Battery Test Engineer

Job Purpose (Significance of the role Objectives)

We are looking for a test engineer who will work on a team to help further the understanding of battery performance. They will develop test plans to evaluate battery behaviors and determine the main variables involved in the findings.

You will be able to analyze large amounts of test data, dissect modules and pack to identify/confirm degradation mechanisms, report on the results, and follow up by executing the additional design of experiments to continue research of a given phenomenon.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Execution and maintenance of battery tests using life cycle equipment, temperature/humidity chambers, and other fixturing.
• Should be able to execute and supervise thermal and mechanical tests like overheating, thermal shock, thermal propagation, Drop test, nail penetration, vibration, mechanical shock, and Water immersion.
• Write test plans, propose the design of experiments, and summarize results in test reports.
• Use test data to optimize module and pack lifetime by adjusting usage parameters such as charge/discharge rates and ambient conditions.
• Use data manipulation skills and data visualization techniques to convey test results to other engineers. Knowledge of MATLAB or other software to parse large datasets is beneficial.
• Create a model to simulate battery performance at the beginning of life and as the cell ages.
• Perform cell-level dissection analysis to analyze mechanisms of energy and power losses.
• Be a member of a cross-functional product development team to help determine the ideal cell chemistry and design for electric vehicle applications.
• Plan, set up professional DAQ, and execute cell/battery pack testing including performance, durability, and fleet validation tests.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues that arise during testing.
• Experience in sensor instrumentation and data acquisition systems.

Desired Candidate Profile

• Experience working with cell chemistries understands the tradeoffs of different designs and is up to date with current technology.
• Knowledgeable about the degradation mechanisms of batteries.
• Experienced with the handling of both low and high-voltage lithium-ion battery systems.
• Expert communicator, capable of concisely presenting highly technical test data to internal and external stakeholders, and cross-functional teams.
• Instrumentation, Coding, Reliability Testing, JMP software knowledge, DOE process optimization, Quality management, Attention to detail, characterization, and validation, and Previous experience with battery testing on proving grounds.
• A strong understanding of Li-ion battery systems.
• A strong understanding of battery testing regulations and standards.
• Strong knowledge of battery testing instruments and tools.
• Experience setting up experiments to achieve desired testing results.
• Excellent communication skills and team-oriented attitude.
• Comfortable with initiating and taking ownership of projects.

Key Competencies:

• Result-oriented/Goal driven.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Self-motivated, passionate about learning, and takes initiative with a problem-solving attitude.
• Highest level of integrity (teamwork, confidentiality, ethics, and integrity are the pre-requisite for the role).
• Sense of ownership and pride in his/her performance and its impact on the companys success.