XL Batteries - Battery Test Technician - Co-op
NOTE: This opportunity is exclusively for participants of the NEU co-op program.
About Us
XL Batteries is a Massachusetts-based scientific research company developing next generation battery technology for grid-level energy storage. We are a growing, highly collaborative team currently conducting chemical synthesis and battery engineering research and development in our laboratory in Marlborough, MA. Our mission is to enable large scale energy storage, ultimately to unlock the potential of intermittent renewable generation such as solar and wind.
XL Batteries is an equal opportunity employer. We offer competitive salary and benefits, including healthcare, dental, vision, and a retirement plan.
About Our Location
Marlborough, MA is a beautiful small city in central Massachusetts, surrounded by quaint Massachusetts towns and within day-trip distance of the Berkshires. For those who prefer a more urban lifestyle, we are located directly off I-495 within easy commuting distance of Boston and Cambridge (30-40 minutes), Worcester (25 minutes), Nashua, NH (45 minutes) and Providence, RI (50 minutes).
About You
We are seeking talented individuals with a proven track record who are looking to help develop an industry-leading storage technology by leveraging their skills to evaluate and improve performance. We are looking for teammates who are collaborative and creative.
Each team member has an opportunity to truly impact XL Batteries, and with that mentality we need team members that are excited to work in a fast paced startup environment that is ever changing, where no job is too big or too small, and where we strive to constantly learn and grow.
Role Description
XL Batteries is developing a next generation flow battery for grid-scale energy storage. We seek creative, forward-thinking people to improve our existing battery and stack designs. Team members in this role will work with under the supervision of Engineers and Scientists to collect performance data and help achieve increasing levels of efficiency, reliability and durability in our battery systems. An understanding of flow battery or fuel cell design and operation is a plus, but not required. Applicants with prior experience testing batteries are preferred. Applicants must show the ability to quickly and efficiently assemble and test at the cell and stack level, flagging challenges as they arise and proposing solutions.
Responsibilities

• Assemble and test various flow battery components and systems (following standard operation procedures and test protocols)
• Assist other team members with cell performance monitoring
• Record accurate data, analyze, and report the results
• Think critically about how to improve the test and experimental design with an eye to performance, reliability, durability, throughput and cost.
• Able to capably convert technical goals into effective work plans by generating and owning self generated Objectives and Key Results (OKRs).
• Work safely in a battery development laboratory
• Manage waste streams and dispose of hazardous waste as appropriate

Requirements

• Bachelor or associates degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical Engineering or related fields, or Five (5) or more years of direct experience in electrochemical testing and troubleshooting
• Excellent attention to detail, cleanliness, and organization
• Able to provide clear communication of technical information and other feedback to colleagues
• Comfort in and familiarity with a laboratory or industrial work environment
• Good computer and software skills required (MS Excel advanced user level)
• Experience with Python or similar automation is a plus
• Solid understanding of mechanical engineering and electrochemistry is a plus
• Experience with flow batteries, fuel cells, other battery testing is a plus
• Highly motivated and self-driven individual with the ability to work independently and multitask
• Must have legal authorization to work in the United States
• This is a full-time in-person position