Battery Systems Research and Development Engineer
About the role
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.
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
Qualifications
- 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
Preferred qualifications
- 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
Benefits
- Salary range: $121,704.00 - $231,000.00
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Robust retirement plans
- Substantial paid time off including holidays, vacation, and sick time
- 75% tuition discount for employees, spouses, and children
Pay
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $121,704.00 - $231,000.00.
Schedule
Your working location will be fully on-site located in State College, PA.
Questions related to flexible work
Should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.
Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications
If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Systems (ARL) - Senior Professional, this position requires:
- Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science
- 14+ years of relevant experience
- Required Certifications: None
- Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science
- 5+ years of relevant experience
- Required Certifications: None
Additional Information
For further information on ARL, visit our web site at www.arl.psu.edu.
Background checks/clearances
Employees must be eligible to obtain a government security clearance, participate in the ARL drug testing program, and comply with electronic and physical monitoring requirements applicable to federal contractors.
Notice regarding employment at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL)
Employees must be eligible to obtain a government security clearance, participate in the ARL drug testing program, and comply with electronic and physical monitoring requirements applicable to federal contractors. ARL operates in a secure information environment involving Unclassified, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and Classified information. Personal electronic devices brought onsite must be registered and may be restricted from certain areas.
EEO is the law
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.