Principal Scientist – Battery Design and Engineering

Position: 1 full-time role

Location: Belgium

Experience: 10–15 years

Role overview

The Principal Scientist – Battery Design and Engineering will lead scientific strategy and research in battery design and engineering, focusing on nanosilicon anodes, cell architecture, material characterization, data analytics, and commercial enablement.

Key responsibilities

• Develop the scientific roadmap and performance targets for nanosilicon anodes, translating them into hypotheses, validation plans, proof points, and milestones.
• Define next-generation cell chemistries and architectures, process maps, scale-up pathways, laboratory protocols, and infrastructure requirements.
• Establish experimental-design frameworks, test matrices, and analytics dashboards; interpret results to guide product strategy.
• Lead research in advanced material characterization and structure-property modeling, identify opportunities, and guide patent filings.
• Translate research outcomes into value propositions, technical data sheets, and benchmark narratives for Business Development, and support the team in technical customer engagements.
• Build strategic research partnerships with universities, consortia, and national laboratories; represent the organization at conferences and panels.
• Contribute scientific insight to investment priorities and product roadmaps, and mentor team members to support a culture of innovation and operational excellence.

Reporting and collaboration

Reports to: CTO

Internal relationships: R&D teams in Palej, Belgium, and Kineltek, as well as Technical Service colleagues, supporting product development, evaluation, and customer interactions.

External relationships: Laboratories and research centers.

Qualifications and experience

• Graduate degree in Chemistry and a PhD in Materials Science, Electrochemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, or Chemical Engineering.
• 8–12 years of hands-on R&D experience in conductive materials, battery research, or energy storage systems; experience in anode material development is preferred.
• Expertise in battery chemistry, electrode and electrolyte formulation, and coin or pouch cell assembly.
• Proficiency in battery testing protocols and tools such as SEM, XRD, BET, TGA, and potentiostats.
• Experience with laboratory setup, equipment handling, and safety compliance.
• Strong experimental design, data interpretation, documentation, cross-functional collaboration, and stakeholder communication skills, with the ability to align R&D with business goals.