Battery Systems Research and Development Engineer

Position Overview

Battery Systems Research and Development Engineer – Applied Research Laboratory (ARL), Penn State University.

Location:

State College, PA (full‑time on‑site).

• Design, develop, and test prototype battery systems for high‑power and high‑energy electric propulsion in underwater vehicles.
• Create new module and pack designs or improve existing designs for enhanced performance or safety.
• Evaluate new battery chemistries by scouting and assessing 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 laboratory environment.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret large data sets to evaluate performance, identify failure modes, and determine root causes.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, software, and fabrication teams to integrate 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 contributing to the design, development, implementation, and analysis of technical engineering products, systems, and subsystems; evaluating the practical applicability of scientific theories and engineering principles; and initiating data‑analysis/design for technical reports, proposals, or presentations.

• Required skills/experience: High‑voltage battery systems; experience working on technical teams of engineers/scientists; ability to build, troubleshoot, and integrate hardware into complex systems.
• Preferred skills/experience: Successful technical publications in peer‑reviewed journals or conference proceedings.
• Minimum
  
  Education & Experience:
  
  Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Science; 2+ years of relevant experience (for the Intermediate Professional level). The Professional level may be filled with a Bachelor’s Degree and no prior relevant work experience required.
• No required certifications.

Employees must be eligible to obtain a government security clearance and may be subject to a background investigation for clearance eligibility. Background checks and drug testing are required. Only U.S. citizens may apply.

Salary range: $81,312.00 – $ (inclusive of all possible grades).

• Competitive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Robust retirement plans.
• Paid time off including holidays, vacation, and sick days.
• 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible spouses and children.

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.