Research Engineer- Battery Material Modeling

Ford Ford · Auto · Dearborn, MI +1 · Research and Advance Engineering

The role involves research and development in battery materials modeling using AI/ML, DFT, and MD. The primary focus is on developing models to predict material properties and provide mechanistic insights into battery performance and degradation. This includes collaborating with synthesis and characterization teams and potentially with external research institutions.

What you'd actually do

  1. Develop models based on target material properties including density, fast ionic diffusion, composition, phase stability, etc.
  2. Provide actionable mechanistic insight into function and degradation processes in battery cells, including phase evolution, interfacial layer formation and growth, and electrolyte additive function.
  3. Take data inputs from material and battery synthesis and characterization
  4. Collaborate with other team members to implement the modeled insights and learnings in real battery materials and systems
  5. Participate in joint projects with universities and national labs that leverage DFT/ML/AI/MD and other modeling methods

Skills

Required

  • Master’s degree in materials science, engineering, chemistry, or related fields
  • 3 years of experience in chemical and physical modeling of Li-ion battery materials, especially cathode, using DFT/ML/AI/MD
  • Laboratory experimental skills in synthesizing and/or processing battery materials, performing cell testing and advanced material characterization methods
  • Fundamental understanding of chemical processes and mechanisms within batteries from formation to end of life

Nice to have

  • Doctorate (PhD) in battery materials science, engineering, chemistry or related fields
  • Experience with modeling, testing and characterizing Na-ion batteries is a plus
  • A wide range of material analysis experience is also desirable. This may include teardown and post-mortem analysis of materials from pouch, cylindrical, and/or prismatic
  • A track record of written and/or oral presentations of research findings to specialist or non-specialist audiences

What the JD emphasized

  • 3 years of experience in chemical and physical modeling of Li-ion battery materials, especially cathode, using DFT/ML/AI/MD

Other signals

  • modeling
  • AI/ML
  • DFT/ML/AI/MD