Verkor is a French industrial company aiming to pioneer low-carbon battery manufacturing in France. With the backing of prominent industrial companies such as Renault Group, Plastic Omnium and Schneider Electric, Verkor intends to electrify the future of European mobility. With over 1100 experts from 53 different countries, our endeavor is to unite exceptional global talent to bring this ambitious and innovative project to life. Our strong and agile international team continues to grow and adapt to new challenges. Based in Grenoble and Dunkirk (France), we have started operations our Verkor Innovation Centre (R&D centre and 4.0 pilot line) which is now fully running and operational. We now focus on enabling the successful start of production of our Gigafactory in Dunkirk (France). With this facility, our ambition is to ramp-up mass production of low carbon lithium ion batteries to facilitate the decarbonization of European mobility.
Description of the role :
- Develop physics-based mathematical models for Li-ion battery cell degradation (SEI growth, CEI, particle/electrode cracking, ...)
- Implement models in COMSOL, PyBaMM, 3D Experience and other available tools and perform life estimation studies under different load conditions (drive cycles, CCCV cycling, charge protocol, …)
- Develop tools and techniques (experimental and modeling) for the physicochemical characterization of degradation mechanisms (SEI, CEI, electrolyte, …) and construct material database
- Develop, implement, and run data-driven models for cell degradation and life estimation
- Perform DOEs and run experiments in close collaboration with battery scientists and test engineers, for aging analysis, model parametrization and validation
- Construct advanced studies, perform data analyses, run simulations, and deliver study results, providing support to Product Development Team from early days to final stages of production
- Review literature for state-of-the-art understanding of complex aging mechanisms in Li-ion cells
- Work closely with cell development leaders to meet requirements of different projects according to project timelines
- Lead technical investigations, perform diagnostic analysis and prepare progress updates; participate in creating design review dossiers
- Take initiative for intellectual property development
Responsibilities :
- Regular review of the state-of-the-art concepts, tools, methodologies, and technologies (experimental and simulation) and construct roadmap of activities
- Ensure traceability and reliability of simulation results, methods and experimental data
- Ensure best-practice mathematical modeling and numerical simulations
- Ensure timely delivery of case-study results according to product dev timeline
- Undertake preparation of technical notes, standards and work instructions on tools, methods and studies
Requirements :
- PhD in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering
- Specialized knowledge in electrochemical engineering, Li-ion batteries, and their degradation mechanisms
- Experience in physics-based modeling of Li-ion battery degradation (3+ years preferred)
- Experience in data-driven modeling and ML is a plus
- Strong background in data analysis and mathematical modeling
- Proficiency in scientific coding (Matlab/Python)
- Proficiency in simulation tools (3D Experience, ANSYS, COMSOL, PyBaMM, ...)
- Experience in hands-on lab activities (cell assembly, testing, …)
- Experience in project management
- English: proficient / French is a plus
