Materials Scientist, Quantum Energy Systems

Company Overview: 

Pronoia Energy is a pioneering deep tech startup at the forefront of quantum energy storage innovation. As a lean, mission-driven team, we thrive on rapid prototyping, cross-disciplinary collaboration and solving complex engineering challenges to turn quantum physics into practical, scalable products.

Our current focus is on developing our groundbreaking room-temperature macroscopic quantum energy storage technology that promises orders of magnitude greater energy density, faster charging, and higher power delivery compared to existing battery technology. This represents a paradigm shift in energy storage with applications spanning consumer electronics, electric vehicles, renewable grids, and beyond. 

Role Summary: 

We are seeking a Lead Materials Scientist, Quantum Energy Systems to oversee comprehensive material analysis, providing essential insights that advance our initiatives and facilitate effective scaling into production. 

In this hands-on role, you will delve into the properties of advanced materials, employing sophisticated techniques to reveal attributes that guide our strategic priorities and enhance operational outcomes within a focused startup context. You will operate as part of a streamlined team dedicated to precise execution, practical implementation, and the progression from prototypes to U.S.-based manufacturing at scale.

This opportunity is well-suited for a proactive specialist who excels in resolving intricate issues, adapts innovatively to evolving demands, and is committed to high-impact contributions. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Direct characterization efforts to investigate material behaviors in complex quantum energy systems.
• Conduct thorough assessments of critical attributes to inform refinements and production preparedness.
• Develop and apply testing protocols to evaluate performance metrics, such as energy handling, power attributes, cycle endurance, and robustness across diverse conditions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams in engineering and manufacturing to transform analytical findings into actionable approaches for optimized, U.S.-centric scaling and production integration.
• Utilize state-of-the-art instrumentation (e.g., spectroscopy, microscopy, electrochemical methods) to pinpoint opportunities and address sophisticated challenges.
• Remain informed on advancements in materials science and analytical methodologies to sustain our competitive positioning and support our market trajectory.
• Generate detailed documentation, contribute to intellectual property development (e.g., patents), and communicate results to shape organizational decisions. Technical presentations to management, the technical team,and the investor community.

Required Qualifications: 

• Record of success managing a laboratory team creating and innovating new technologies and products.
• 5+ years of practical experience in materials characterization, ideally in quantum-oriented or high-technology domains.
• Bachelor’s Degree and/or Master’s Degree in Materials Science or related field
• Proficiency in specialized methodologies (i.e. Photoluminescence, transient absorption, DSC, XRD, UV-Vis, photoelectron spectroscopy, TEM, AFM, Impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry and FTIR, NMR)
• Expertise in laboratory equipment, data analysis platforms (e.g., MATLAB, Python), and modeling for intricate phenomena.
• Established record of success in demanding, fast-paced settings, with demonstrated expertise in converting insights into meaningful progress and enabling efficient transitions to production.
• Acute analytical abilities, strong communication skills, and a dedication to innovation centered in the United States.

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, or a related discipline
• Knowledge of energy technologies, experience with patent filings, or expertise in transitioning laboratory findings to production environments.

What We Offer:

• Chance to solve one of the world's biggest engineering challenges and pioneer quantum energy storage.
• Competitive salary, equity in a transformative startup, and performance-based incentives.
• Access to cutting-edge labs, tools, and resources in a flexible, collaborative work environment.
• Comprehensive benefits: health insurance, unlimited PTO, professional development stipend, and relocation assistance if needed.
• A culture of innovation where your leadership will accelerate our path to market impact.

If you're excited to tackle this real-world quantum engineering problem and build the battery of the future, apply with your resume and a cover letter detailing relevant projects.