Application Guide
How to Apply for Product Development Intern
at Solid Power
🏢 About Solid Power
Solid Power is at the forefront of solid-state battery technology, offering a safer and more energy-dense alternative to traditional lithium-ion batteries. As an intern, you'll contribute to a mission that could transform electric vehicles and portable electronics, working with a team of experts in a cutting-edge field.
About This Role
This internship focuses on hands-on electrode fabrication and slurry development, directly supporting the creation of next-generation batteries. You'll gain practical lab experience, analyze rheological data, and help optimize production processes, making your work integral to advancing Solid Power's technology.
💡 A Day in the Life
You might start by reviewing experimental plans with a scientist, then prepare slurry mixtures in the lab, adjusting compositions based on rheological data. After casting electrodes, you'd analyze viscosity curves and report findings to the team, discussing next steps to optimize performance.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Solid Power Is Looking For
- A STEM student with prior lab experience, comfortable handling hazardous materials and operating lab equipment like mixers and rheometers.
- Detail-oriented and data-driven, able to analyze rheological data and provide actionable recommendations for slurry improvement.
- Strong communicator who can clearly report results and roadblocks to scientists and engineers, collaborating in a fast-paced R&D environment.
- Proactive and curious, eager to learn about solid-state battery manufacturing and contribute to both lab-scale and production-scale experiments.
📝 Tips for Applying to Solid Power
Highlight any hands-on experience with electrode fabrication, slurry mixing, or rheological testing in your resume and cover letter.
Mention specific safety training or certifications (e.g., chemical handling, PPE use) to demonstrate your comfort with hazardous materials.
Tailor your application to show understanding of Solid Power's technology: mention solid-state batteries and why you're excited about them.
Include a brief example of how you've communicated technical results or solved a problem in a lab setting, emphasizing collaboration.
Since the role is remote, note any experience working independently or managing lab tasks remotely, even if you'll be on-site for experiments.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Your passion for sustainable energy and solid-state battery innovation, linking it to Solid Power's mission.", 'Relevant lab experience (e.g., slurry preparation, electrode casting, rheology) and how it prepares you for this role.', 'Your ability to work safely with hazardous materials and follow strict protocols.', 'Your communication skills, especially in reporting data and collaborating with a multidisciplinary team.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Read Solid Power's latest press releases and blog posts about their solid-state battery milestones and partnerships.
- → Understand the basics of solid-state battery technology vs. lithium-ion, including advantages and challenges.
- → Review common rheological properties (viscosity, shear thinning) and how they relate to slurry coating quality.
- → Look into electrode fabrication processes like slot-die coating vs. hand casting to appreciate the production scale.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Downplaying safety: Avoid vague statements about lab experience; be specific about safety training and hazardous material handling.
- Ignoring the data analysis aspect: Focus only on hands-on work without showing you can interpret results and make recommendations.
- Lack of enthusiasm for the company's mission: Not demonstrating genuine interest in solid-state battery technology or sustainability.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!