Engineering Technician - Pouch Cell

Wildcat Discoveries is looking for a highly motivated Engineering Technician to join our pouch cell team! Within this role, you will operate automated lithium-ion battery cell production equipment to support evaluation of novel cell designs and chemistries.

This role will directly support the development of processes and fabrication of lithium-ion battery pouch cells. 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.

Essential Functions

• Operate industrial mixers, aliquot raw materials, work in a fume hood and glove box.
• Work with flammable, moisture sensitive chemicals, in addition to working with automated process equipment that operate at a high speed, high temperature, high pressure, and vacuum.
• Utilize analytical equipment to ensure quality control.
• Operate coating and roll-to-roll process equipment for coating battery electrodes.
• Monitor and troubleshoot existing equipment and processes to make a product according to product specifications.
• Follow standard operating procedures (SOP’s) and other written procedures and maintaining accurate records of work performed.
• Report problems, issues and unexpected observations in a timely manner.
• Meet timelines and deadlines consistently.
• Complete production documentation, and support transfer of materials to next stage of processing.
• Respect others in the workplace with a professional attitude; be considerate of others with housekeeping, shared equipment; provide a safe working environment for others.
• Calibrate, clean, and maintain equipment in good working condition.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required

• Basic knowledge of scientific laboratory procedures, techniques, equipment and apparatus used in a chemistry laboratory.
• Basic knowledge of health and safety practices and precautions applicable to a chemistry laboratory.
• Maintain a commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Ability to effectively and safely operate, adapt and maintain laboratory and manufacturing equipment.
• Ability to utilize computer hardware and software.
• Ability to keep detailed and precise records.
• Ability to thrive in a multi-tasking, fast paced environment.
• Ability to communicate and work effectively and cooperatively with lab technicians, engineers, research associates and scientists.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's level degree or higher in a scientific or engineering field such as mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, electrical engineering, chemistry, chemical engineering.
• Experience in semiconductor, medical devices, metallurgy, plastics, and/or lithium ion battery manufacturing is preferred.
• Generally some exposure to working in a laboratory environment or a manufacturing environment, and working with chemicals.
• Familiarity with Roll-2-Roll manufacturing a plus.
• Experience with clean rooms and/or dry rooms a plus.
• Pilot line manufacturing experience a plus.

Employee Benefits:

• Generous vacation accrual with 8 day closure at the end of the year
• Full health insurance coverage with low employee out of pocket premiums
• 401k with company paid match
• Annual bonus
• A company culture that values on positivity, meritocracy, collaboration, openness, and innovation
• Professional growth with exposure to a fast-developing energy storage industry

Qualifications:

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Language Ability:

• Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations, to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.

Math Ability:

• Ability to add and subtract two digit number and to multiply and divide with 10’s and 100’s. Ability to perform these operations using units of American money and weight measurement, volume and distance.

Reasoning Ability:

• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

Computer Skills:

• To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of spreadsheet and internet software.

Equipment Skills:

• This position requires regular use of sandblasters and glove boxes. This position also requires frequent use of crimpers, dispensers, furnaces and pipettes and occasional use of a forklift truck.

Physical Demands:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to use hands and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to stand, sit and lift or move objects up to 40 pounds. This position also requires the employee to occasionally walk, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, talk and hear. In addition, this position requires close vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less) and depth perception (three-dimensional vision, ability to judge distances and spatial relationships).

Work Environment:

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to work near moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, extreme heat (non-weather) and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

Standards of Conduct:

• All employees are expected to observe and follow company policy concerning standard of conduct at all times. This includes, but is not limited to, working with others in a cooperative manner treating everyone with respect and consideration. Further information on standards of conduct and other Wildcat policies are contained within the employee handbook.

Work hours

• General work hours are onsite from 8 AM – 5 PM. This schedule may be modified to accommodate work demands and/or to align work hours with those of the department. Overtime hours may be required.