Battery Systems Research and Development Engineer

The Pennsylvania State University • University Park, FL

2d • Onsite

About The Position

We are searching for Battery Systems Research and Development Engineers to join our Battery Technology Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University. You will design, develop, and tests prototype battery systems for high power and high energy electric propulsion underwater vehicles. ARL’s purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Intel Community (IC). ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply. You will:
Design and prototype by creating new module and pack designs or improving existing ones for enhanced performance or safety
Investigate and evaluate new battery chemistries by scouting and assessing innovative and emerging technologies through literature reviews, external partnerships, and competitive benchmarking
Model and simulate computation tools (e.g. MATLAB/Simulink) to model battery systems to predict performance, thermal behavior, and safety under various conditions
Design comprehensive experiments and testing protocols (performance, cycle life, thermal stability, electrical stress, vibration) in a lab environment
Collect, analyze, and interpret large sets of data to evaluate performance, identify failure modes, and determine root causes of issues
Perform safety assessments, conducting DFMEAs (Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis), and ensuring designs and processes comply with the US Navy Lithium Battery Safety program and standards
Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, software, and fabrication teams to ensure seamless integration of battery components into underwater electric vehicles
Prepare detailed technical reports, schematics, design documentation, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and validation plans
Additional responsibilities for higher level positions include:
Contribute to the design, development, implementation, and analysis of technical engineering products, systems, and subsystems
Investigate and evaluate practical applicability of scientific theories and engineering principles to develop and improve various engineering systems; identify technical approach for solving problems and meeting customer/grantor needs
Apply standard practices and techniques in specific situations, correlate data, recognize discrepancies in results and follow operations through a series of related detailed steps or processes
Conduct experiments/tests in the laboratory/field to test, prove, or modify theoretical propositions on basis of research findings and experiences of others researching in related technical areas; may include taking measurements and recording observations, collecting, compiling, and processing data; may include planning/designing experiments or tests and supervising the execution thereof

Requirements

• High-voltage battery systems
• Work within or lead a technical team of engineers/scientists
• Understanding of high-voltage battery design concepts
• Troubleshoot and integrate hardware into larger complex systems
• Battery state estimation and control algorithms
• Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science
• 14+ years of relevant experience (Senior Professional)
• 5+ years of relevant experience (Advanced Professional)

Nice To Haves

• Successful technical publications in peer-reviewed journals or conference proceedings
• Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher and may be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility, if required.

Responsibilities

• Design and prototype by creating new module and pack designs or improving existing ones for enhanced performance or safety
• Investigate and evaluate new battery chemistries by scouting and assessing innovative and emerging technologies through literature reviews, external partnerships, and competitive benchmarking
• Model and simulate computation tools (e.g. MATLAB/Simulink) to model battery systems to predict performance, thermal behavior, and safety under various conditions
• Design comprehensive experiments and testing protocols (performance, cycle life, thermal stability, electrical stress, vibration) in a lab environment
• Collect, analyze, and interpret large sets of data to evaluate performance, identify failure modes, and determine root causes of issues
• Perform safety assessments, conducting DFMEAs (Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis), and ensuring designs and processes comply with the US Navy Lithium Battery Safety program and standards
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, software, and fabrication teams to ensure seamless integration of battery components into underwater electric vehicles
• Prepare detailed technical reports, schematics, design documentation, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and validation plans
• Contribute to the design, development, implementation, and analysis of technical engineering products, systems, and subsystems
• Investigate and evaluate practical applicability of scientific theories and engineering principles to develop and improve various engineering systems; identify technical approach for solving problems and meeting customer/grantor needs
• Apply standard practices and techniques in specific situations, correlate data, recognize discrepancies in results and follow operations through a series of related detailed steps or processes
• Conduct experiments/tests in the laboratory/field to test, prove, or modify theoretical propositions on basis of research findings and experiences of others researching in related technical areas; may include taking measurements and recording observations, collecting, compiling, and processing data; may include planning/designing experiments or tests and supervising the execution thereof

Benefits

• Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being.
• In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time.
• One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees