Senior Pouch cell engineer

Position Title: Senior Pouch Cell Engineer
Job Purpose
We are seeking a highly experienced and data-driven Pouch Cell Expert to lead the design, optimization, and scaling of our next-generation lithium-ion and solid-state pouch cell technologies. In this role, you will bridge the gap between electrochemistry R&D and pilot/gigawatt-scale production. You will own the pouch cell assembly process, resolve complex interfacial and mechanical failures, and implement rigorous controls to ensure high energy density, superior cycle life, and maximum safety compliance.
Key Responsibilities
1. Process Development &Optimization
 Process Ownership: Design, implement, and stabilize multi-layer pouch cell assembly processes from laboratory/pilot scale to mass production lines.
 Precision Assembly: Optimize precision Z-stacking tolerances (target within ±0.1mm), winding mechanisms, and tab-to-foil alignment to ensure optimal high-rate performance.
 Welding & Establish robust parameters for ultrasonic or heat welding of current collector tabs (flags), as well as top/side aluminum- laminated film heat sealing to completely eliminate electrolyte leakage.
 Environmental Control: Monitor and maintain strict dry room parameters (dew point -45°C) to prevent active material or electrolyte degradation during assembly.
2. Prototyping & Cell Design
 Design Integration: Define full-cell mechanical dimensions and stack designs, carefully optimizing mass loading, electrode thicknesses, and N/P ratios.
 Electrolyte Engineering: Manage the advanced electrolyte filling, vacuum degassing, and final sealing machine operations.
 Forming & Aging: Develop customized electrical formation protocols, aging criteria, and gas evolution management strategies for early-stage pouch cells.
3. Diagnostics & Troubleshooting
 Root-Cause Analysis: Diagnose complex cell-level failures such as pouch swelling, laminate corrosion, internal micro-short circuits, and interfacial cross- talk between the cathode, electrolyte, and anode.
 Data-Driven Engineering: Design and execute Design of Experiments (DOEs), utilizing production data and statistical process control (SPC) to maximize manufacturing yield and minimize defect rates.
 Testing & Evaluation: Collaborate with test engineers to interpret Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS), dQ/dV curves, and long-term galvanostatic cycling results.
4. Cross-Functional Leadership
 Vendor Management: Interface closely with single-source equipment manufacturers to design and commission custom turnkey production lines.
 Documentation: Author standard operating procedures (SOPs), clear control plans, and comprehensive failure mode and effects analyses (FMEAs).
 Mentorship: Provide technical guidance to junior laboratory technicians and manufacturing engineers on battery safety and moisture-sensitive handling.
Required Qualifications & Skills
Education & Experience
 Degree: Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a deeply related electrochemical field.
 Experience: Minimum of 5+ years of hands-on experience specifically dedicated to lithium-ion or solid-state pouch cell fabrication and process maturation.
Technical Competencies
 Cell Assembly: Deep practical knowledge of slurry coating, calendering, high-precision slitting, Z-stacking, pouch forming, and vacuum sealing equipment.
 Safety Protocols: Complete fluency in EHS standards for handling flammable organic solvents, reactive lithium salts, and toxic battery waste.
 Analytical Tools: Experience leveraging data processing tools (such as Python, MATLAB, or Origin) to analyze and visualize massive battery testing datasets.
 Characterization: Familiarity with material characterization tools (SEM/EDS, XPS, XRD) to inspect welded tabs and compromised pouch linings.
Soft Skills
 Proven capability to make highly effective decisions and drive process clarity when working with incomplete information or novel chemistries.
 Strong written and verbal communication skills to present clear, data-backed technical upgrades to executive leadership.

Work arrangement
No