Battery Systems Research and Development Engineer

Current Penn State employees and students should apply through Workday. External applicants may click “Apply” to begin the external application process. Remote and hybrid work approvals are not guaranteed.

Position Overview

The Battery Systems Research and Development Engineer will design, develop, and test prototype battery systems for high‑power, high‑energy electric‑propulsion underwater vehicles within the Battery Technology Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) of Penn State University.

Responsibilities

• Design and prototype new module and pack designs or improve existing ones for enhanced performance or safety.
• Evaluate new battery chemistries by scouting and assessing innovative and emerging technologies through literature reviews, external partnerships, and competitive benchmarking.
• Design comprehensive experiments and testing protocols (performance, cycle life, thermal stability, electrical stress, vibration) in a lab environment.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret large data sets to evaluate performance, identify failure modes, and determine root causes of issues.
• 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 (Higher‑Level Positions)

• Contribute to the design, development, implementation, and analysis of technical engineering products, systems, and subsystems.
• Investigate and evaluate the practical applicability of scientific theories and engineering principles to improve engineering systems and meet customer or grantor needs.
• Apply standard practices and techniques, correlate data, recognize discrepancies, and follow detailed procedural steps.
• Initiate or contribute data, analysis, or design for technical reports, proposals, papers, or oral/written presentations.

Required Skills & Experience

• Experience with high‑voltage battery systems.
• Ability to work within a technical team of engineers and scientists.
• Knowledge of high‑voltage battery design concepts and proven ability to build, troubleshoot, and integrate hardware into larger, complex systems.

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Successful technical publications in peer‑reviewed journals or conference proceedings.
• Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher (subject to government background investigation if required).

Education, Experience, & Certifications

Minimum requirement: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Science.

Intermediate Professional level: 2 + years of relevant experience; no required certifications.

Professional level: No prior relevant work experience required; no required certifications.

Location

Fully on‑site in State College, PA. Questions about flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

Background Checks & Security Clearance

Employment requires successful completion of background checks, eligibility for a government security clearance, participation in the ARL drug‑testing program, and compliance with electronic and physical monitoring requirements. The work environment involves Unclassified, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and Classified information. Personal electronic devices must be registered and may be restricted. Applicants must be U.S. citizens.

Salary

The salary range for this position is $92,100 – $174,708, depending on grade and qualifications.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Robust retirement plans.
• Substantial paid time off, including holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
• Generous 75 % tuition discount for employees and eligible spouses and children.
• Additional details are available on the Penn State Benefits Page.