Battery Systems Research and Development Engineer. University Park LilyLifestyle

Battery Systems Research and Development Engineer

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.

• 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 computational tools (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink) 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 ensure 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 based on 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.

• 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.

• 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.

For Research and Development Engineer – Senior Professional:
Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Science, 14+ years of relevant experience.

For Research and Development Engineer – Advanced Professional:
Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Science, 5+ years of relevant experience.

Employment with the University will require successful completion of a background check 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 will require successful completion of a pre‑employment drug screen.

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $ – $. (The proposed salary range may be impacted by geographic differential.)

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