Senior Scientist, Electrolyte

About Us:

SES AI Corp. (NYSE: SES) is dedicated to accelerating the world’s energy transition through groundbreaking material discovery and advanced battery management. We are at the forefront of revolutionizing battery creation, pioneering the integration of cutting-edge machine learning into our research and development. Our AI-enhanced, high-energy-density and high-power-density Li-Metal and Li-ion batteries are unique; they are the first in the world to utilize electrolyte materials discovered by AI. This powerful combination of "AI for science" and material engineering enables batteries that can be used across various applications, including transportation (land and air), energy storage, robotics, and drones.

To learn more about us, please visit: www.ses.ai

What We Offer:

• 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.

What we Need:

The SES AI Department is seeking an Electrolyte Scientist to join our team dedicated to mobile energy storage. This scientist will be responsible for creating innovative electrolyte materials and systems that enable safe, long-lasting, and high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries. Key duties include designing, developing, and optimizing electrolyte formulations, as well as meticulously analyzing their interactions with other cell components during battery cycling and storage. The ideal candidate is a passionate, highly detail-oriented, and collaborative team player who thrives in a fast-paced environment and shares a vision for advancing energy storage technology.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Formulation and Materials Design
  • Design and develop electrolyte formulations compatible with high energy density lithium-ion anodes and high nickel content NMC cathode cell chemistries to achieve a long cycle life safely.
  • Design electrolyte systems to demonstrate improvements in safety performance, including dimensional stability during battery cycling and storage.
  • Provide technical assessment on existing electrolyte systems, additives, and lithium salts in high energy, high-capacity rechargeable lithium-ion cells.
    
    
• Electrochemical Characterization and Analysis
  • Fully characterize coin and pouch cell performance using new materials and formulations.
  • Utilize electrochemical testing and analytical techniques to understand reaction mechanisms, failure modes, and potential benefits of new formulations.
  • Demonstrate the ability to use fundamental physical chemistry concepts and experimental techniques to provide promising electrolyte formulation strategies.
    
    
• Project Management, Communication, and Leadership
  • Ability to independently plan, execute, manage, and communicate progress on projects.
  • Support product development as required for the prototype-manufacturing team.
  • Process Optimization: Design and implement streamlined testing metrics (e.g., Design of Experiments - DoE) to significantly shorten the R&D learning and development cycle.
  • Communication & Insight: Effectively communicate new concepts, findings, and project updates to the team, drawing actionable insights from discussions.
  • Technical Leadership: Serve as a technical mentor and leader to junior staff, guiding experimental design and professional development.
  • Knowledge Integration: Actively integrate and synthesize existing in-house knowledge with new discoveries to accelerate development and problem-solving.
  • IP Development: Proactively contribute to the company's intellectual property portfolio through invention disclosures and patent applications.
    
    

Education and/or Experience:

• Scientific Knowledge: MS (or better) level of understanding in Electrochemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related physical science field.
• Experience with developing semi-solid electrolytes (e.g. in-situ gel polymer electrolyte, polymer electrolyte, hybrid solid/liquid electrolyte) are highly preferred. 
• Experience Level: Minimum of 3+ years of industrial or advanced academic experience (post-MS) focused on electrolyte or battery materials development.
• Chemistry Foundation: Strong knowledge of common lithium-ion electrolyte systems, including common lithium salts, solvents, and additives, and their specific roles.
• Physicochemical Understanding: Experience applying physical-chemical methods to tackle formulation problems and understanding properties like density, viscosity, and ionic conductivity.
• Electrochemical Techniques: Hands-on expertise in advanced electrochemical characterization, including Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) and galvanostatic cycling.
• High-Purity Handling: Proven experience working with moisture sensitive materials in a glovebox or dry room environment, and expertise in handling high purity chemicals.
• Data Proficiency: Proficiency in battery cell tests (coin/pouch) and scientific data analysis (e.g., using statistical or scientific software).
• Industry Knowledge: Proven ability to onboard and integrate existing in-house knowledge with new discoveries and challenges.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced Degree: Doctorate (Ph.D.) in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field, with 3+ years of post-PhD industrial experience.
• Diverse Formulation: Experience in formulation development beyond liquid electrolytes, including exposure to polymer electrolytes, ionic liquids, and/or solid-state electrolytes.
• Large Format Experience: Direct experience working with and characterizing large format cells (e.g., prismatic or cylindrical).
• Software/Modeling: Experience with computational chemistry or battery modeling tools.
• Industry Alignment: Demonstrated passion for and experience in the mobile energy or automotive space.