Purpose of the Role
Principal Engineer, Cell Design (Cathode Materials)
Location: Oxford, UK
Function: Cell Technology – Cell Design
Grade: L4
Reports to: Materials Manager (UK), Cell Technology / Cell Development
Join Us in Powering the Future of Energy Storage
Agratas is building one of the world’s most advanced battery technology organisations, and we are looking for a Principal Engineer – Cell Design (Cathode Materials) to play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of lithium‑ion technologies. This is a unique opportunity to influence material strategy, drive innovation and collaborate across a global ecosystem of partners as we scale towards gigafactory production.
If you are passionate about advanced cathode materials, thrive in cross‑functional environments and want to help define the future of sustainable energy storage, we’d love to hear from you.
The Opportunity
As a Principal Engineer specialising in cathode active materials, you will lead the specification, optimisation and strategic management of cathode materials aligned with Agratas’ commercial, performance and sustainability objectives. You will work closely with internal teams—cell design, manufacturing, supplier quality, procurement—as well as global materials suppliers to ensure we deliver world‑class cell technologies into production.
This is a highly influential technical role with broad visibility across the organisation, ideal for a scientist or engineer who combines deep materials expertise with strong cross‑functional leadership.
Key Responsibility Areas
Active Material Selection & Optimisation
• Lead market surveys, materials screening and parameter optimisation for cathode active materials (NMC, NCA, LFP, etc).
• Engage with Tier 1 and emerging suppliers to align on material characteristics, performance requirements and commercial objectives.
• Act as subject matter expert on structure–property relationships to support material optimisation.
Material Characterisation & Testing
• Define analytical tools and methods (SEM, XRD, PSD, EIS, cycling, dq/dv) to characterise cathode materials.
• Develop and deploy novel analytical techniques to support material down‑selection and quality control.
• Support the implementation of robust quality tools and methods.
Formulation & Interface Support
• Provide technical input to electrode design teams on binder, conductive additive and formulation choices.
• Support electrolyte development by identifying material sensitivities and enabling compatible solvent/additive chemistries.
Supply Chain & Supplier Quality Support
• Partner with procurement and supplier quality to define material specifications and analytical requirements.
• Support supplier audits, DFMEA activities and specification management.
Production & Process Support
• Advise manufacturing teams on optimal materials handling, formulation and processing conditions.
• Ensure material choices are compatible with high‑volume production and sustainability targets.
Cross‑Functional Collaboration & Reporting
• Work closely with cell design, procurement, supplier quality and manufacturing to meet programme milestones.
• Own materials specifications and provide regular updates to stakeholders.
Job Context
About You – Knowledge, Skills & Experience
• Deep expertise in cathode active materials (NMC, NCA, LFP, etc), including structure–property relationships, synthesis routes and electrochemical behaviour.
• Strong proficiency in materials and electrochemical characterisation techniques (SEM, XRD, PSD, cycling, EIS, dq/dv).
• Awareness of global cathode material suppliers and emerging market trends.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills, with experience optimising formulations for performance and manufacturability.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively across R&D, manufacturing, procurement and supplier quality.
• Commitment to continuous learning and staying at the forefront of battery materials innovation.
Qualifications
• Degree or PhD in Electrochemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
• Experience in battery materials development, cell design or industrialisation is essential.
Why Agratas?
At Agratas, you’ll join a fast‑growing, mission‑driven organisation shaping the future of sustainable energy storage. You’ll work alongside world‑class scientists and engineers, influence major technology decisions and contribute to the development of next‑generation battery technologies at scale.
