How to apply for Software Application Developer, Data Systems

About Sila Nanotechnologies

Sila Nanotechnologies is a pioneering battery materials company that is revolutionizing energy storage for sustainable electronics and electric vehicles. Unlike traditional battery makers, Sila focuses on advanced silicon anode technology that significantly improves energy density, enabling longer-lasting, faster-charging batteries. Working here means being at the forefront of clean energy innovation and directly contributing to a greener future.

About the role

As a Software Application Developer on the Data Systems team, you will build custom software that accelerates Sila's 'bits-to-atoms' cycle—connecting data from engineering, operations, and finance to drive rapid battery material development. Your work will involve creating high-density data visualizations for complex battery performance data, optimizing Snowflake schemas, and deploying AI-powered tools that allow teams to query technical specs using natural language. This role is critical for enabling data-driven decisions that speed up the path from lab breakthroughs to commercial production.

A typical day

Your day might start with a stand-up with the data systems team to review progress on a new RAG tool for engineers. You'll then dive into designing a Snowflake schema for a new battery test dataset, followed by pairing with a frontend developer to optimize a React dashboard showing real-time cell performance. In the afternoon, you might deploy a Terraform update for a data pipeline, then meet with the battery team to understand a new data bottleneck they're facing.

Who Sila Nanotechnologies is looking for

• Expert in React and TypeScript with a strong portfolio of data-dense UIs (e.g., using Plotly, Bokeh, or D3.js) for scientific or engineering applications.
• Experienced in Python (FastAPI/Flask) and deep hands-on with Snowflake and dbt, including schema design for high-performance analytical and transactional workloads.
• Has 6+ years (MS) or 8+ years (BS) of professional software development, ideally in hardware, manufacturing, or materials science environments.
• Comfortable with Infrastructure as Code (Terraform) and deploying RAG-based AI tools that integrate with large datasets.

Tips for this application

• Tailor your resume to highlight specific experience with battery data, materials science, or manufacturing systems—generic SaaS experience is less relevant.
• In your cover letter, explicitly mention your familiarity with Snowflake and dbt, and provide an example of a schema you designed for mixed transactional/analytical use.
• Showcase a project where you built a data visualization dashboard for high-dimensional scientific data (e.g., using Plotly or Bokeh) and explain how it impacted decision-making.
• If you have experience with RAG or natural language querying, describe a specific implementation and how it improved data accessibility for non-technical users.
• Demonstrate your understanding of the 'bits-to-atoms' concept by linking your software work to physical outcomes, such as reducing cycle time in R&D or manufacturing.

What to cover in your cover letter

['Explain your passion for sustainability and how your software skills can accelerate battery innovation at Sila.', 'Emphasize your expertise in building high-performance data systems that bridge engineering and business teams, with concrete examples.', "Highlight your experience with data visualization for complex scientific data and how you've made data actionable for diverse stakeholders.", 'Mention your ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams (engineers, scientists, finance) to identify bottlenecks and deliver bespoke solutions.']

Research before applying

• Read Sila's latest press releases or blog posts about their battery technology milestones and partnerships (e.g., with BMW or Daimler).
• Understand the basics of silicon anode technology and why it's a game-changer compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries.
• Familiarize yourself with Sila's 'bits-to-atoms' philosophy—how software accelerates materials development and manufacturing.
• Look into the tools they use: Snowflake, dbt, Terraform, React, and Python. Check their engineering blog or GitHub if available.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• How would you design a Snowflake schema to support both real-time transactional workflows (e.g., experiment logging) and deep analytical queries on battery performance data?
• Describe a time you built a complex data visualization for high-dimensional data. What library did you use and how did you handle performance?
• Walk us through how you would implement a RAG system to allow engineers to query experimental results using natural language. What are the key challenges?
• How do you approach infrastructure as code? Give an example of a Terraform module you created for a data pipeline.
• Explain your experience with CSS-in-JS or Tailwind in the context of building responsive, data-dense UIs for scientific applications.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Don't submit a generic application that doesn't reference battery technology, materials science, or manufacturing—Sila is looking for domain-aware candidates.
• Avoid downplaying the importance of data modeling and schema design; this role requires deep Snowflake expertise, not just frontend skills.
• Don't ignore the 'bits-to-atoms' concept—failing to connect your software work to physical outcomes will make you seem out of touch with the company's mission.