Principal, Battery Cell Technical Specialist

Scout Motors • Novi, MI

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Scout Motors is seeking a Principal, Battery Cell Technical Specialist to serve as its lithium-ion battery cell subject matter expert and coordinate cell engineering activities among Scout, Volkswagen Group, and cell suppliers. The role develops technical requirements aligned with vehicle performance, durability, and safety; supports advanced cell development and supplier qualification; and helps integrate cells into modules, battery packs, and complete vehicle energy storage systems.

The specialist will evaluate cell materials, oversee prototyping and testing, support technical evaluations and design-change resolution, and provide expertise for compliance testing and certification. The position works across research, supplier, battery pack, electrical, systems, BMS, thermal, mechanical, safety, and vehicle integration teams. It also requires monitoring emerging battery technologies and providing on-site support at supplier facilities during critical milestones.

The position is based at Scout Motors’ Novi, Michigan location and requires 4–5 days per week in the office. Domestic and international travel is required, including supplier and development locations such as Germany and Korea. A valid driver’s license and passport are required. This is a full-time, exempt position with a base salary range of $170,000–$206,250 and eligibility for an annual performance bonus.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• 15 or more years of experience in lithium-ion battery cell design and development for automotive applications.
• Proven experience leading lithium-ion battery cell development programs from concept through production launch.
• Knowledge of Volkswagen Group battery cell development and release processes.
• Strong understanding of battery testing, validation methodologies, and performance characterization techniques.
• Understanding of battery cell manufacturing processes and quality control methods.
• Knowledge of automotive battery regulations and standards, including FMVSS 305, UNECE R100, UN 38.3, IEC, and UL standards.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work in a dynamic, collaborative environment.
• Ability to work independently with minimal direction to meet deliverables.
• Strong interpersonal skills for interfacing with colleagues and suppliers around the world.
• Willingness to travel frequently, domestically and internationally, to supplier and development locations, including Germany and Korea.
• Valid driver’s license and passport.
• Integrity, curiosity, resourcefulness, a positive attitude, and a growth mindset.
• Comfort with change and flexibility in a fast-paced, high-growth environment, with a collaborative approach to achieving goals.

Nice To Haves

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate battery cell engineering activities between Scout, Volkswagen Group, and battery cell suppliers.
• Serve as Scout’s subject matter expert for lithium-ion battery cell technologies.
• Provide on-site Scout support at cell supplier facilities during critical milestone events.
• Develop battery cell technical requirements aligned with vehicle performance, durability, and safety requirements.
• Collaborate with R&D and cell suppliers to develop advanced battery cells, optimizing performance, energy density, lifespan, manufacturability, and cost-effectiveness.
• Evaluate and select cathode, anode, electrolyte, and separator materials with suppliers and research teams to improve cell performance and safety.
• Oversee battery cell prototyping and testing, including performance characterization, cycle-life testing, and safety assessments.
• Work with cross-functional teams to integrate battery cells into energy storage systems that support vehicle performance and durability.
• Support lithium-ion battery cell technical evaluations.
• Monitor cell supplier development activities and qualification processes.
• Lead or support technical discussions regarding cell design changes and problem resolution.
• Support integration of cells into modules and battery packs.
• Work with BMS, thermal, mechanical, safety, and vehicle integration teams.
• Provide technical expertise for compliance testing and certification processes.
• Keep abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices to drive innovation in battery cell technology.

Benefits

• Competitive insurance, including medical, dental, vision, and income protection plans.
• 401(k) program with employer match and immediate vesting.
• 20 days of planned PTO, as accrued.
• 40 hours of unplanned PTO annually.
• 14 company or floating holidays annually.
• Up to 16 weeks of paid parental leave for biological and adoptive parents of all genders.
• Paid leave for bereavement, jury duty, voting time, or military leave.
• Annual performance bonus program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal