially relevant performance improvements. This individual will serve as the primary technical owner for catholyte development activities, helping define development priorities, establish test methods, and accelerate the maturation of Solid Power's electrolyte technology platform.

Job Duties:

  • Serve as the technical lead for catholyte product development within R&D.
  • Develop mechanistic understanding of transport phenomena, interfacial stability, microstructure, and mechanical limitations of electrolytes in composites with cathode active materials.
  • Leverage electrochemistry, microscopy, and complementary materials characterization techniques to establish structure-property-performance relationships.
  • Develop and validate new characterization methods and analytical tools.
  • Analyze complex datasets and generate actionable technical recommendations.
  • Manage a small team of 1-3 other scientists including establishing goals, holding regular 1:1 meetings, and writing performance reviews.
  • Serve as an effective mentor who promotes the professional development of team members with thoughtful feedback, training, and opportunities for scientific visibility and growth.
  • Work cross-functionally with modeling, engineering, and manufacturing teams to meet scale-up objectives.
  • Effectively communicate findings to technical teams, leadership, customers, and external collaborators.
  • Partner with program management to define technical milestones, track progress toward strategic objectives, and support customer-facing development efforts.
  • Stay current with industry trends to evaluate emerging materials, technologies, and competitive developments.
  • Develop and protect intellectual property through invention disclosures and patent applications.
  • Champion safe laboratory practices and continuous improvement initiatives.

    • Qualifications/Requirements:

  • Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Electrochemistry, or a related scientific discipline; or a Master's degree with significant, relevant industry experience.
  • Prior experience leading complex R&D projects.
  • Strong background in electrochemical fundamentals including experimental design, method development, and data analysis.
  • Mastery of one or more electroanalytical methods such as three-electrode measurements, impedance spectroscopy, DRT analysis, voltammetry, or chrono techniques.
  • Experience with materials characterization techniques and advanced analytical instrumentation.
  • Demonstrated engagement with mentoring, providing constructive technical feedback, and developing others’ ability to independently lead experimental work and solve complex problems.
  • Ability to interpret complex technical data and clearly communicate findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Proven record of technical innovation demonstrated through publications, patents, products, or technology development achievements.
  • Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.
  • Demonstrated willingness to maintain a strong, hands-on laboratory presence, including personally designing and executing experiments, troubleshooting methods and equipment, and working alongside team members to resolve complex technical challenges.
  • Excellent communication, organization, and time-management skills.

    • Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to remain stationary for extended periods while conducting analyses, documenting results, or attending meetings.
  • Ability to operate standard laboratory and computer equipment.
  • Ability to move between laboratory, manufacturing, and office work areas as needed.
  • Required to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as necessary including, but not limited to eye protection, hair net, gloves, face mask, coveralls, full-face respirator or PAPR

    • Salary Range: $105,000 - $145,000/year

    Benefits: Solid Power offers a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical/dental/vision insurance, employer paid Life/AD&D/STD/LTD insurance, 401k with company match, 8 paid holidays + the week between Christmas and New Years off, Unlimited PTO, up to six (6) weeks paid FMLA leave, cell phone reimbursement and eligibility to participate in our bonus and equity plans.

    Export Control Requirements: This position could require access to technology, software and other information that is subject to governmental access control restrictions, due to export controls. Employment in this position is conditioned on the continued availability of government authorization to authorize release of such items, to the extent required, including without limitation an export license, or other documentation required to establish authorization to receive access to such items.

    Company may delay commencement of employment, rescind an offer of employment, terminate employment, and/or may modify job responsibilities, compensation, benefits, and/or access to Company facilities and information systems, as Company deems appropriate, in order to ensure compliance with applicable government access control restrictions.

    This position will be posted for a minimum of 7 days and will remain open until filled or adjusted based on the volume of applicants.

    All offers of employment at Solid Power are contingent upon clear results of a thorough background check.

    Please no soliciting from staffing agencies. Thank you!

    #LI-Onsite

    #LI-RM1

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