Design Research Engineer

This role focuses on designing and executing research initiatives that advance next-generation battery technologies, with a particular emphasis on battery materials, cell design, and manufacturing. The Design Research Engineer applies scientific principles and agile methodologies to solve complex design and manufacturing challenges, challenge the status quo, and drive innovation from concept through validation. The position requires a strong passion for research, the ability to learn new topics quickly, and the capability to translate experimental results into actionable insights for product and process improvements.

• Design and conduct experiments to test hypotheses related to battery materials, cell design, and manufacturing processes.
• Utilize agile processes and methodologies to plan, execute, and iterate on sensing and research initiatives.
• Scientifically analyze data from tests and experiments to generate insights, deepen understanding, and guide future research directions.
• Clearly communicate new research findings, technology concepts, and ideas to technical team members and leadership in a concise and structured manner.
• Confidently make autonomous decisions aligned with the research mission and the organization’s business model.
• Efficiently manage resources, including time, equipment, and materials, to achieve project milestones and meet schedule commitments.
• Oversee overall research project schedules, budgets, and technical direction to ensure alignment with strategic goals.
• Focus research efforts on battery material characterization, including cathode and anode chemistries and rare earth metal usage.
• Develop and refine new battery cell designs, including cell qualification and support for cell manufacturing activities.
• Contribute to battery performance modeling, including interpretation of test data and correlation with models to improve design and performance predictions.
• Investigate and support initiatives related to recycling of battery materials and understanding of resource circularity within battery systems.
• Apply knowledge of Lithium Iron Phosphate chemistry to inform design, testing, and manufacturing decisions.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to integrate research outcomes into product development and manufacturing processes.
• Continuously learn and apply new scientific and engineering principles to address emerging design and manufacturing challenges.

• Demonstrated passion for research, solving complex problems, and challenging existing approaches.
• Ability to quickly learn new topics and apply scientific and engineering principles to design and manufacturing challenges.
• Working knowledge of agile processes and methodologies and their application in research and development environments.
• Proven ability to design experiments that effectively test hypotheses and validate concepts.
• Strong skills in scientific data analysis, including interpretation of experimental results to derive meaningful conclusions.
• Capability to make autonomous decisions within the boundaries of the research mission and business objectives.
• Experience managing project resources efficiently to meet defined initiatives and schedules.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain complex research and technology concepts to technical stakeholders and leadership.
• Experience overseeing research project schedules, budgets, and technical direction.
• Bachelor of Science degree in an engineering field or equivalent experience in a science or engineering research capacity.

• Experience in battery material characterization, including cathode and anode chemistries and rare earth metals.
• Knowledge of Lithium Iron Phosphate chemistry and its application in battery systems.
• Background in new battery cell design, including cell qualification and support for cell manufacturing processes.
• Familiarity with battery performance modeling and correlating experimental data with predictive models.
• Understanding of recycling processes for battery materials and principles of resource circularity.
• Experience working in a multidisciplinary research environment focused on advanced energy storage technologies.
• Ability to operate effectively within agile research teams and adapt to evolving project priorities.

This is a fully onsite role based at an advanced development center (ADC) as the primary home location. The position will initially be fully onsite at the ADC, providing close access to laboratory facilities, test equipment, and cross-functional technical teams. Once a new battery-focused office at a university-based facility is complete, the role will transition to a hybrid onsite arrangement, with approximately 75% of the time spent at the university battery office and 25% at the ADC, beginning around winter 2026. The work environment is research-intensive and collaborative, with a strong emphasis on laboratory experimentation, battery material and cell-level testing, and integration with manufacturing-oriented activities. The role involves working with specialized battery equipment, characterization tools, and modeling resources in a structured, professional setting.

This is a Contract position based out of Raymond, OH.

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $40.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Raymond,OH.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 24, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

Salary : $30 - $40