Purpose of the Role
Cell Design Engineer – Cell Design
Location: Milton Park, Oxfordshire, UK
Function: Cell Technology / Cell Design
Power the Future of Clean Energy with Agratas
Agratas is building one of the world’s most advanced EV battery businesses — designed from the ground up to accelerate the transition to sustainable mobility. Our Cell R&D teams are pioneering next‑generation lithium‑ion technologies, and we’re now looking for a Senior Cell Design Engineer to help shape the future of high‑performance, scalable, and safe battery cells.
If you’re driven by innovation, thrive in a fast‑moving R&D environment, and want to make a real impact on global electrification, this is your opportunity to join a team that’s redefining what’s possible.
The Opportunity
As a Cell Design Engineer, you will play a critical role in the design, development, and optimisation of lithium‑ion battery cells. You’ll take part in technical investigations, guide materials and architecture decisions, and collaborate closely with R&D and process engineering teams to transition designs from concept to prototype and beyond.
This is a hands‑on, high‑impact role — ideal for someone who combines technical expertise with strong cross‑functional collaboration skills.
Key Responsibility Areas
What You’ll Be Doing
Cell Design & Development
• Develop and execute test plans to optimise cell design across anode, cathode, separator, and electrolyte systems.
• Drive improvements in performance, energy density, cycle life, and safety.
Materials Selection
• Evaluate and select active materials, binders, and electrolytes based on performance, cost, and manufacturability.
• Act as a subject matter expert in vendor discussions and materials assessments.
Prototype Scale‑Up
• Work with process engineers to transition designs from lab‑scale to pilot‑scale manufacturing.
• Create and release materials and assembly specifications.
• Lead cross‑functional design reviews and present go/no‑go recommendations.
Design for Manufacturability
• Integrate DFM principles to ensure scalability, yield, and cost‑efficiency in future production environments.
Innovation & Problem‑Solving
• Identify and implement innovative solutions to enhance cell performance and reliability.
• Lead root‑cause investigations and drive continuous improvement.
Job Context
What You Bring
Battery Cell Design Expertise
• Deep understanding of Li‑ion chemistry, cell architecture, and electrochemical behaviour.
• Experience deriving and validating requirements from module, pack, or vehicle‑level systems.
• Strong customer‑facing communication as a cell design SME.
Product Development Experience
• Familiarity with APQP milestones and DFMEA processes.
• Experience developing material and assembly specifications.
• Skilled in statistical methods and experimental design.
Materials Science Knowledge
• Hands‑on experience selecting and evaluating materials for energy storage applications.
• Proficiency with characterisation tools such as SEM, XRD, DSC, etc.
• Specialised experience with silicon anodes, high‑Ni oxides, or LFP is highly desirable.
Electrochemical Testing
• Expertise in GITT, EIS, HPPC, CV, dQ/dV and related techniques.
• Strong troubleshooting skills for performance deviations.
Prototyping & Scale‑Up
• Proven experience transitioning designs from concept to prototype and supporting manufacturability.
Analytical Thinking
• Strong data analysis, modelling, and root‑cause failure analysis capability.
• Ability to make sound technical decisions under tight timelines.
Collaboration & Leadership
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Experience leading small technical teams and mentoring engineers.
Why Join Agratas?
You’ll be part of a mission‑driven organisation building the next generation of sustainable battery technology. You’ll work with world‑class scientists and engineers, shape breakthrough innovations, and contribute directly to a cleaner, electrified future.
