Principal Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

ION Storage Systems offers solid-state battery solutions that prioritize performance, safety, and durability. Focusing on a variety of portable and stationary energy storage applications, ION's patented, three-dimensional ceramics design offers a sustainable approach to next-generation energy storage. Built on a scalable, modular ceramic structure, ION's batteries are ready to meet the demands of an increasingly electrified world. We are backed by leading venture capital firms including Alsop Louie Partners, Clear Creek Investments, VoLo Earth Ventures, and Toyota Ventures. We offer an inclusive environment with opportunities for growth and believe that a thriving workspace leads to a thriving company. We hope you will contact us to learn more and to be a part of our diverse, collaborative team!As part of our Cell Engineering group, you'll use your experience, leadership and technical creativity towards the development and optimization of first-of-its-kind prototyping line for ION's solid state cells and anodes. Because this is a prototype line rather than a mature production system, you'll be working on equipment and processes as we refine them toward volume production and new commercial products. You'll collaborate with cell, mechanical, equipment and automation engineers and technicians to drive improvements for process speed, yield, and reliability.As a Principal Engineer, you'll take ownership of significant workstreams - leading equipment builds, troubleshooting efforts, and process improvements end-to-end - while mentoring other engineers and raising the technical bar across the team.Responsibilities: Work collaboratively with the team to support the existing prototype line, identifying the key levers to drive optimal process reliability, quality, and uptimeLead root-cause investigations for difficult or ambiguous equipment and process failures, and drive corrective/preventive actions to closure. Use issues as opportunities for continuous improvement.Own the design, build, and commissioning of new equipment and fixtures from concept through installation, working across mechanical, electrical, and controls disciplinesTranslate process requirements into robust hardware and automation specificationsMentor and provide technical guidance to other engineers and technicians on the team; review designs and troubleshooting approachesPartner with process/cell engineers to understand upstream process needs and downstream implications of equipment design choicesContribute to engineering standards and documentation practices appropriate for a scaling organizationIndependently manage priorities across multiple ongoing projects with minimal oversightExperience and Qualifications:Strong foundation of hands-on experience as an engineerExperience building first-of-its-kind hardware and software for automated systemsStrong mechanical design fundamentals. Experience in 3D CAD for design of equipment, tooling, fixtures and assembly aids.B.Eng. M.Eng, B.Sc. M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical/Controls Engineering, Mechatronics or a related discipline.10+ years of work experience (post B.S.)  Preferred:Experience in cell assembly, semiconductor, or related fieldExperience standing up a pilot or prototype line from an early stageExperience working directly with equipment vendors on custom or first-of-a-kind tooling Physical Demands and Working Conditions:Work onsite at ION's Beltsville, MD facility; this is a hands-on and collaborative role requiring regular presenceWear personal protective equipment including, but not limited to, a lab coat, gloves, safety glasses, and safety-toe shoesAbility to stand, bend, and move around equipment and lab benches for extended periodsDepartment: Cell Engineering Location: Beltsville, MD Reports to: Liz Santori (SVP, Cell Engineering) Benefits:In addition to a competitive salary and equity incentives, we offer the following company benefits:Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insuranceRSU issuanceCompany and floating holidays17 days of PTO to start, with increase upon tenure401k plan with a 4% company match beginning after first paycheckWellness allowance of $1k annuallySalary Range: $174k to $191kCompany DescriptionIon Storage Systems Inc., located in Beltsville, MD, is a rapidly growing company commercializing its breakthrough lithium metal battery technology based on discoveries made at the University of Maryland. The company is committed to developing products that will impact everyday life on a global scale. Our technology improves product performance and safety in a variety of applications including, defense and aerospace, consumer electronics, electrified transportation, and renewable energy storage. Our team is made up of innovative, driven & creative individuals who are passionate about their work. The company offers an inclusive environment, growth opportunities and encourages work/life balance. To all recruitment agencies: Ion Storage Systems, Inc. will not accept agency resumes for this role. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs email, or to any Ion Storage Systems employees or any other company email address. Ion Storage Systems is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes. Ion Storage Systems, Inc. is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, ancestry, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, or Veteran status.*Eligibility to work in the United States as a U.S. Citizen, U.S. permanent resident or having current TN Visa authorization is required for consideration.