People Matter

Associate Battery Materials Researcher - Characterization and Analytics

Natron Energy

Natron Energy

Data Science
Santa Clara, CA, USA
Posted on Friday, May 3, 2024
Natron Energy’s ability to produce batteries that perform reliably across a variety of customer use cases requires a deep fundamental understanding of the technology. Natron Energy employs a wide range of techniques, including microscopy, spectroscopy, rheology and electrochemical techniques to probe the inner working of our batteries. The Characterization and Analytics team maintains, operates and expands these characterization tools. Through fundamental understanding of the characterization techniques, the team can perform rigorous failure analysis, qualify new synthesis processes and guide research initiatives. In this way, the Characterization and Analytics team is able to support Natron Energy as it continues to develop and produce high quality batteries.
Natron Energy seeks a passionate candidate to join our tight-knit, dynamic and rapidly evolving community. As an Associate Researcher they will assist ongoing Characterization and Analytics projects in both operations and R&D. The battery materials associate researcher in this role will operate cutting edge instruments on industry established materials as well as experimental samples. The associate researcher will also be involved in industry-critical techniques such as pouch cell building and cell testing. They will work closely with a team of engineers and scientists to solve exciting fundamental scientific questions and will have exposure to many parts of the company: from the active material powders to the finished products. A qualified candidate will have experience collecting and interpreting characterization data and familiarity with working in a chemical lab. They are detail-oriented, a strong communicator and a quick learner.

Responsibilities

  • Fabricate pouch cell and perform adjacent tasks including materials preparation in a glovebox, slurry making and electrochemical cell testing.
  • Analyze samples and execute characterization measurements including IC, ICP-OES, UV-Vis, KF, BET, Rheology etc.
  • Perform Quality Control task on incoming electrolytes.
  • Execute Gage R&R to validate key instruments in the Natron Energy production line.
  • Collaborate with lab mates to maintain shared equipment and upkeep an orderly lab.

Required

  • 1-2 years of hands-on chemical lab experience in an academic or industrial environment.
  • Direct experience handling hazardous substances such as mineral acids and organic solvents.
  • Direct experience with working in a glovebox.
  • Very detailed oriented.
  • A strong track record of producing high-quality data.
  • Self-motivated, team-player, do what it takes attitude.
  • Strong foundation in lab safety with good organizational skills.

Preferred

  • B.S. in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or similar field.
  • Familiarity with building electrochemical cells.
  • Familiarity with acid digestion for analysis in ICP/IC.
  • Understanding of analytical concepts (precision, accuracy, types of errors etc.).

Compensation/Pay Transparency

  • Disclaimer: The actual salary of a successful applicant may vary from posted ranges based on the candidate’s experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, internal equity and alignment with market data, and other legitimate business reasons, including, but not limited to, compliance with applicable immigration law prevailing wages.
  • In addition, Natron Energy has a strong benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k Plan with Match, Life Insurance, Parental Leave Benefits, Discretionary Time Off (DTO) and Paid Time Off (PTO) for Exempt and Non-Exempt employees respectively, and 11 paid holidays
  • The hiring range for this position is $31.25 to $36.75 per hour, DOE
About Us:
Natron Energy (natron.energy) is the future of energy storage. Our battery products solve operations performance and reliability problems for the world’s biggest electricity customers. Our initial products target markets exceeding twenty-five billion dollars including data centers, oil & gas, EV fast charging, and commercial aviation. We have additional products in development for larger markets including commercial and residential grid storage. Our products are based on sodium-ion cells containing Prussian blue electrodes that deliver unique power, cycle life, and safety: full discharge and recharge in just minutes all from a nonflammable, fault-tolerant system.
Unsolicited Resume Policy
Natron Energy, Inc. (“Natron Energy” or the “Company”) does not accept unsolicited resumes from professional recruiters, third-party recruiting or staffing agencies, placement services, or any other source other than directly from a candidate. Any unsolicited resumes, including partial resumes, candidate profiles, and candidate details or information, sent to Natron Energy or its personnel will be treated as public information provided free of any charges or fees.
Natron Energy will not pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume, unless in connection with a written agreement with the Company then in effect. Such agreement must be pre-approved by Natron Energy and executed by an authorized representative of the Company. Natron Energy specifically rejects, and denies any liability under, any agreement purporting to be accepted based on negative consent, negotiation with a candidate, performance, or any means other than the signature of an authorized representative of the Company.
Natron Energy is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. We value diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at: jobs@natron.energy