Context for the role
- Superdielectrics Limited set out in 2013 to develop biocompatible, electrically conducting hydrophilic polymers which had the potential to be used in Bioelectronics.
- During their research and development programme, they noted that their materials exhibited very unusual electrical properties.
- Following independent research by the Bristol University Electrochemistry group, it was found that when tested in devices with simple carbon electrodes, the devices were characterised by geometrical capacitances three or four orders of magnitude larger than the geometrical capacitances of carbon electrodes in conventional electrolyte solutions.
- These outstanding electrochemical properties could be exploited in the development of high energy density supercapacitors.
- The company’s goal is to develop high energy density, low cost, low environmental impact electrical energy storage devices that will help create a clean and sustainable global energy and transportation system.
Objectives of the role
The Mechanical Engineer role will:
- Focus on improving key aspects of the mechanical design of battery cell, and pack / stack.
- A key area of work will be on managing fluids within the cells / stack.
- Lead the validation of new technology from the Research team, its scale-up and implementation into new prototypes.
- Identify development opportunities and find creative solutions to improve a prototype’s KPI’s.
- Generate new prototype concepts and carry out experimental activity to support their development.
- Assist in managing the interface between the Research and Prototype Development team.
- Consider long term manufacturing strategies for Superdielectrics technology with respect to potential future commercial applications and products.
Dimensions of the role
- Individual contributor.
Key Activities & Responsibilities
- Provide development expertise within a multi-disciplinary development team.
- Provide fluid management design expertise.
- Liaise with, and effectively support, Research scientists engaged in polymer and electrochemistry research.
- Contributing to various R&D programs across the company.
- Contributing to and supporting the Chesterford Research Park HSE culture.
Key Relationships & Interfaces
Internal
- Product development group lead
- Head of R&D
- Director of Research and Development
- Research Group Leader and wider Research Team
- CEO
- Management team and colleagues
External
- Suppliers
- Other external influencers as appropriate
Person Specification
- Mechanical engineering, Bachelors or Masters, degree essential.
- 3-5 years mechanical engineering experience.
- Previous experience in designing systems to manage fluid flow essential.
- Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) experience desirable.
- Experience with the design of battery cells, pack, supercapacitors, fuel cell stacks, electrolysers or other energy storage and conversion technologies highly desirable.
- Demonstratable hands-on engineering skillset coupled with a technical capability to understand chemical systems and processes.
- An innovator.
- Experience of process development and optimisation, with a focus on pilot line manufacturing.
- Experience in scaling up technology and increasing TRL.
- Project management knowledge, managing multiple objectives and maintaining stakeholder alignment.
- Great teamwork and communication skills.
- Desire to work in a dynamic start-up R&D environment with early-stage technology.