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Chris Wood

Chris Wood

Staff Process Development Engineer
Chris Wood leads a team within Form’s Advanced Manufacturing group, developing manufacturing processes that make components critical to Form’s core battery technology.
How did you first learn about Form Energy?

I originally heard about Form in 2020, in an article noting Form’s pilot project agreement with Great River Energy as the  first installation for Form’s “aqueous air” battery. At the time, the concept of long duration energy storage was interesting to me, as I had worked on flow batteries as an undergrad. I was rooting for Form, so was thrilled when I had  the opportunity to join the team.

 

What made you want to work at Form Energy?

When I was looking to transition  from my previous company in 2021, I found a job posting at Form that was a perfect fit. My career had been spent working on cost cutting measures for large companies and I was ready to make a difference that wasn’t necessarily shown solely on a balance sheet. Form gave me a chance to apply my skills to solve one of the most impactful challenges of our generation: climate change. What more can an engineer ask for?

 

What are your job duties & responsibilities at Form Energy?

I lead a team within Form’s Advanced Manufacturing organization. We are working to develop and validate the manufacturing processes and equipment that will be used to make our battery. My team is focused on Cathode manufacturing in Pennsylvania, where we are standing up Form’s first pilot line.

 

What aspect of your role do you enjoy the most?

My role is currently a mix of hands-on process engineering and management, and it’s that balance that I enjoy most. I get to spend time planning large scale projects, and experimenting on the pilot line.

 

How does your position at Form Energy differ from other roles you’ve held previously?

I was the first person to hold this role at Form , which gave me the opportunity to have input on the tools I would use to accomplish my goals and how my role would function within the broader organization.

 

How would you describe your time at Form Energy in three words?

Intriguing, Gratifying, Challenging.

 

Has anything surprised you about working for Form Energy?

The heights of people I had only ever seen over video call! But actually, how effectively the company and culture has transitioned to a more remote, virtual workplace. We may be spread across three sites and on both coasts but our online interactions are comfortable and productive.

 

What about working in the energy storage industry excites you the most?

The opportunity to work on a big problem and make an impact in a developing industry.

 

What are your hopes for the energy storage industry?

I hope we as an industry can deliver on the promise of enabling a transition away from fossil fuels. Climate change and its effects have been in the news cycle for most of my adult life. It feels like we are at a tipping point, where something needs to make an impact and energy storage has to be part of the solution.

 

What kinds of hobbies and interests do you have outside of work?

I’m an avid skier, somewhat reluctant runner, and have just started to pick up golf.  When not outside, I enjoy a good book or audiobook and working on various house projects.

 

If you could witness any historical event, what would you want to see?

I have always been greatly intrigued by ancient structures, so as cliche as it may sound, the building of the pyramids or Stonehenge.

 

What book did you last read?

“Rhythm of War” by Brandon Sanderson. If you liked Game of Thrones, Sanderson’s The Stormlight Archive series is a must read. Sanderson actually stands a decent chance of finishing his series too!