Electrochemical Research Engineer – Leidos – Morgantown, WV

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Leidos has an opening for an Electrochemical Research Engineer to conduct applied research in support of the National Energy Technology Laboratory’s Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC) program. Research efforts will focus primarily on: (1) electrode engineering technology; (2) preparation of SOFC electrode materials; (3) examination of electrode degradation processes; (4) fundamental reaction and transport measurements. Researcher will prepare test specimens, design and conduct experiments, complete literature surveys and generate or support generation of review frameworks and research papers, all the while collaborating in an integrated research team environment.

Primary Responsibilities Include:

• Standardized electrode manufacturing method will be developed by utilizing conventional and advanced ceramic processing methods in conjunction with various team efforts to understand electrode reaction and degradation mechanisms, and to develop degradation models.

• Tailored materials and methods for electrode nano-engineering will be developed at a button cell scale and will also be evaluated at the commercial stack scale to ensure proper performance and sufficient potential to continue development.

• A series of candidate electrocatalyst materials will be selected for insertion into the cathode or anode microstructure to affect an improvement in cell performance, measured by techniques that investigate electrode activity, stability, and degradation. The fundamental characterization of these materials will aid in materials selection and inform the long term SOFC degradation models being developed at NETL.

• Long-duration exposure testing coupled with detailed ex-situ spectroscopy and electron microscopy to examine degradation arising from inherent impurities.

Required Qualifications:

The successful candidate will possess demonstrable skill in conducting laboratory experiments and will possess knowledge and experience in the following:

• Conventional techniques of electrochemical performance testing (e.g. cyclic voltammetry, V-I curve generation, Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy, Ionic Conductivity, and Electrical Conductivity Relaxation)

• Basic ceramic processing such as powder synthesis, tape casting, screen printing, and sintering; and wet chemistry methods.

• Basic understanding of the general principles of fuel cell operation.

• Microstructure analysis with SEM, EDS, AFM, etc., and sample preparation for the analyses.

• Designing and constructing model experiment setup.

• Excellent communication skills, and demonstrable experience completing research in a collaborative/team environment.

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Key Programs and/or Capabilities:

• Antarctic Support Contract (ASC)
• Large Infrastructure
• Mission Support
• Digital Modernization
• Command & Control
• Mission Applications
• Science
• Energy and Environment
• Engineering Services

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We value and support the well-being and mobility of our employees with competitive benefit packages, complementary e-learning training, work-life flexibility, an exciting External Referral Program, and a diverse, inclusive and ethical work place. In fact, in 2020, Leidos was ranked as one of the “World’s Most Ethical Companies” by the Ethisphere Institute for the third consecutive year.