Job Summary
Anovion is North America’s premier developer and manufacturer of synthetic graphite anode products for the lithium-ion battery industry. Our facility in Sanborn, NY is home to our pilot scale manufacturing operations, our world class battery materials and prototype cell assembly laboratory and is home to our Technology team. These combined capabilities are known as the Anovion Center of Excellence (ACE), focused on process development, new product development, and the battery and materials characterization laboratory. The ACE capabilities enable Anovion to develop, test, and evaluate all aspects of anode manufacturing from raw materials through the conversion processes, thermal treatments, and finally the relationship to battery performance characteristics.
We seek a Battery Cell Engineer to join our growing Technology team. This is a hands-on position that will support the setup, expansion and operation and evolution of our ACE battery and electrode prototyping lines. The successful candidate will work with our battery and graphite experts to gain expertise in the entire cell assembly and testing process, from electrode formulations & mixing to electrode fabrication and small-scale cell assembly and testing of various formats of lithium-ion batteries. This position will, in addition, focus on the equipment aspects of our laboratory. The battery assembly engineer will install equipment, design experiments to develop processes, design fixtures and machine improvements, build CAD floor plans and 3d models of equipment, develop data collection and testing procedures and support the overall mechanical and electrical requirements of our world class development facility.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education/Experience:
· B.S. Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical or related engineering field with 5 years of experience working with lithium ion batteries. Advanced degrees considered with 2+ years of post-academic experience
· Proficiency working with lab and industrial equipment
· Experience designing, running, performing data analysis and reporting results for complex multivariate experiments
· Experience with anode materials, lithium-ion batteries, and/or cell assembly preferred
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
Core People Skills. Ability to positively interact and work collaboratively with a diverse group of people at all levels of the organization and across the globe. Genuine with high ethical standards and values, and personal integrity and honesty. Displays humility and adaptability. Ability to apply a large measure of common sense to a variety of situations.
Communication Skills. Ability to speak clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations, listen and obtain clarification, and respond well to questions. Proficiency in writing clearly and concisely and editing work for spelling and grammar.
Computer/Applications Skills. Proficient MS Office computer skills, especially data analysis, organization and plotting with Excel. CAD experience preferred. Experience with PLCs a plus.
Technical Skills.
Experience designing and running experiments to gain insight into material and process parameters that affect cell performance. Ability to thoroughly analyze and document experimental trials and results, provide reports, and make recommendations regarding conclusions and next steps to a technical audience
Ability to take ownership of technical projects, developing the vision, purpose, goals and milestones, proposing experiments and identifying technical value, and ensuring forward progress independently, while proactively asking for guidance, approval and support when needed.
Ability to troubleshoot and diagnose problems with complex mechanical systems. Understanding of the basic functions of major mechanical/electrical components and systems like pneumatics, hydraulics, motors, sensors and PLCs. Ability to operate or learn to operate diagnostic and testing equipment, including multimeters, data loggers, thermocouples, cameras, etc.
Strong competence working with machines & tools, including power and hand tools. Strong mechanical aptitude and hand/eye coordination
Competent working with varied types of data, understanding variables, basic statistics including distributions, uncertainty and error propagation and other technical principles enabling robust, credible results
Core Business Skills. Ability to exercise sound judgement and discretion in handling of proprietary and confidential information. Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, judgment and keen attention to detail and accuracy. Ability to work collaboratively within a matrix environment. Exceptional prioritization, time management and organizational skills. Highly organized, detail oriented and self-disciplined. High level of self-motivation and willingness to identify issues and raise them to technical leadership.
Professional Investment. Demonstrated commitment to own personal professional development and learning.
Essential Functions/Responsibilities
1. Develop and refine cell designs for various chemistries and applications focusing on optimization and improvement of electrochemical results like capacity, cycle life, rate performance and others.
2. Install equipment, develop equipment maintenance documentation, calibration procedures and perform routine maintenance of equipment and tools
3. Develop standard operating procedures for battery assembly process steps as well as measurement techniques to ensure / improve quality and repeatability
4. Assist with lean process development efforts utilizing 5s methodology to improve performance & efficiency
5. Deep dive into specific assembly processes within our battery lab, becoming an expert in the equipment, procedures and materials and understanding their effect on not only process operations but battery performance
6. Design and build process fixtures, jigs, equipment modifications to improve equipment and process performance, efficiency, safety and reliability. May utilize hand/power tools, 3d printing, light machining
7. Ideate, design and run experiments to test performance of new process variations
8. Complete technical reports and presentations documenting projects and regularly present to management
9. Research industry standards for battery assembly and suggest implementation of performance improvements
10. Develop process flow diagrams along with 2D floor plans and 3D models of equipment
11. Assist, as directed, with diagnosing, understanding and identifying cell failures, and developing solutions
12. Assist with the preparation of samples and test articles
13. Ensure work area is maintained in a neat and orderly condition
14. Promptly report all maintenance or safety concerns to the appropriate party
15. Accurately complete all documents as required
16. Ensure proper use of equipment and required PPE at all times
17. Adhere to the Anovion Code of Conduct at all times
18. Clearly communicate with your supervisor, with reasonable advanced notice, of any vacation, personal, or family needs that result in time away during working hours
19. Actively and positively participate in problem resolution, demonstrating constructive communication, timely response and effective resolution skills. Work effectively within team environments both within your department and across the organization
20. Cooperate and comply fully with all Anovion policies and procedures. Actively support and follow the Anovion Safety Program
21. Participate in company/department meetings, training activities, continuing education programs and other associated activities
22. Perform other tasks as assigned
Physical/Sensory Requirements
The following physical activities described here are representative of those required by a team member to perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation, if feasible, will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions of position.
While performing the duties of this job, the team member is constantly required to stand; frequently required to walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel, kneeling and reach with hands or arms; occasionally required to climb stairs, ladders, scaffolds and power lifts, talk or hear. Team member is required to lift or carry up to 25 pounds frequently, and up to 75 pounds occasionally.
Working Environment
While performing the essential responsibilities of this position the team member will work in multiple areas including research and manufacturing environments. The team member may also be exposed to moderate background noise, moderate amounts of airborne graphite dust, presence of natural and artificial light, exposure to work temperatures from ambient to controlled, hard surfaces for standing and walking. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) may be required.