Staff Electrode Process Engineer - Anode & Cathode Pilot Line

Job Description

Job Description

About Amprius

Amprius Technologies (NYSE: AMPX) is a leader in high-energy, high-power lithium-ion batteries built on silicon anode technology. Our SiCore® and SiMaxx™ cells power unmanned aerial systems, aviation and other applications where weight and energy density matter most. Headquartered in Fremont, California, Amprius designs cells in house and produces them through a global network of contract manufacturing partners.

Summary

Amprius 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.

Requirements

Qualifications – 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 $150,000 - 200,000. 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.

Amprius Technologies is committed to promoting an equal employment opportunity workplace environment and is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expressions, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information (GINA), protected veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law. The Company’s policy is to recruit, hire, train, promote, and administer all employment-related matters based on an individual’s qualifications, abilities, and efforts without regard to protected status.