Your New Role

This position is embedded within our lab/pilot-scale battery materials facility, focusing on the synthesis and optimisation of precursor Cathode Active Materials (pCAM) for next-generation lithium-ion batteries.

Role Overview

Reporting to the Chief Technology Officer, the Process Engineer will coordinate and execute lab-scale and pilot-scale work related to pCAM synthesis. You will be responsible for planning, executing, and reporting on co-precipitation and post-processing trials, ensuring adherence to safety, quality, and project timelines.

You will play a key role in supporting ongoing campaigns, troubleshooting process deviations, and ensuring high-quality material production with narrow particle size distribution and target tap density.

Position Responsibilities

Conduct pCAM co-precipitation experiments using CSTRs and batch reactors, including control of pH, free ammonia, and residence time.

Support scale-up activities from lab to pilot scale (10–500 L and above), including real-time process monitoring.

Monitor and optimise critical process parameters: NaOH/TM and NH₃/TM ratios, total TM concentration, PSD (D10, D50 and D90) and tap density.

Prepare and maintain chemical feed solutions (TM sulfates, NaOH, NH₄OH), ensuring stoichiometric accuracy and traceability.

Characterise products using instruments such as Malvern Mastersizer 3000 (PSD), pH meters, photometers, and titration units, and interpret SEM/EDS results.

Coordination with John de Laeter Centre (Curtin University) for SEM Sessions. Ensure pCAM samples are prepared and delivered to JdLC and attend the session. Maintain ongoing communication with JdLC regarding scheduling and billing.

Prepare detailed mass balances, experimental run logs, and summary reports for each batch or campaign.

Assist in calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of laboratory and pilot-scale equipment.

Collaborate with the Chief Technology Officer to refine standard operating procedures (SOPs) and test plans.

Maintain a high standard of housekeeping and chemical hygiene in the pCAM lab.

Participate in process control development and review (PFDs, P&IDs, process logic).

Support HAZOP/HAZID workshops and contribute to risk assessments and chemical safety compliance.

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical, Process, Metallurgical, or Materials Engineering.

Minimum 3 years’ experience in chemical process development or battery materials R&D.

Prior experience with hydroxide/oxide precipitation or hydrometallurgy strongly preferred.

Hands-on experience with laboratory reactors, wet chemical processing, and instrumentation.

Proficient in data analysis, report writing, and using Microsoft Excel/Word; HSC Chemistry or JMP/DoE knowledge is advantageous.