Senior Scientist, Analytics

About Us

We are Sila, a next-generation battery materials company. Our mission is to power the world’s transition to clean energy. To create this future, our team is building a better lithium-ion battery from the inside out today. We engineer and manufacture ground-breaking battery materials that significantly increase the energy density of batteries, while reducing their size and weight. The result? Smaller more powerful batteries that can unlock innovation in consumer devices and accelerate the mass adoption of electric cars to eliminate our dependence on fossil fuels. We're tackling one of the biggest challenges of our time every day, and together we're redefining what's possible. Are you ready to be a part of a team committed to changing the world?

Who You Are

As a Senior Scientist on the Analytics Team, you are a creative, collaborative, and hands-on analytical scientist with experience in a variety of material characterization techniques. You are passionate and knowledgeable about advanced materials, carbon composites, particulate matter, batteries, clean energy, or related fields. You have a demonstrated history of solving complex technical problems with curiosity, persistence, and high standards of scientific integrity. You pride yourself on being resourceful and independent, able to deftly manage multiple projects and deliver results on time in a fast-paced environment with constantly evolving information. You know how to be a thoughtful and supportive team member, ready to give and receive feedback with humility. 

Responsibilities and Duties  

• Develop and validate analytical methods according to a rigorous Measurement System Analysis (MSA) framework using a variety of material characterization techniques (eg. BET, TGA, DSC, LPSA, SEM, XRD and many others).
• Evaluate, select, procure and install analytical instrumentation where necessary to support new method development.
• Define and build best practices in material sampling, sample preparation, instrumental analysis, data analysis, and result reporting.
• Coordinate & implement cross-functional experiments with Product Development, Process Engineering, and QC teams.
• Write and review Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), train cross-functional team members on analytical techniques.
• Prepare reports and present technical data to engineering and quality teams.
• Work with the Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) team to evaluate and review materials, procedures, and laboratory environments to ensure safe operations at all times.

Knowledge and Skill Requirements 

• Degree in Chemistry, Material Science, Chemical Engineering, or equivalent with a minimum of 5+ years (Bachelor’s degree), 3+ years (Master’s degree) or 0+ years (PhD) of industry experience in analytical chemistry, quality control, and/or process development.
• Well versed in analytical techniques such as particle size analysis, Raman spectroscopy, BET gas adsorption analysis, crush strength, density analysis (bulk density, tap density, true density), TGA, ICP, XRF, SEM-EDS, XRD, static image analysis, gas chromatography, and others. 
• Significant experience in analytical method development and validation, including statistical analysis using six-sigma concepts, statistical process control, precision/bias testing, and gauge R&R. Experience with JMP is a plus.
• Experience in highly regulated laboratories and production environments (FDA, AIAG, VDA, ISO 17025).
• Experience with powder sampling and material characterization. 

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Operate a computer and other office equipment, such as a laptop, copier/printer, etc in a fixed location
• Precise and repetitive use of hands - light to forceful handling of a range of material quantities.
• Wear personal protective equipment including, but not limited to, a lab coat, gloves, safety glasses, and steel toe safety shoes.
• Pass a respirator fit test and be able to wear respiratory protection.

The starting base pay for this role is between $128,000 and $162,000 at the time of posting. The actual base pay depends on many factors, such as education, experience, and skills. Base pay is only one part of Sila’s competitive Total Rewards package that can include benefits, perks, equity, and bonuses.  The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. #LI-Onsite

Working at Sila

We believe that building a diverse team at Sila helps us amplify our individual talents. We are an equal opportunity employer and committed to creating an inclusive environment where good ideas are free to come from anyone. We are proud to celebrate diversity and all qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, age, d