Battery Research Scientist at Forge Nano in Thornton, CO

Position:

Battery Research Scientist

Summary

Forge Nano Inc, a fast-growing materials company with a focus on manufacturing nano-scale coatings across a wide range of markets including lithium-ion batteries. We are seeking a Battery Research Scientist to join our R&D laboratory and drive development of commercial lithium-ion battery products. This is a highly applied role, focused on materials vetting, customer-driven joint development, and execution of funded battery research programs. This role should expect to spend at least 50% time in a laboratory environment with the goal of translating experimental results into product decisions. The Battery Scientist position will need to work collaboratively with other Scientists and Technicians and will report to the Principal Battery Scientist and the VP of Energy Storage.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Identify, test and vet new battery materials (e.g. cathodes, anodes, electrolytes, additives) for use in lithium-ion products.
• Design and execute experiments to evaluate electrochemical performance, lifetime, safety, and degradation
• Build and test laboratory-scale cells (coin, pouch, or similar) to support material down‑selection
• Generate data and technical assessments that inform product development and material selection decisions
• Partner with cell design team and prototyping team to assess scalability and integration risk
• Act as a technical contributor on Joint Development Agreements (JDAs) with customers and strategic partners
• Translate customer requirements into structured experimental plans, timelines, and deliverables
• Present technical findings, experimental results, and progress updates to customer stakeholders
• Ensure customer development activities align with internal product roadmaps and priorities
• Execute externally funded battery research programs (e.g., grants)
• Support milestone execution, technical reporting, and data generation required for grant deliverables
• Provide technical input to grant proposals, including feasibility studies and experimental plans
• Coordinate grant activities with internal development efforts to maximize product relevance

Qualifications:

• PhD, MS, or BS in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Electrochemistry, or a related field
• For MS or BS candidates: 2+ years of hands‑on experience working with lithium-ion batteries or battery materials
• Practical experience building and testing lithium‑ion cells
• Familiarity with standard battery characterization methods (e.g., cycling, rate capability, EIS, CV)
• Strong experimental design, data analysis, and documentation skills
• Ability to communicate technical results clearly to both internal and external stakeholders

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in an industrial, startup, or product-focused R&D environment
• Exposure to customer-facing technical roles or collaborative development programs
• Experience executing or contributing to grant-funded R&D projects
• Understanding of battery manufacturing processes or scale-up considerations
• Familiarity with failure analysis, aging mechanisms, or post-mortem techniques

Work Environment

Work is carried out in a wet chemical laboratory within a larger production facility. Employees in this role routinely handle hazardous chemicals and appropriate PPE must be donned at all times including gloves, eye protection and lab coats. An employee in this position works in an environment in which safety, environmental and health concerns may demand constant attention. Strict adherence to corporate and/or plant policies, rules and regulations in these areas is required. 

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an

employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands and fingers to handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.  At times, a respirator is required personal protective equipment to mitigate inhalation hazards. Employees are required to undertake and pass a respirator medical evaluation and annual respirator fit test.

The employee occasionally will work near moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the work environment is moderate. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform job functions.

Compensation: 

$80k - 115k DOE.  Medical/dental/vision/disability and life insurance, holidays, PTO, Flexible Spending Account, potential for an annual cash Bonus and 401(k) plan with employer match

Forge Nano is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.