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Facility:  1390
Description: 

Purpose of the Role

Principal Cell Design Engineer – Cell Design

Location: Oxford, UK
Department: Cell Technology / Cell Design
Line Management: Yes (4 direct reports)
Reporting To: Cell Design Manager – Cell Technology / Cell Development


Help Us Power a Sustainable Future

At Agratas, Tata Group’s global battery business, we’re on a mission to design and manufacture next-generation lithium-ion batteries to accelerate the shift to electric mobility and clean energy storage. We’re building a team of the brightest minds in battery technology – and we’re looking for a Senior Cell Design Engineer to lead innovation in lithium-ion cell development.

 

The Opportunity

As a Senior Cell Design Engineer, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping the design and development of advanced Li-ion battery cells. You will focus on optimising performance, safety, and scalability by driving innovation in cell architecture, materials selection, and electrochemical performance. You will also lead a small team of engineers and collaborate cross-functionally with R&D, Process Engineering, and Manufacturing teams in a fast-paced prototype environment.

 

Key Responsibility Areas

Cell Design & Development

  • Develop and execute test plans to optimise anode, cathode, separator, and electrolyte design

  • Align designs with performance, energy density, safety, and lifecycle targets

 

Materials Selection

  • Evaluate and select active materials, binders, and electrolytes based on electrochemical properties and scalability

  • Act as SME in vendor engagements

 

Prototype Scale-Up

  • Transition lab-scale designs to pilot-scale production

  • Develop material and assembly specifications; lead cross-functional design reviews

 

Design for Manufacturability (DFM)

  • Integrate design strategies to enhance large-scale manufacturability, yield, and cost efficiency

 

Innovation & Problem Solving

  • Drive continuous improvement and innovation in performance, safety, and cell architecture

 

Leadership & Mentorship

  • Lead and mentor a team of four engineers

  • Foster strong relationships across technical teams and stakeholders

Job Context

Required Skills & Experience:

  • PhD (preferred) or advanced degree in Materials Science, Electrochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or similar

  • Deep understanding of Li-ion cell chemistry, architecture, and electrochemical principles

  • Expertise in electrochemical testing techniques: GITT, EIS, HPPC, CV, dQ/dV, etc.

  • Proven experience designing and scaling cell prototypes from concept to pilot line

  • Strong background in material selection and hands-on characterisation (SEM, XRD, DSC)

  • Familiarity with APQP milestones, DFMEA participation, and statistical experimental planning

  • Ability to derive and validate cell-level requirements from pack/system level

  • Strong analytical thinking and structured problem-solving skills

  • Experience in customer-facing technical roles as a subject matter expert

 

Desired Specialisations:

  • Experience with high-Ni cathodes, silicon anodes, or LFP chemistries

  • Proficiency in root cause failure analysis and contingency planning under tight timelines

  • Familiarity with PLM systems and design review tools

 

Why Agratas?

At Agratas, you'll help develop transformative energy technologies in a culture that values technical excellence, collaboration, and innovation. You’ll enjoy:

The chance to shape one of the UK’s most exciting clean energy initiatives
Working alongside world-class experts in a purpose-driven environment
A commitment to personal and professional development
An inclusive, mission-led team focused on delivering real impact

 

Interested in building the batteries of tomorrow?
Apply today or reach out to our recruitment team to find out more.

Apply now »