Materials Development Specialist

About Exide Energy Solutions Ltd

Exide Energy Solutions Ltd is a pioneering company specializing in advanced energy storage solutions, primarily focusing on the design and production of lithium-ion battery cells suited for electric mobility and stationary energy storage. Operating with a strong commitment to indigenous manufacturing, the company is establishing its cell production capabilities in Bangalore, India. Emphasizing technology localization, robust supply chains, and cost efficiency, Exide is heavily investing in materials research and development, supplier development, and manufacturing at gigafactory scale to deliver high-quality, safe, and sustainable battery products that support India's clean energy transition by minimizing import reliance.

Role Summary

The position involves directing the complete lithium battery materials strategy lifecycle including material development, localization efforts, laboratory capability building, supplier ecosystem development, and scale-up initiatives. The goal is to enable manufacturing of batteries that are high-performing, cost-efficient, and sustainable.

Key Responsibilities

• Formulate and implement a materials localization strategy focused on India aligned with government programs such as the ACC Battery PLI scheme and Make in India initiative, targeting cost reduction, supply security, and environmental-social-governance (ESG) goals.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams in Procurement, Finance, Legal, and Project Management to define localized value addition percentages for cathode, anode, electrolyte, separator, and additives, and ensure compliance with PLI incentive requirements including documentation and audits.
• Oversee supplier qualification processes including APQP, PPAP, and pilot cell validations to ensure local materials meet stringent specifications and reduce geopolitical and supply risks through effective sourcing strategies.
• Lead development, qualification, and scale-up of battery materials such as cathodes, anodes, electrolytes, binders, and additives, establishing detailed material specifications and validation protocols from lab to mass production.
• Design and expand R&D and material characterization laboratories, planning layouts, equipment acquisition, and capability building encompassing powder synthesis, electrode fabrication, cell assembly, electrochemical testing, and failure analysis while maintaining strict lab safety and compliance standards.
• Analyze the impact of material properties on cell performance, safety, and longevity by executing root cause analyses, failure mode evaluations, and degradation studies to support enhancements in energy density, cycle life, and charging speed.
• Assist manufacturing scale-up by troubleshooting material-related quality and yield challenges during processes like coating and formation, supporting GWh scale ramp-ups, continuous improvements, and managing engineering change notifications (ECNs).
• Steer the technology roadmap focusing on innovative materials such as next-generation cathodes, silicon-enhanced anodes, solid-state electrolytes, and sodium-ion technologies while monitoring global trends and managing patent and intellectual property strategies.
• Provide leadership and mentorship within the materials team, foster cross-functional collaboration with Process, Cell Design, Quality, EHS, and Project Management groups, and represent the materials division in interactions with customers, partners, and senior management.

Eligibility and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (BE/B.Tech) in Materials Science, Electrochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 7 years of professional experience specializing in lithium battery materials and cell manufacturing.
• Proven practical experience in laboratory setup, material supplier localization, and scaling production processes.