Unit Cell Engineer, R&D

We are at the beginning of a global energy transformation of a scale not seen in generations. A future low-cost, low-carbon electric grid, serving a world that electrifies everything, is within our reach.

The last remaining gap is breaking the link between electricity supply and demand. The lowest-cost, most sustainable sources of energy today come from intermittent renewable generation; but our homes, businesses and industries need electricity at the flick of a switch.

That gap can be closed by energy storage: Devices that store electricity when it is plentiful, then provide power back to the grid when it is needed. Solutions, including ones using lithium-ion batteries, are being deployed in massive numbers to start filling this gap. But so far, none of those solutions have proven the ability to deliver power any time, anywhere, over decades of service: The level of reliability we’ve come to expect, and that the future grid will need.

This is the biggest challenge in energy today. Invinity is at the forefront of finding a solution. And we need you to help us deliver it.

Developed, manufactured and delivered by our teams in Canada and the UK, Invinity’s vanadium flow batteries (or “VFBs”) can be installed anywhere and consistently deliver electricity as needed over a service life exceeding 30 years. Moreover, Invinity’s VFBs are highly recyclable, don’t rely on rare or conflict minerals, and won’t catch fire.

Invinity is a global VFB leader, with over 190 megawatt-hours of its batteries operational or in construction for over 82 projects across 15 countries - more than any other emerging energy storage provider. We’ve deployed the largest flow battery systems in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and the UK. Along the way we’ve earned financial support from the UK Infrastructure Bank, the U.S. Department of Energy, and some of the world’s leading institutional investors.

The unit cell engineer will be responsible for the design and development of electrochemical cell components for flow batteries, focusing on optimizing performance, durability, and cost. This involves selecting materials, creating hardware designs, flow frames, seal interfaces and other unit cell components. It also includes developing novel testing and verification procedures to ensure the unit cell meets performance and reliability goals at the pre product development stage The role bridges the gap between fundamental research and the commercialization of new flow battery unit cell technologies.

Key responsibilities

Develop new unit cell architecture and components, particularly bipolar plate and frame, to improve reliability while reducing cost and complexity.

Develop novel sealing, manufacturing and assembly processes for components and assemblies, e.g. injection moulding, plastic welding, bonding.

Select appropriate materials for components based on their electrochemical and mechanical properties, working with materials and chemistry experts.

Source and verify prototype components, design and build test cells and fixtures, and develop testing methods to evaluate unit cell performance and reliability.

Conduct electrochemical and post-mortem analysis to identify the root causes of cell failures.

Support the transfer of de-risked technology to product development teams according to the technology roadmap.

Use mathematical modeling to understand and improve complex electrochemical and transport phenomena within the cell.

Required skills and knowledge

At least 3 years demonstrated experience in a similar role

A strong understanding of electrochemical cell design and operation.

Knowledge of materials used in energy storage, including polymers, carbon-based materials, and electrolytes.

Experience in low- and high-volume manufacturing methods such as machining, forming, injection moulding, plastic welding.

Expertise in designing and specifying physical components such as bipolar plates, seals, frames.

Familiarity with battery testing, failure analysis, and performance optimization.

Proficiency in CAD software (Onshape preferred) for creating and refining component designs.

Project management experience is desirable.

Eligible to live and work in Canada.

Registered or eligible to register with EGBC as a PEng or EIT.

Invinity Energy Systems is small enough that every team member plays a critical role in our daily business, but large enough to participate in landmark clean energy projects around the world. With its exposure to our most impactful emerging products, this role will be critical in us delivering on those opportunities. If you are great at what you do, willing to engage with our dedicated, collaborative culture, and motivated by taking on and delivering against some of the biggest opportunities in energy today, we’d love to hear from you.