Job Description:

The NSF Engine seeks a Battery Manufacturing Scientist to operate advanced electrode-fabrication equipment within Battery-NY's development and prototyping facility. This PhD-level technical role focuses on executing advanced electrode manufacturing workflows ? including low-solvent and solvent-free (NMP-reduced or NMP-free) processes ? to support next-generation lithium-ion and emerging battery chemistries.

The Scientist is responsible for hands-on electrode prototyping, experimental execution, process optimization, and data quality. This role is central to establishing reliable, production-grade advanced electrode manufacturing capabilities within Battery-NY.

Activities will take place within the Co-work space at Battery-NY, a first-in-class lithium battery technology development and prototyping center in New York's Southern Tier, led by 2019 Nobel Laureate Dr. M. Stanley Whittingham. Battery-NY enables the scale-up and advanced manufacturing of batteries for transportation, military, and energy sectors.

Responsibilities:

Electrode Processing & Equipment Operation

• Operate electrode-manufacturing equipment, including mixing, coating, calendaring, drying, and post-process characterization.
• Execute user-defined manufacturing parameters with precision to ensure reproducible electrode fabrication and high-quality technical output.

Process Optimization & SOP Development

• Develop, refine, and document SOPs for electrode-processing equipment and workflows.
• Identify and troubleshoot process deviations; support continuous improvement of electrode manufacturing methods.

Experimental Execution & Data Quality

• Conduct experimental runs for internal and external project teams, ensuring accurate execution of experimental conditions.
• Maintain detailed process logs, experimental records, and data documentation to support validation, reproducibility, and reporting.

Equipment Commissioning

• Participate in Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), and User Acceptance Testing (UAT) for new electrode-manufacturing tools.
• Support test recipe execution and performance verification during equipment commissioning.

Technical Collaboration

• Work closely with researchers, engineers, and project partners to align experimental requirements and ensure successful execution of shared-facility projects.
• Provide technical insight into electrode-processing performance without serving as a user manager or primary point of contact.

Engine & Facility Contribution

• Contribute technical data and process documentation for Engine reporting and capability development.
• Support Battery-NY's mission to advance next-generation battery manufacturing in New York's Southern Tier.

Requirements:

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Physics, Materials, Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 2 years of hands-on experience in lithium-ion battery electrode prototyping.
• Strong understanding of end-to-end electrode processing and experience with pilot or R&D-scale systems and characterization of electrodes.
• Direct experience working in dry rooms or controlled humidity environments.
• Proven troubleshooting and process optimization skills with the ability to solve complex manufacturing issues.
• Ability to lift, drag, or pull materials up to 50 lbs.
• Commitment to wearing all required personal protective equipment (PPE), including dry-room garments and respirators.
• Willingness to safely handle chemicals and sensitive battery materials.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience working in shared user facilities, national labs, or fast-paced startup environments.
• Familiarity with next-generation battery chemistries, such as solid-state, silicon anodes, or high-nickel cathodes.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a track record of supporting diverse technical teams.
• Proficiency in engineering tools such as MATLAB, CAD, or Six Sigma methodologies.
• Familiarity with advanced electrode technologies like semi-dry or dry electrode technologies.

Additional Information:

Salary: $80,000 - $90,000 annually. Note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Employee Benefits: The Research Foundation for the State University of New York offers a comprehensive benefits package that is a valuable part of total compensation. This includes medical, dental, vision, dependent care subsidy and other benefits such as SUNY Tuition Assistance. Furthermore, our 10 Perks of Working at the RF provides an at-a-glance view of our top benefits that make us a great place to work.

Application Instructions:

Interested candidates should submit the following:

• Resume or CV (maximum of three pages)
• Cover letter/Letter of Interest
• Names and contact information of three references.

You may add additional files/documents after uploading your resume.

After filling out the contact information, you will be directed to the upload page.

Returning Applicants - Login to your The Research Foundation for SUNY at Binghamton Careers Account to check your completed application.

Please contact us if you need assistance applying through this website.

URL: upstatenyengine.org/