Battery Systems Research and Development Engineer

Application Instructions Current Penn State employee (faculty, staff, technical service, or student) please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday. Current Penn State student (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday. If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants. Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants. Position specifics 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 test 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. 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. 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. Required skills/experience areas include 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 skills/experience areas include 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. 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 Research and Development Engineer - Senior Professional: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science; 14+ years of relevant experience; Required Certifications: None. Research and Development Engineer - Advanced Professional: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science; 5+ years of relevant experience; Required Certifications: None. 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). For further information on ARL, visit our website at Background Checks/Clearances Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. All positions at ARL require candidates to possess the ability to obtain a government security clearance; you will be notified during the interview process if this position is subject to a government background investigation. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply. Employment with the ARL will require successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen. Salary & Benefits The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $109,300.00 - $191,000.00. The proposed salary range may be impacted by geographic differential. Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure. 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. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page. 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