Development Chemist

Responsibilities: Lead the design and synthesis of new, high-performance battery separator materials (polyethylene, silica-filled materials, and AGM) to meet emerging market needs Optimize manufacturing processes - including extrusion, pore formation, and coating technologies - to enhance separator permeability, mechanical strength, and electrical resistance Use Design of Experiments (DOE) to structure and execute comprehensive testing protocols evaluating separator-level attributes (surface chemistry, wettability, pore structure) and their impact on cell performance Lead programs for incremental product and quality improvement using tools such as DOE, root cause analysis, and EVOP (evolutionary operation) Collaborate with cell developers to integrate new separators into prototype cells, conducting abusive, electrochemical, and life-cycle testing to validate improvements; evaluate separator performance with a focus on ER, acid displacement, dendrite suppression, and oxidation stability Utilize advanced analytical equipment (FIB-SEM, CT scanning, mercury porosimetry) to analyze material microstructure and failure mechanisms Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Manufacturing, Sales, Quality) to transfer new products from the laboratory into pilot-scale and commercial production Write detailed technical reports, SOPs, and conference materials (presentations, technical papers, etc.), and present research findings to stakeholders Maintain awareness of the patent landscape to ensure programs run safely toward unique, patentable solutions that protect company IP Lead by example to promote a zero-incident safety culture Ensure strict adherence to safety policies, procedures, and PPE requirements Identify opportunities to improve processes, reduce waste, and increase efficiency Encourage team-driven ideas and implement practical, data-driven solutions Promote respect, inclusion, and engagement in a collaborative environment Requirements: BS and/or MS degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Chemistry 5 + years development polymers, porous membranes, or separator technology. Polyethylene (PE) separators, Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) materials, Silica-filled rubber separators, autoclaved vulcanized rubber separators. Strong understanding of polymer physics, surface chemistry, and electrochemical transport mechanisms in porous materials. Hands-on capability with extrusion, polymer compounding, and coating technologies. Expertise with material characterization tools: SEM, DSC, TGA, Porosimetry, Tensile testers ICP. Familiarity with standard global battery testing methods (cycling, EIS, CV), working to American, European and Asian systems as necessary. Experience working with technicians engineers and operators resolving formulations or process problems on the plant floor Experience using AI-enhanced modeling and high-throughput data analysis to accelerate component optimization is preferred. Strong problem-solving skills, ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment. Proven ability to manage NPD projects, and excellent technical communication skills. Travel domestically and Internationally to internal plants, customers and conferences.