What are the responsibilities and job description for the Powder Production Technician position at Stratus Materials Inc.?
Date: Spring 2026
Role: Powder Production Technician
Reports to: Operations
The Company: Located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Stratus Materials is an early-stage, technology-based company focused on the development and manufacture of advanced cathode active materials for the lithium-ion battery industry. Our primary focus is on advanced electric vehicle batteries, but our materials will also be applicable and very attractive for virtually all other end-user applications using lithium-ion batteries. In 2023, the company began sampling its cathode powders to a broad range of potential customers and partners. If you are interested in a dynamic, high-growth opportunity where you can dig in and make a difference, we look forward to meeting you.
Summary of Position: The Powder Production Technician at Stratus Materials is directly responsible for executing the synthesis of powder battery materials utilizing a wide range of operating procedures and equipment as well as the general maintenance of the equipment. This role must exercise attention to detail and rigorous record keeping throughout all daily duties. This role will work closely with material scientists, process and test engineers to develop world class energy storage materials, which requires strong verbal and written communication skills.
Responsibilities
- Process Operation: Set up, operate and monitor process steps on laboratory to pilot-scale materials processing lines following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and internal protocols. This includes equipment like mixers and furnaces as well as basic analytical equipment including balances, pH, and temperature monitoring devices
- Data and Quality Management: Follow Good Manufacturing Processes (GMPs), monitor process and analytical data and record results in the quality system
- Material Handling: Package, label and store samples to ensure personnel safety and sample integrity
- Troubleshooting and Improvement: Know the manufacturing process in great detail with the ability to provide feedback and observations to assist with troubleshooting at an appropriate level. Apply lean manufacturing principles to eliminate efficiency wastes
- Equipment Maintenance: Perform regular inspections, cleaning and request maintenance for equipment to ensure optimal functionality.
- Cross Functional Collaboration: Under Operations, work with the Quality and Research and Development teams to execute controlled production and experimental tasks
- Safety Advocacy: Be a champion for safety in daily operations and the development of new manufacturing processes
Requirements – Education, Experience, and Skills:
- At least 1 year of technician experience in a materials fabrication environment
- Ability to focus on tasks at hand and to reliably repeat those tasks
- Ability to handle multiple, competing priorities in a continuously changing environment
- Experience operating industrial manufacturing and laboratory equipment
- Appreciation for and adherence to lab and work safety policies
- Proficiency in word processing, spreadsheet, and graphical user interface (GUI) software
- General mechanical knowledge and the use of basic hand tools is a plus
Requirements – Geographic and Physical:
- Located in Pittsburgh, PA
- Able to frequently move about an office and operational environment
- Occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds, maneuvering about production equipment and ascending/descending of stairs
Along with an exceptional culture and an opportunity to make a global difference, Stratus Materials offers a competitive compensation and benefits package as well as an entrepreneurial environment and the opportunity for phenomenal professional growth and development. Founded in early 2022 by a team including Dr. Jay Whitacre of Carnegie Mellon University, the company is an Equal Opportunity Employer.