SummaryAmprius Technologies is hiring a hands-on Staff Electrode Process Engineer to own the electrode manufacturing process on our anode and cathode pilot line in Fremont, CA. You will own the four core electrode processes - slurry mixing, coating, calendering, and slitting - and make sure the line delivers in-spec, defect-free electrodes to the cell-assembly line on schedule and at target yield. The role combines day-to-day process ownership (SPC, recipe and parameter optimization, defect reduction) with bringing new electrode equipment online and transferring new recipes from R&D into production. This is a highly visible role reporting to the Pilot Line Manager.
Job Responsibilities• Own process parameters for slurry mixing, coating, calendering, and slitting on the anode and cathode lines: define and qualify process windows (slurry viscosity and solids, coating die gap and loading, calendered density and thickness, slit width and burr), and release them as specifications, recipes, and SOPs.
• Own first-pass yield and scrap for the electrode process: track yield by step and defect type, build Paretos of in-line defects (cracks, wrinkles, streaks, pinholes, loading and thickness variation, edge
and burr defects), lead root-cause investigations (8D, 5-Why, fishbone), and drive corrective and preventive actions to closure.
• Implement and manage SPC on critical parameters and in-line metrology (areal loading, thickness, moisture, viscosity), and set up data collection so yield and process capability are visible by step, product, and shift.
• Design and run structured experiments (DOE) to optimize mixing, coating, calendering, and slitting parameters against yield, throughput, and electrode performance, in partnership with R&D and cell engineering.
• Make sure the line delivers assembly-ready material: own slit-roll quality, electrode drying and moisture control, roll handling and identification, and the release and handoff of electrodes to the cell-assembly line on schedule.
• Lead new-equipment and new-line implementation for the electrode process: review equipment specifications, support FAT/SAT, run test and qualification builds, and validate for production.
• Lead new product and recipe transfer from R&D to the production line, including trial runs, stabilization of initial quality, and documentation of the final process.
• Lead PFMEAs, control plans, and change control for new or changed processes; qualify changes with capability studies (Cpk, Gage R&R) before release to production.
• Write and maintain SOPs and work instructions for the four core processes; train and mentor electrode technicians and operators; support daily production troubleshooting, including occasional off-shift escalations.
• Work closely with R&D, quality, maintenance, cell assembly, and equipment vendors, and communicate process status, risks, and results clearly to technicians, peers, and leadership.
RequirementsQualifications - Required• BS or higher in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent engineering experience.
• 5+ years of process engineering experience in lithium-ion battery electrode manufacturing (mixing through slitting) or a closely related roll-to-roll coating process, with hands-on ownership of production processes.
• Hands-on experience with slurry mixing (planetary or continuous), slot-die or comma-bar coating with drying ovens, roll-press calendering, and slitting equipment, including in-line gauges for loading and thickness.
• Demonstrated first-pass yield or defect-rate improvements you owned end to end - from data analysis and root cause through implementation and sustained results.
• Proficiency with SPC, DOE and statistical analysis (JMP, Minitab, or equivalent), PFMEA, and measurement system analysis (Gage R&R).
• Working knowledge of how slurry rheology, coating loading and uniformity, calendered density and porosity, and slitting quality affect electrode performance, downstream assembly, and cell performance and safety.
• Able to read and interpret electrode design specifications and equipment technical drawings.
• Strong team player and clear communicator: works effectively with technicians, R&D, quality, and maintenance; writes clear SOPs and reports; presents data-driven recommendations to leadership.
• Takes initiative and ownership of critical projects with minimal supervision; able to work on the production floor and in humidity-controlled areas daily; committed to environmental, health, and safety requirements.
Qualifications - Preferred• Experience with silicon-based anodes or other next-generation electrode chemistries, and with both water-based and NMP-based slurry systems.
• Experience bringing new electrode equipment or a new line from FAT/SAT through qualification to production.
• Experience transferring recipes from R&D into production and stabilizing initial quality.
• Experience with MES and tool-data extraction and analysis (Python, SQL, or similar); Six Sigma Green Belt / Black Belt or equivalent.
• Experience mentoring engineers or technicians and leading cross-functional improvement programs.
Physical Requirements & Work Environment• On-site in Fremont, CA, primarily on the production floor around mixing, coating, calendering, and slitting equipment, with some desk and computer work.
• Prolonged periods of standing and walking; occasional bending, reaching, and working around moving roll-to-roll equipment.
• Must be able to lift up to 35 pounds at a time.
• Works with electrode active materials, binders, and solvents (including NMP) under established safety controls and PPE.
• Occasional off-shift or weekend support for production escalations.
Benefits- Comprehensive compensation package includes base salary. Salary range for this role is X to X. Base salary will be determined based on knowledge, experience, and education.
- Health benefits include medical, dental and vision coverage. Medical options of HMO and PPO plans.
- Employer-funded Health Reimbursement Account (HRA). HSA compatible Medical Plan, FSA Options.
- Pet Health Insurance (dog & cats).
- Traditional and Roth 40l(k) Plans.
- Generous vacation leave starts with 3 weeks annual accrual. 10 paid holidays. Sick time off.
- Cell phone reimbursement.
