Argonne

Research Engineer II – Electrochemical Systems (TEA)

Lemont, IL USA Full time

The Engineer develops and applies modeling, analysis, and conceptual process designs for electrochemical energy storage systems and related chemical processes. This role builds physics-based electrochemical, process, and plant-scale models and integrates them with techno-economic analysis (TEA) to guide R&D priorities, evaluate scale-up pathways, and inform programmatic decisions. The engineer communicates results to internal teams and external sponsors, translating modeling insights into actionable technology development strategies.

The position emphasizes development and expansion of modeling tools to support sponsor needs, enhancement of existing model capabilities, and creation of new tools applicable to emerging energy storage pathways. The engineer works closely with collaborators across materials science, chemistry, mechanical/electrical engineering, and data science, connecting modeling efforts to experimental data generation and economic decision-making.

The role also includes project leadership responsibilities, contribution to proposal concepts, and formation of teams to pursue new funding opportunities aligned with Argonne’s mission.

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop, validate, and deploy physics-based electrochemical, chemical process, and plant models for energy storage technologies

  • Conduct integrated TEA grounded in process models to quantify cost, performance, uncertainty, and R&D impact

  • Integrate electrochemical, thermal, and mechanical sub models to support design decisions and scale-up assessments

  • Expand and maintain modeling frameworks, including linkages between tools and integration with web-based platforms as needed

  • Define technical problems and modeling strategies in collaboration with experimental and engineering partners; identify data needs and relevant experimental methods

  • Deliver project milestones on schedule; document methods, assumptions, and results

  • Present technical progress and findings to peers, sponsors, and stakeholders; support technology development roadmaps

  • Provide project leadership, manage ongoing workstreams, and contribute to proposal development by identifying opportunities, shaping concepts, and building teams

Position Requirements

  • Demonstrated experience modeling electrochemical and chemical processes for energy storage, including coupled electrochemical/thermal/mechanical modeling to inform design and scale-up

  • Strong software and computing skills to connect models, automate workflows, and interface with web-based tools

  • Proven ability to build production-quality process models for existing and novel processes and to conduct TEA based on those models

  • Track record of identifying new research directions, developing competitive proposal ideas, and building productive relationships with DOE sponsors and/or industry partners

  • Excellent collaboration and communication skills across diverse, multi-institution teams

  • Proficiency with process modeling and TEA tools, Microsoft Excel, Python, and scientific programming

  • Ability to model Argonne’s core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork

RD2: Bachelors and 5+ years of experience, Masters and 3+ years, or PhD and 0+ years, or equivalent

Job Family

Research Development (RD)

Job Profile

Chemical Engineering 2

Worker Type

Regular

Time Type

Full time

The expected hiring range for this position is $94,486.00 - $147,398.94.

Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as, but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs. Additionally, comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package.

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