Anode/SE Sr electrode process engineer

WHO WE ARE  

Factorial Energy is a pioneering U.S.-based solid-state battery company driving the future of energy storage and electrification. Partnered with global leaders including Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis, Hyundai, and Kia, Factorial is at the forefront of developing next-generation e-mobility platforms for commercial, defense, and consumer applications—spanning electric vehicles (EVs), drones, eVTOL aircraft, power tools, marine systems, robotics, and more. The company has achieved multiple industry firsts, including being the first to power a demonstration vehicle with a global OEM (Mercedes-Benz) which achieved over 1,200 km (749 mi) of range, the first to earn UN 38.3 certification for automotive-sized solid-state cells, and the first to deliver B-samples of automotive-sized solid-state batteries to major OEMs. 

The Opportunity

Factorial is looking for an All-Solid-State Battery Anode Wet & SE Slurry Coating Process Engineer responsible for the wet slurry coating process and equipment development for anode and sulfide-based solid electrolyte (SE) applications. We leverage cutting-edge wet electrode manufacturing to revolutionize all-solid-state battery performance, cost, and scalability. This role requires experience in close cooperation with internal teams and external partners. This candidate will be involved from the beginning of process optimization for R&D projects, pilot line scale-up, and through to low/high-volume production. The candidate must demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills to facilitate efficient communication between various departments/vendors.

Duties and Responsibilities 

Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 

All-Solid-State Battery Anode Wet & SE Slurry Coating Process Development

• Lead R&D efforts to design, optimize, and scale wet slurry coating processes for ASSB anode and sulfide SE applications.
• Develop novel slurry formulations and coating strategies to enhance electrode-electrolyte interfacial compatibility, ionic transport efficiency, and cycling stability.
• Establish critical process parameters (e.g., slurry dispersion, viscosity control, coating speed, drying profiles) to meet all-solid-state battery performance specifications.
• Address key wet coating challenges specific to ASSB: solvent selection, slurry sedimentation, SE-solvent compatibility, and interfacial side reaction control.

Quality & Yield Improvement

• Identify root causes of wet coating defects (e.g., pinholes, thickness non-uniformity, cracks, lithium dendrite penetration) and implement corrective actions.
• Utilize statistical analysis (SPC, DOE) to drive yield improvements and reduce process variability.
• Collaborate with PD/QA to define testing protocols and quality standards for wet-processed all-solid-state electrodes.

Production Efficiency & Scalability

• Optimize manufacturing workflows to increase throughput and reduce unit production costs.
• Design experiments to validate process scalability from lab to pilot line to mass production.
• Troubleshoot equipment/process issues to minimize downtime.

Next-Generation Equipment Development

• Partner with equipment vendors to conceptualize, prototype, and validate next-gen wet coating electrode machinery.
• Define technical specifications for new equipment (e.g., vacuum-integrated drying systems, solvent recovery units).
• Drive innovation in automation, in-line monitoring, and Industry 4.0 integration.

Must Have Qualifications

Technical Expertise:

• 3+ years of hands-on experience in wet electrode coating manufacturing for lithium-ion batteries, sulfide electrolyte system experience highly preferred.
• Deep knowledge of wet process steps: slurry preparation (dispersion, deaeration), precision coating (doctor blade/slot-die), vacuum drying, calendaring, and lamination.
• Proficiency in material characterization (SEM, XRD, adhesion testing) and data analysis tools (JMP, Minitab).

Process & Quality Tools:

• Mastery of DOE, SPC, FMEA, and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Experience scaling processes from R&D to high-volume production.

Equipment & Innovation:

• Proven ability to collaborate with equipment suppliers on custom solutions.
• Familiarity with ASSB-specific process challenges (moisture control, interfacial stability, mechanical pressure sensitivity).

Education & Collaboration:

• Master's in chemical/Materials/Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Strong cross-functional skills to work with R&D, production, and supply chain teams.

Nice to Have Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications:

• Hands-on experience with sulfide solid electrolyte systems or halide electrolyte systems.
• In-depth understanding of binder systems (PVDF, CMC/SBR) and conductive additives behavior in wet coating processes.