Description:
Wildcat Discoveries is looking for a highly motivated Process Engineer to join our Electrode Coating team. The Process Engineer will analyze and map our current processes to identify areas for improvement, work in collaboration with project teams to develop new solutions for achieving such improvements, oversee the implementation process changes and test them to ensure efficiency, and revise the process maps and written procedures required to execute the improved processes.
The work environment is demanding, fast-paced, and incredibly exciting. The ideal candidate should be ready to push their limits, as they join a world-class scientific team dedicated to developing and discovering advanced materials for lithium-ion batteries. At Wildcat, the sky's the limit - with the right attitude, work ethic, and quality of work you can blaze your own trail.
About Us:
Wildcat Discovery Technologies, based in San Diego, California, is a materials R&D company transitioning its focus from battery research and development to cathode material supply. Our commitment lies in the discovery and development of advanced materials for lithium-ion batteries.
We follow three strategic paths:
1. Collaborating on projects to enhance battery performance through material optimization.
2. Developing proprietary battery materials for next-generation electrodes and electrolytes.
3. Preparing to launch a series of cathode active materials.
Wildcat collaborates with industry leaders around the world to develop promising new materials for rechargeable and primary battery technologies using our state-of-the-art high throughput platform (HTP) combinational chemistry. Our team of industry-leading scientists and engineers synthesize and test thousands of battery materials ten times faster than conventional research.
We use this proprietary technology for strategic collaborations, systematic scale-up, and to achieve world-class cathode material supply. We strive for innovation, excellence, and pushing the boundaries of battery technology.
Requirements:
Essential Functions
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Provide daily technical support on the operation of Wildcat electrode coating team
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Provide technical guidance for all aspects of a coating operation including but not limiting to slurry mixing, electrode coating, drying, calendaring and all relevant QC checking
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Lead the efforts on documentation of all work procedures and ensure the procedures are appropriately followed by technicians later when they are working independently
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Analyze, map, and evaluate existing processes, ensuring all aspects of an operation or process meet specified regulations, including health and safety
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Troubleshoot existing processes and equipment to make a product according to the product specification
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Investigate and troubleshoot any problems that arise with processes, procedures, and operations
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Make observations and take measurements directly, collect and interpret data, and prepare reports
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Contribute to coating process continuous improvement projects
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Research, design, and develop processes to optimize productivity and workflow
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Collect and analyze the mixing and coating process parameter impacts on the electrodes quality/performance
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Optimize the slurry mixing process from small size planetary mixer (tens of milliliter) to pilot scale overhead planetary mixer (4 gal), ensure good transferability when scaling up slurry preparation
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Lead the process development on roll-to-roll slot die coating of battery electrodes to meet diversified electrode requests from internal/external customers
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required
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Demonstrated comprehensive understanding of slurry formulation, mixing processes
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Enriched experience on roll-to-roll slot die coating and comma coater coating
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Excellent communication skills and strong interpersonal skills
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Experience with structured problem-solving and analytical skills
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Ability to thrive in a multi-tasking, fast-paced environment
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Experience with continuous improvement environments and optimization of the manufacturing process with an emphasis on safety and product quality
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Strong understanding of safety and thermochemical measurements, testing, fabrication, and process optimization
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A blend of mechanical and analytical expertise to design the tools and manufacturing processes that will meet demand and quality
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Experience with clean rooms and/or dry rooms a plus
Education & Experience
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Bachelor’s degree in engineering, electrical engineering, industrial engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field
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2+ years of hands-on experience in lithium-ion battery electrode wet coating processes, particularly on slot die coating technologies as well as the corresponding slurry making and mixing processes
Employee Benefits:
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Generous vacation accrual with 8 day closure at the end of the year
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Full health insurance coverage with low employee out of pocket premiums
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401k with company paid match
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Annual bonus
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A company culture that values on positivity, meritocracy, collaboration, openness, and innovation
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Professional growth with exposure to a fast-developing energy storage industry
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Pre-IPO with stock options
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Relocation Assistance