Part-Time Principal Investigator (PI)
Army SBIR Phase I – Li-ion 6T Battery Thermal Runaway Mitigation
Position Type: Part-Time (SBIR Phase I, ~6 months)
Location: Flexible / Hybrid (laboratory coordination required)
Clearance: Not required for Phase I
Citizenship: U.S. Citizen
Work contingent on winning award. Start date expected Spring 2026.
Position Overview
The Principal Investigator (PI) will lead a federally funded Army SBIR Phase I research effort focused on improving the safety of MIL-PRF-32565 Li-ion 6T batteries through the development of advanced composite materials for thermal runaway mitigation. The work directly supports Army modernization priorities in advanced materials, energy storage safety, and battlefield reliability, with clear transition pathways to Phase II and Phase III.
The PI will be responsible for the scientific leadership, technical direction, and execution oversight of a feasibility study that evaluates composite materials capable of (1) absorbing heat during early thermal runaway, (2) suppressing flame and gas diffusion through crust-forming behavior, and (3) generating inert gases to dilute flammable decomposition products. The research must demonstrate technical feasibility without altering battery cell chemistry or compromising MIL-PRF-32565 performance requirements.
This role requires hands-on engagement with materials selection, thermal analysis, compatibility testing, and laboratory-scale thermal runaway experimentation, as well as coordination with academic and laboratory personnel executing day-to-day testing. The PI will also guide data interpretation, milestone execution, and preparation of Army-facing technical deliverables supporting Phase II transition.
As part of this engagement, the PI will contribute directly to the preparation and refinement of the SBIR Phase I proposal, including technical narrative development, work plan definition, and alignment with CBD254-011 topic objectives. Employment and funded work under this role are contingent upon successful award of the SBIR contract and receipt of government authorization to proceed.
Key Responsibilities
- Serve as Principal Investigator for an Army SBIR Phase I program addressing Li-ion 6T battery thermal runaway mitigation.
- Provide technical leadership across literature review, material down-selection, thermal characterization, and controlled thermal runaway testing.
- Oversee development of binary or tertiary composite materials incorporating phase-change, crust-forming, and inert gas-generating functions.
- Ensure technical alignment with MIL-PRF-32565 constraints and Army operational environments.
- Guide experimental design using DSC, TGA, laser flash analysis, and thermal imaging/video diagnostics.
- Supervise and coordinate with supporting researchers, graduate students, and laboratory facilities.
- Lead preparation of SBIR technical reports, data packages, and Phase II transition documentation.
- Support commercialization and dual-use positioning for military and commercial battery safety applications.
Required Qualifications
- PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related field.
- Demonstrated expertise in thermal sciences, materials engineering, combustion, energetic materials, or battery safety.
- Experience with thermal analysis techniques (e.g., DSC, TGA, laser flash analysis).
- Prior leadership of federally funded R&D (SBIR/STTR, DoD, DOE, or equivalent).
- Ability to direct experimental research and interpret complex thermal and materials data.
- Strong technical writing skills for government research reporting.
Desired Qualifications
- Prior experience with lithium-ion batteries, thermal runaway, or fire suppression materials.
- Familiarity with MIL-PRF standards, especially MIL-PRF-32565 or related defense battery specifications.
- Experience in composite material formulation or phase-change materials.
- Background in combustion, energetic materials, or fire dynamics.
- Experience supporting SBIR Phase II transition or commercialization planning.
- Academic or national-laboratory research background with access to relevant test infrastructure.
Time Commitment & Compensation
- 6-month project expected to begin Spring 26
- Part-time effort consistent with SBIR Phase I requirements
- Competitive compensation commensurate with qualifications and SBIR budget constraints.
Equal Opportunity Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our research workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.
