Job Description

The Process Engineer will be a key member of the high performing team focused on developing the next generation high volume manufacturing wet (slurry) mixing methods that will connect 24M’s revolutionary product to the high growth energy storage market. The team member will define process needs for critical production steps and collaborate with internal and external machine design experts to identify, screen, and develop process concepts that meet these specs. The successful candidate will bring an understanding of and interest in the fundamentals combined with a lightweight approach to taking ideas the whole way through to successful production equipment. Strong interpersonal skills are required, as are a strong work ethic and an ability to flourish in a dynamic startup environment. The Process Engineer reports to the Manager, Advanced Manufacturing.

Qualifications

Required Skills and Experience:

• At least 1-4 years of experience in mixing process development
• Experience with hopper design, pneumatic conveying, powder feeding and extrusion
• Strong experience and desire to work hands-on with lab and pilot equipment. Mechanically savvy.
• Knowledge about impact of dry handling and mixing processes on wet mixing processes
• Knowledge about slurry rheology and slurry quality control parameters for mass production
• Demonstrated ability and passion to understand processes and the interaction between the material, equipment and the associated impact to product performance
• Demonstrated ability to design, optimize and qualify processes with data driven decisions
• Ability to create methods to generate data where none exist and to turn art into science by getting the numbers
• Thrives in a fast-paced environment. Ability to commit to aggressive timelines and to deliver on those commitments
• Excellent communication skills for interaction with team members, other groups and outside suppliers
• Works well in a team environment with willingness to share skills and information and mentor others
• Highly motivated and action-oriented as demonstrated by accomplishments
• Coachable - is able to act on management inputs and constructive criticism

Desired Skills and Experience:

• Experience with very high viscosity material processing
• Lithium ion battery industry experience
• Experience with both large batch mixing and high speed continuous mixing in a low cost setting
• Experience with lithium ion battery electrode materials synthesis and characterization

Responsibilities:

• Develop novel wet mixing processes that contribute to the establishment of 24M’s high volume production system
• Characterize critical material performance through experimentation and analysis. Leverage this insight in process development
• Design and run simple feasibility studies to direction find on novel processes
• Work closely with equipment design engineers and outside partners to successfully complete proof of concept demonstrations, and design equipment for high volume manufacturing
• Establish process windows, and integrate process control parameters into manufacturing

Additional Information

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Process Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Industrial Engineering or related field

Physical and Environmental Standards :

• Capable of working in low moisture dry room environment: < 1.0% Relative Humidity (-50°C dew point)
• Capable of working in machine shop environment and operating machinery w/proper training
  • Capable of wearing clean room attire when working in dry room environment: face mask, hair net, safety glasses, gloves, coverall suit and shoe covers
  • Capable of meeting OSHA standards for manual lifting guidelines: < 50lbs
• Able to travel to support development activities with suppliers, partners, customers, etc.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.