Manager - Electrolyte

To lead the development, characterization, qualification, and manufacturing implementation of electrolyte systems for Lithium-ion battery cells.

The role will focus on electrolyte formulation, material selection, performance optimization, supplier qualification, process integration, quality control, and troubleshooting to achieve desired cell performance, safety, cycle life, and reliability.

• Lead development and optimization of electrolyte formulations for Lithium-ion battery cells.
• Evaluate electrolyte compositions based on cell chemistry, electrode materials, operating voltage, temperature range, and performance requirements.
• Work with solvents, lithium salts, additives, and functional additives to optimize electrolyte performance.
• Develop formulations to improve:
• Energy density
• Cycle life
• Fast charging capability
• Low/high-temperature performance
• Safety
• Cell impedance
• Calendar life
• Conduct and interpret electrolyte characterization studies.
• Evaluate key properties such as:
• Ionic conductivity
• Viscosity
• Density
• Water/moisture content
• Electrochemical stability
• Thermal stability
• Flash point and safety characteristics
• Establish appropriate testing methods and acceptance criteria.
• Correlate electrolyte properties with cell performance and degradation behaviour.
• Collaborate with Cell R&D, Electrode, Cell Assembly, Formation and Quality teams to integrate electrolyte into cell manufacturing.
• Optimize electrolyte filling quantity and filling process.
• Study electrolyte wetting, soaking, formation and aging behaviour.
• Investigate the impact of electrolyte composition on cell performance and degradation.
• Support development of new cell chemistries and formats.
• Develop and standardize electrolyte preparation, storage, handling, filtration, and filling processes.
• Support scale-up from laboratory formulation to pilot and mass production.
• Establish process parameters, SOPs, work instructions, and control plans.
• Identify opportunities to improve electrolyte utilization, consistency, yield, and manufacturing efficiency.
• Establish quality specifications for incoming electrolyte and critical raw materials.
• Work with Quality and Supplier Quality teams to identify and resolve electrolyte-related issues.
• Conduct Root Cause Analysis (RCA) for cell performance and manufacturing problems related to electrolyte.
• Investigate issues such as:
• Gas generation
• Leakage
• High impedance
• Poor cycle life
• Capacity degradation
• Abnormal formation behaviour
• Moisture contamination
• Implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Work with Procurement and Supplier Quality teams for qualification of electrolyte suppliers.
• Evaluate lithium salts, solvents, additives, and other electrolyte raw materials.
• Review supplier specifications, COA, test reports, and quality standards.
• Participate in supplier audits and technical evaluations.
• Drive cost optimization without compromising cell quality and performance.
• Ensure safe handling, storage, transfer, and disposal of electrolyte and associated chemicals.
• Develop appropriate SOPs and safety procedures for electrolyte handling.
• Ensure compliance with EHS requirements for flammable, hazardous, and chemically reactive materials.
• Coordinate with EHS teams for risk assessments and emergency-response procedures.
• Monitor developments in electrolyte chemistry, additives, and next-generation battery technologies.
• Conduct experiments and DOE to optimize formulations and processes.
• Support development of high-voltage, fast-charging and long-life electrolyte systems.
• Maintain technical reports, experimental data, formulation records, and intellectual property documentation.
• Drive continuous improvement in electrolyte performance, quality, and cost.
• Lead and mentor engineers/scientists working on electrolyte development.
• Coordinate with Cell R&D, Materials, Process Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Procurement and EHS teams.
• Present technical findings and project progress to senior management.
• Manage multiple development and qualification projects simultaneously.