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The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University · 1 day ago

Battery Systems Research and Development Engineer

University Park, PA

Full-time

Onsite

Mid, Senior Level

$109K/yr - $191K/yr

5+ years exp

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University is seeking Battery Systems Research and Development Engineers to join their Battery Technology Department. The role involves designing, developing, and testing prototype battery systems for high power and high energy electric propulsion underwater vehicles, supporting innovative solutions for the Navy and the Department of Defense.

Universities

No H1B

Security Clearance Required

U.S. Citizen Only

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

Qualification

High-voltage battery systemsBattery state estimationBattery design conceptsTroubleshooting hardware integrationTechnical team leadershipTechnical publicationsClassified information access

Required

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 (if filled as Research and Development Engineer - Senior Professional)

Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 5+ years of relevant experience (if filled as Research and Development Engineer - Advanced Professional)

Ability to obtain a government security clearance

U.S. citizenship

Preferred

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