6K Inc

Process Engineer

6K Energy is a high-tech start-up focused on the application of 6K Inc.’s groundbreaking microwave plasma technology platform, UniMelt®, to develop unique, cutting edge, battery materials such as NMC, LFP, LTO, silicon anode, and more. 6K’s UniMelt plasma technology transforms engineered materials into revolutionary products that advance industries across additive manufacturing, renewable energy, aerospace, and consumer electronics all with sustainability at its core.

6K was recently recognized by Forbes as Best Startup Employer for 2022. We are backed by a world-renowned investor group including Koch Strategic Platforms, Energy Impact Partners, Anzu, Volta Energy Technologies, launch Capital, and Material Impact. 6K has raised more than $350M to date.

We are actively seeking team members who would bring a strong work ethic and personal integrity to our fast-paced dynamic environment and are looking for an opportunity to challenge the boundaries of traditional manufacturing.

 

POSITION OVERVIEW

The company is seeking to hire a Process Engineer with hands-on experience in both bulk powder process and equipment development environments. The successful candidate will own the responsibility of planning the daily operations of multiple UniMelts™ - while developing experimental plans that will optimize and improve powder process conditions for yield, throughput, and product quality.

The Process Engineer will work with product development scientists to refine processes for specific powder products and tailer the operations for new products. The new hire must possess a solid understanding and appreciation for chemical process/hardware interactions and the impact equipment configuration has on process outcomes. The ability to work independently in complex situations with a demonstrated track record of quickly learning new processes, equipment and integration schemes is expected.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ownership of all assigned plasma production equipment UniMelts™ at all levels ensuring operational safety, optimum processing, uptime, and reliability of experimental results.
• Define run schedules, technician assignment, and subsequent material analysis.
• Develop a strong fundamental understanding of the microwave plasma process parameters as applied to battery material synthesis to apply learnings across platforms.
• In coordination with 6K scientists, define experiment parameters, execute experimental plans, and report results.
• Use statistical analysis to assess and report experimental results.
• Develop, plan, and execute process engineering for the development of a broad range of specialty powder materials.
• Operationally focused on improving processes and product quality, yields, cost, and performance.

IDEAL EXPERIENCE:

• Developmental or production experience developing and scaling up specialty powder products.
• Examples of relevant process operations include spray drying, high temperature firing or calcination, spray pyrolysis, pneumatic conveying, milling (wet or dry), sieving, classification, or other powder production process techniques.
• Experience with lithium battery active material development and refinement is a plus.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Masters or bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering
• 2+ years’ experience working on process specifications for product development.
• 2+ years’ experience in materials development preferably with batteries, high-temperature materials, and or metals.
• Statistical Process Control and Design of Experiments background.
• Strong experience and desire to work hands-on with lab and pilot equipment.
• Demonstrated ability to understand processes and the interaction between the material, process, equipment, and the associated impact on product performance.
• Mechanically adept
• Ability to quickly learn new technology and develop processes where standard chemical processes are not immediately applicable.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Knowledge of plasma, microwave, spray drying and/or thermal processing related to materials processing is desirable.
• Six Sigma training is desirable.

Equal Opportunity Employer

At 6K we believe that no one should be discriminated against because of their differences, such as age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, religion, or sexual orientation. Employment decisions are made without regard to age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status or any other basis as protected by federal, state, or local law. We are also committed to providing veteran employment opportunities.