Principal Scientist
5 hours ago
Stockton-on-Tees
Principal Scientist / Engineer – Battery MaterialsPermanent | Sedgefield | £49,045 – £65,045 About the Role We are seeking a Principal Scientist / Engineer to join a growing technology team focused on battery materials, process development, and scale-up activities. This is a senior technical leadership role that combines scientific expertise, project delivery, customer engagement, and capability development. Youll act as a recognised subject matter expert, leading complex technical programmes while helping shape future technology strategy and developing capability across the wider team. The role would suit either:A Principal Scientist with experience operating and developing pilot-scale processes and equipment, orA Principal Engineer with strong industrial experience in battery materials, scale-up, commissioning, and process delivery. Beyond technical expertise, were looking for someone who can lead projects, influence stakeholders, and potentially develop into a people leadership role as the team continues to grow. What Youll Be Responsible For: Technical LeadershipAct as a recognised expert in battery materials and associated technologiesProvide technical leadership across large-scale and complex R&D programmesTranslate technical insight into practical solutions and future technology opportunitiesSupport the development of technology strategy and future capability plans Project Delivery & Scale-UpLead complex technical projects from concept through to deliveryOversee pilot-scale activities and process development programmesSupport commissioning, operation, and optimisation of pilot equipment and development facilitiesApply technical expertise to solve challenging real-world engineering and scientific problems Innovation & Capability DevelopmentIdentify emerging technical developments and market opportunitiesSupport the creation of new technologies, services, and applicationsDrive capability building within battery materials and energy storage technologiesMentor and develop colleagues across the team and wider organisation Customer & Stakeholder EngagementBuild and maintain relationships with customers, partners, and industry stakeholdersRepresent the organisation externally as a technical expertSupport customer meetings, collaborative projects, and business development opportunitiesActively contribute to proposal development and technical bid activities Collaboration & LeadershipWork closely with commercial, technical, and project management teamsInfluence technical direction across multidisciplinary programmesContribute to knowledge sharing and capability development across the organisationSupport future team growth and, for the right candidate, develop towards broader people leadership responsibilities About You:You are a senior scientist or engineer with strong technical expertise and the ability to lead complex projects in industrial, pilot-scale, or technology development environments. Youll bring:Significant industrial experience in battery materials, advanced materials, process development, or related technologiesExperience leading complex technical projects and multidisciplinary activitiesStrong problem-solving skills and the ability to deliver innovative solutionsExperience working in pilot-scale, scale-up, commissioning, or development environmentsExcellent stakeholder management and communication skillsThe ability to influence and build relationships across technical and commercial teams For Principal Scientists:Experience operating or developing pilot-scale processes and equipmentStrong scientific understanding of battery materials, inorganic chemistry, or related fieldsFor Principal Engineers:Experience commissioning, operating, and improving pilot or production equipmentStrong understanding of process engineering and industrial scale-up activities Desirable ExperienceBattery materials developmentInorganic chemistryElectrochemistryBattery recycling technologiesPilot plant operationsBattery tear-down and failure analysisTechnology scale-up and commercialisationChartered status or progression towards professional accreditation Why Join Us?Opportunity to play a key role in the development of next-generation battery technologiesInfluence future capability and technology strategyLead high-profile projects with commercial and industrial impactWork within a collaborative, innovation-focused environmentCompetitive salary (£49,045 – £65,045) Location & Working PatternBased in SedgefieldPermanent positionHybrid working available depending on project requirementsFrequent engagement with pilot facilities, project teams, and industry partners The OpportunityThis is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Scientist or Engineer looking to step into a highly influential technical leadership position. Youll work at the intersection of innovation, scale-up, and commercialisation, helping develop new battery technologies while shaping future capability and mentoring the next generation of technical specialists.