Battery Electrolyte Scientist & Materials Chemistry Leader

About the role

The SES AI Hermes team is seeking an exceptional Battery Electrolyte Scientist & Materials Chemistry Leader to serve as an R&D leader specializing in electrolyte development and interfacial chemistry. This role is critical for producing experimentally validated battery component data, guiding AI model training, and defining the materials innovation roadmap for next-generation energy storage systems.

Responsibilities

• R&D Program Leadership:
  • Direct complex electrolyte R&D programs focused on next-generation battery systems, ensuring alignment with customer and product requirements (e.g., safety, cyclability, low/high temperature performance).
  • Lead multi-R&D teams composed of chemists, data scientists, and engineers to achieve key innovation milestones.
  • Define the materials innovation roadmap, particularly related to electrolyte formulation and interfacial science.
• Experimental Validation & Data Generation:
  • Leverage expertise in fundamental materials chemistry to oversee SEI (Solid Electrolyte Interphase) engineering and additive optimization programs.
  • Lead cell-level validation and the integration of new electrolytes into prototype cells.
  • Produce high-quality, experimentally validated battery component data, guiding AI model training by ensuring data quality, experimental reproducibility, and comprehensive parameter space coverage (Data-driven experimentation).
• AI Integration & Tools:
  • Utilize molecular informatic tools to accelerate battery component optimization cycles, effectively bridging experimental data with AI-generated candidates.

Requirements

• Education and/or Experience:
  • Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrochemistry, or a closely related materials chemistry field.
  • Proven background as an electrochemical researcher and R&D leader experienced in directing technical programs and managing multi-disciplinary research teams.
  • Deep expertise in fundamental materials chemistry, interfacial science, additive optimization, and Solid-Electrolyte Interphase (SEI) engineering.
  • Extensive experience in cell-level validation and advanced characterization techniques, demonstrating an ability to integrate new materials into prototype cells.
  • Demonstrated experience in data-driven experimentation and structuring chemistry data for AI model consumption.
• Preferred Qualifications:
  • Previous experience at leading battery manufacturers, electrolyte R&D teams, or applied materials chemistry labs, especially those focused on next-generation battery and energy storage systems.
  • Strong track record of successfully aligning R&D execution with clear customer and product requirements.
  • Ability to use or integrate results from molecular informatic tools for component optimization.

Qualifications

• Education: Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrochemistry, or a closely related materials chemistry field.
• Experience: Proven background as an electrochemical researcher and R&D leader, extensive experience in cell-level validation and advanced characterization techniques, demonstrated experience in data-driven experimentation and structuring chemistry data for AI model consumption.
• Industry Focus: Previous experience at leading battery manufacturers, electrolyte R&D teams, or applied materials chemistry labs, especially those focused on next-generation battery and energy storage systems.
• Informatics Tooling: Ability to use or integrate results from molecular informatic tools for component optimization.

Benefits

A highly competitive salary and robust benefits package, including comprehensive health coverage and an attractive equity/stock options program within our NYSE-listed company. The opportunity to contribute directly to a meaningful scientific project—accelerating the global energy transition—with a clear and broad public impact. Work in a dynamic, collaborative, and innovative environment at the intersection of AI and material science, driving the next generation of battery technology. Significant opportunities for professional growth and career development as you work alongside leading experts in AI, R&D, and engineering. Access to state-of-the-art facilities and proprietary technologies are used to discover and deploy AI-enhanced battery solutions.

Pay

$180,000 USD - $200,000 USD