Charles Skaggs
Tucson,AZ
Summary
Innovative Vacuum Engineer with extensive experience in PVD on thin films and substrate treatments. Skilled in vacuum chamber design, optimization, and maintenance, with expertise in vacuum pumps and surface treatment systems. Proven ability to mentor junior engineers, streamline workflows, and ensure high-quality project outcomes.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Vacuum Engineer
Sion Power Corporation
05.2006 - 10.2024
- Performed (PVD) on to thin films primarily using lithium metal in a high pressure vacuum chamber. Substrates from metal foils to plastics substrates, thickness ranges from 5-mils to 3-um (microns). In addition, applied various gases for protective surface treatments: Nitride, Tin Oxide, Carbon dioxide, Hexa-sulfide and Hexa-fluorphosphate
- Participated in formal internal design review of new vacuum chambers. Facilitated in the layout and construction of vacuum chambers with web paths with drum size ranging from 14-in to 38-in in diameter.
- Knowledgeable in vacuum pumps and root blowers combined with differential (with and without cold caps), cyro, turbo pumps and compressors.
- Knowledgeable in corona and plasma systems for surface treatment of substrates.
- Fabricated, constructed cooling (boat) boxes surrounding heat sources.
- Optimized engineering processes by implementing innovative solutions and streamlining workflow.
- Monitored and evaluated vacuum chamber performance to recommend improvements.
- Reviewed technical drawings developed by CAD technicians and drafters.
- Presented technical findings to technical staff, ensuring clear understanding of project status and goals.
- Trained and mentored junior engineers, providing guidance and direction.
- Wrote, reviewed and edited technical SOP procedures.
- Maintained and serviced equipment used to run a vacuum chamber.
- Self motivated, skilled working independently, and problem solver. Works hard to develop and maintain effective working relationships.
Cathode Production Manager
Moltech Corporation
05.2001 - 05.2006
- Formulate production and promising R&D cathode recipes for scale-up to produce large quantity of coated cathode material. Coated slurries coated on to various substrates from metal foils to plastics.
- Prepared slurries by using various milling equipment: ball or 1L to 5G Eiger milling machines. Sizes varied from several hundred grams to 5-gallons. Experience in rheology and particle size for optimal coating.
- Transfer slurries to small and large scale slurry coaters: slot die, gravure or reverse gravure machines.
- Post treatment of cathode through slitting of coated cathode to a required footprint. In addition, calendering cathode to a certain density.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to establish schedules ensure timely delivery of high quality cathode material meeting both internal and customer requirements.
- Monitored inventory levels and restocking schedules to avoid production delays from unavailable materials.
- Resolved issues quickly to maintain productivity goals.
- Reviewed work for quality and compliance with company standards and designs.
- Oversaw routine maintenance programs and scheduled service to keep equipment functioning at peak levels.
- Enforced health and safety protocols to promote safe working environment.
Chemist I
Moltech Corporation
11.1996 - 05.2001
- Research chemist working in the R&D cathode team.
- Formulate and create slurry compounds for testing in batteries using small ball mill and table-top Eiger milling machines to coat handrawn slurries on substrates.
- Fabricate and test batteries: experimental, vial, small flat cell, full scale prismatic, and cylindrical size cells from start to finish. Accomplished by utilizing machine winders, punch and stack, ultrasonic tabbing, vacuum filling and final sealing.
- Contributed to team discussions and new project initiatives to advance progress culminating in working on several patents: US patent 6,194,099 B1, US patent 6,302,928 B1 and US Patent 6,878,488 B2.
- Instrumental in solving how to apply a slurry on a bare metal surface.
- Performed standardized tests to determine slurries particle sizes and rheology testing for optimal coating. In addition, familia with TGA, GS-MS, DSC equipment.
- organic and inorganic compounds to observe fundamental differences in properties.
- Coordinated and performed analytical tests to comply with established standards and specifications.
- Maintained organized, safe and efficient laboratory environment to minimize accidents and prevent cross contamination.
- Repaired, calibrated and safely operated laboratory equipment to reduce costly instrument downtime.
- Performed technical laboratory functions in compliance with safety requirements.
Education
Associate of Science - Air Frame And Structural Repair
Pima Community College
Tucson, AZ05-1996
Bachelor of Science - Biochemistry And Microbiology
University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ05-1994
Associate of Science - Biological Sciences
Pima Community College
Tucson, AZ05-1991
Skills
- Project Planning
- Technical reporting
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Problem-Solving
- Decision-Making
- Interpersonal Communication
- Team building
- Multitasking
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
swipe to browse
Timeline
Vacuum Engineer
Sion Power Corporation
05.2006 - 10.2024
Cathode Production Manager
Moltech Corporation
05.2001 - 05.2006
Chemist I
Moltech Corporation
11.1996 - 05.2001
Associate of Science - Air Frame And Structural Repair
Pima Community College
Bachelor of Science - Biochemistry And Microbiology
University of Arizona
Associate of Science - Biological Sciences
Pima Community College
Similar Profiles
Jeremy HartenbergJeremy Hartenberg
Sr. Vacuum Engineer / Anode Lab Manager at Sion PowerSr. Vacuum Engineer / Anode Lab Manager at Sion Power
Dominic WeinstockDominic Weinstock
Anode Manager at Sion PowerAnode Manager at Sion Power
SALMAN MOHAMMED HAIDERSALMAN MOHAMMED HAIDER
Lead Mechanical Engineer at SEPCOIII Electric Power Construction Corporation (EPC - Yanbu 3 Power Plant Project)Lead Mechanical Engineer at SEPCOIII Electric Power Construction Corporation (EPC - Yanbu 3 Power Plant Project)