A123Systems is one of the world’s leading suppliers of high-power lithium ion batteries. The company’s patent pending Nanophosphate™ technology enables its batteries to deliver previously unattainable levels of power, safety and life.  Applicable to a wide range of industries, A123Systems’ products remove many traditional technology constraints to provide OEMs expanded flexibility in system design.  With the largest lithium ion R&D team in North America, world-class expertise and management, and global manufacturing operations, A123Systems’ Automotive Class Lithium Ion™ batteries are leading the automotive movement towards platform electrification.  Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Massachusetts, A123Systems’ proprietary nanoscale electrode technology is built on initial developments from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.  A123Systems' Advanced Research & Government Solutions Division in Ann Arbor, Michigan is nationally recognized for new materials development and cutting-edge research.  For additional information please visit www.a123systems.com

The individual in this position will be responsible for the development of new lithium ion materials and for the enhancement of existing commercial materials for next generation lithium ion batteries.    This individual will also be responsible for characterizing and assessing emerging materials under development by suppliers, universities, and national laboratories. 

Primary responsibilities

The specific responsibilities will be:

• Evaluate emerging anode and cathode, and/or electrolyte materials, electrodes and cell designs vs A123 requirements for next generation product performance, safety, and cost
• Evaluate the kinetics of current A123 cathode materials and determine if changes in composition or synthetic processes have the potential to make an impact to A123 product roadmap
• Develop electrode technologies to improve performance or reduce cost
• Develop project plans, identify resource requirements, implement development activities, and document  and communicate results to R&D and Product Development organizations
• Interface with R&D Operations to request cell builds and product testing
• Interface with internal customers, Product Development and Engineering functions, to review existing materials, evaluate opportunities for improvements, communicate progress of new opportunities, and transfer technology
• Mentor junior scientists and engineers

Specific Skills/Abilities

The successful candidate will possess excellent organizational and communication skills, be detail-oriented, fact based, and self-motivated.

Education/Experience

This position requires:

• A PhD in Materials Science or related discipline
• 5 to 10 years expertise in  lithium ion battery electrochemistry
• Experience in lithium ion; lithium ion anode and cathode materials, electrode development, and cell design
• Knowledgeable about materials, electrode, and cell performance and abuse characterization
• Ability to efficiently supervise junior employees and provide a positive role model
• Ability to work efficiently in a multitasking, rapid-cycle development environment
• Familiarity with Statistical Analysis and Design of Experiments     

The position will be based out of Waltham, MA and may involve International travel.