Development Engineer Cathode

At SOLiTHOR’s Centre of Excellence for SOLID-STATE rechargeable lithium battery technology.

Who we are

SOLiTHOR is a recently created high tech company which is utilising 10 years of research and the facilities of imec, the prestigious Belgian R&D institute in nanoelectronics and digital technologies.

Building on this unique and patented research, SOLiTHOR aims to develop and commercialise the next solid-state lithium batteries for the electromobility sector. Our mission is to scale up our solid-state battery technology and apply it to electric vehicles – in the air, on land and sea.

To strengthen our growing team of engineers and technologists, we are looking for a motivated and talented Development Engineer Cathode .

Main responsibilities

• Optimise cathode formulations in accordance with the project (i.e. chemical compatibility, interface with the solid electrolyte, compliance with the cell KPI)
• Characterise the slurry and films obtained at different stages of the process via complementary techniques including rheology, mechanical stability, electrochemical and chemical analyses
• Transfer the technology from lab to pilot scale, ensuring the process is well documented and compliant with Health and Safety rules
• Write test plans and procedures for cathode full electrochemical evaluation
• Analyse, summarise, and share results with stakeholders
• Provide useful insights to the Cell Design and Upscaling team for cathode cell integration and vice versa improve cathode component based on upscaling and device constraints
• Support intellectual properties or trade secrets to protect the company’s technology developments and secure a competitive position

Skills and personality

We are looking for an entrepreneurial individual who has a hands-on approach to work - a creative problem solver who is motivated and passionate about the profession and is keen to work in a start-up environment.

Qualifications and experience

• Master’s degree in Chemistry, Material Engineering, Chemical Engineering or Electrochemistry
• Entry level position
• Hands-on experience of electrochemical devices testing
• Experienced in designing electrochemical protocols to assess and ultimately improve cell performance
• Knowledge of the electrical test equipment and experimental set up used in cell testing or equivalent (Impedance, Cyclic Voltammetry, GITT)
• An understanding of lithium battery cathodes, solid electrolytes, interfaces would be advantageous
• Fluent in English

Other considerations

• Results-driven and able to deliver quality output within tight deadlines
• A laboratory and subsequently, a pilot line work environment
• The ability to thrive in a start-up and ambitious environment where teamwork is key
• Strong analytical mind, enabling comprehensive understanding of the relationships between processes, material and interface characteristics and the performance of those materials in the battery device
• Strong communication and reporting skills. A good level of English is mandatory given the multinational character of the startup.
• Flexible and able to respond to rapidly changing (technological/technical) circumstances
• Based in Belgium or willing to relocate

The opportunity

We offer you the opportunity to develop the next generation solid-state lithium batteries in a challenging environment. In doing so, you will take on a crucial role within our talented, passionate and multicultural team. You will have the opportunity to help build a company that will have a major global social impact.

SOLiTHOR not only offers you access to top class equipment and laboratory facilities, but also a competitive salary package with the following benefits:

• Contract of indeterminate duration (40h/week, 12 additional holidays)
• Meal vouchers worth €8/working day
• Hospitalisation insurance
• Group insurance
• Home office compensation
• Stock options

Location

You will be based at Energyville in Genk, where you will be surrounded by like-minded, inspiring people. SOLiTHOR will move to its new premises, near Hasselt, in August 2023.