Battery Systems Research and Development Engineer

Battery Systems Research and Development Engineer

Join to apply for the Battery Systems Research and Development Engineer role at The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University.

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).

Position

specifics

Approved remote/hybrid work is not guaranteed.

Location:

fully on‑site, State College, PA.

Responsibilities

• Design and prototype new module and pack designs or improve existing ones for enhanced performance or safety.
• Investigate and evaluate new battery chemistries through literature reviews, external partnerships, and competitive benchmarking.
• Model and simulate computational tools (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink) to predict performance, thermal behavior, and safety.
• 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.
• Perform safety assessments, conduct DFMEAs, and ensure compliance with US Navy Lithium Battery Safety program and standards.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, software, and fabrication teams to integrate battery components into underwater electric vehicles.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, schematics, design documentation, SOPs, and validation plans.

Additional responsibilities for higher level positions

• Contribute to design, development, implementation, and analysis of technical engineering products, systems, and subsystems.
• Investigate and evaluate practical applicability of scientific theories and engineering principles to improve systems.
• Apply standard practices and techniques, correlate data, recognize discrepancies and follow detailed steps.
• Conduct experiments/tests in lab/field, plan and supervise execution.

Required skills/experience

• High‑voltage battery systems.
• Experience leading or working within 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

• Successful technical publications in peer‑reviewed journals or conference proceedings.
• Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher.

Minimum Education , Work Experience & Required Certifications

Research and Development Engineer – Senior Professional:
Bachelor’s in Engineering or Science, 14+ years relevant experience, no required certifications.

Research and Development Engineer – Advanced Professional:
Bachelor’s in Engineering or Science, 5+ years relevant experience, no required certifications.

Background checks / clearances

Employment requires successful completion of background checks and U.S. citizenship. Candidate must be able to obtain a government security clearance.

Salary & Benefits

Salary range: $ – $. Benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, vision coverage, retirement plans, paid time off, and a 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible families.

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. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814‑865‑1473.

Application Instructions

Current Penn State employees and students: use Workday. External applicants:
Click “Apply.”

Eligibility:
All transitioning military members are invited to apply.

Seniority level

Entry level

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Research

Industries

Government Administration

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