Polymer Engineer

Title: Polymer Engineer Location: San Jose, CA   Sakuu is reinventing battery technology and manufacturing via products and process disruption. In process, our solid-state batteries are rapid printed from the transformative Kavian™ platform in agile gigafactory settings, which enables mass-scale, cost -effective, and sustainable production to meet global cell demand in our product, our Swift Print™ solid-state batteries best in class performance and safety in a recyclable and customizable format. Proprietary cell technologies provide superior energy densities for nearly limitless industry applications. The big picture impact of our manufacturing and battery technology is profound.   We need highly talented and enthusiastic minds to join our mission to help transform electric mobility, energy storage, and sustainable manufacturing- for a healthier planet.   Job Description The Polymer Engineer role will be responsible for developing adhesives, binders, and polymer solutions for Sakuú’s printed battery technology. We are looking for a highly motivated technologist with extensive knowledge in polymers to create materials that enable unique manufacturing and production of cutting-edge, high-performance Li-ion batteries. This role presents a tremendous opportunity for a polymer specialist to apply and grow their knowledge/expertise across materials science, surface science, electrochemistry, and coatings technologies. Please note: Work is expected to be completed on-site, and employees are expected to comply with local and state regulations concerning the COVID-19 pandemic, including wearing a mask on-site, maintaining social distance, reporting symptoms, taking sick leave when necessary, and ensuring a clean and safe working environment.   Responsibilities · Apply technical domain knowledge and hands-on lab work to develop materials and formulations that solve technical challenges across multiple materials processing techniques. · Characterize materials and composites, interpret data, and present results on a regular cadence to colleagues and management. · Research, identify, and disclose new materials, formulations, technologies, and/or processes to expand Sakuú’s IP portfolio. · Write SOPs and maintain clear, consistent documentation of preparations, formulations, and other technical information. · Work closely with engineering and battery teams to ensure high performance of materials in practical application environments and develop new formulations and test methods. · Develop a comprehensive understanding of material handling/deposition processes and workflows. · Provide technical advice to cross-functional teams, influencing system development and creating shared awareness of technical possibilities and limitations within polymer materials. · Take technical ownership of projects and work independently to solve problems.   Benefits As a team member at Sakuu, you'll enjoy: · Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance · 4 weeks of paid time off · Stock options ·  Career development ·  Company provided meals, snacks, and drinks   Qualifications and Skills · Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field. · Industrial experience: 5 years B.S., 2 M.S., 0 PhD/Postdoc · Expertise in structure-function relationships of polymers and polymer composites, especially the influence of polymer structure on mechanical and electrical properties, as well as surface behavior and interfacial interactions. · Working knowledge of polymer composites containing inorganic materials (metals, ceramics) and coatings for the same. · Experience with solvent/polymer interactions – swelling, plasticization, dissolution, compatibility · Experience in characterization of polymeric materials and data interpretation (e.g. TGA, DSC, FTIR, DMA, other mechanical test methods). · Demonstrated ability to propose, design, and execute R&D experiments and test plans, ultimately driving them to success against defined performance specifications. · Excellent communication and documentation skills. · A collaborative mindset, willingness to work with/resolve ambiguity, and a “get it done” approach to scientific research. · Electronic/electrochemical device adhesives and sealants · Lithium-ion battery development techniques such as slurry making, solid or gel electrolytes, and packaging · Electrochemical techniques, theory, analysis   Equal Opportunity Sakuu is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information or characteristics, physical or mental disability, marital/domestic partner status, age, military/veteran status, medical condition, or any other characteristic protected by law.