Battery Cell R&D Engineer

About Sparkz

Sparkz is rebuilding one of the most critical foundations of modern civilization: Energy Storage. We are creating a fully US domestic lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery ecosystem spanning materials, cells, and battery energy storage systems to power AI data centers, grid-scale energy storage, defense applications, and industrial infrastructure.

At a time when much of the battery energy storage industry is overbuilt and underperforming, Sparkz is scaling into real demand with real production. We are engineers, operators, and builders working at the intersection of energy, manufacturing, and national resilience.

Position Overview:

We are seeking a detail-oriented and highly skilled Battery Cell R&D Engineer with at least 2 years of technical experience in battery cell technology. You will be responsible for working with the cell fabrication, material synthesis and battery testing teams in day-to-day operations of the laboratory. As one of the team members most involved in lab functions, you will also provide vital feedback to the R&D and Operations teams on improvements to lab protocols and safety procedures.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assemble and test lithium-ion battery cells (coin and pouch) and evaluate the performance of the materials and lithium-ion battery cells.
• Collect and analyze data to achieve the most optimal solution for energy storage research activities
• Ensure that all safety procedures are followed while conducting research
• Report to team members inefficiencies or problems encountered during execution of lab protocols.
• Work with facility managers on repairs and routine maintenance to lab space and equipment.
• Perform inventory evaluations to keep laboratory spaces continuously stocked with chemicals, personal protective equipment, and lab consumables.
• Abide by all laboratory safety protocols and work with R&D team members to promote a culture of lab safety.

Required Qualifications:

• M.S. or Ph.D. preferred
• 2–3 years with battery cells preferably with coin cells and small pouch cell fabrication
• Familiar with gloveboxes, small scale slurry mixing and coating, analysis instruments such as SEM, XRD, Impedance measurement (electrolyte/electrode interface), battery cycler, and Environment, Safety and Health requirement/documentation.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.

Working Conditions:

• Manufacturing and R&D plant environment.
• May require occasional travel to vendor sites or other facilities.
• Use of PPE is required in certain areas of the plant.

About Sparkz Team

Sparkz’s team is lean, high-ownership, and execution-driven. We move quickly, collaborate across departments, and care deeply about outcomes. Manufacturing works hand-in-hand with engineering, operations, and leadership to ensure a quality production system remains on schedule and within budget.

Our Operating Principles

·        First Principles Over Playbooks - We question assumptions and build what’s needed.

·        Ownership Is the Job - We own results, not just effort.

·        Speed with Judgment - Move fast, learn faster, adjust constantly.

·        Strong Opinions, Loosely Held – Clarity matters, ego doesn’t.

·        Mission Matters – Building a domestic energy infrastructure isn’t easy, but it’s worth doing right.

Equal Opportunity Employment

Sparkz is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

Reasonable Accommodation

Sparkz is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in the hiring process. If you require an accommodation to apply or interview for this role, please notify us.

Employment Eligibility & Disclaimer

Employment with Sparkz is at will and contingent upon authorization to work in the United States. This job description does not constitute a contract of employment and may be modified at any time based on business needs.

• All job offers are subject to pre-employment drug screening and a background check since this is a safety sensitive position.
• Unless otherwise noted, we do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.

Email resume and cover letter to HR@sparkz.energy to apply for this role.

Notice to Agencies: We only accept resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or staffing services if a Service Agreement has been signed and we have requested recruitment/staffing services for the specific position. Any unsolicited resumes will become the property of the company, and no fees or compensation will be paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or staffing service.