Penn State University

Battery Systems Research and Development Engineer

Penn State University • $92K — $174K *
Energy & Utilities
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Science
  • 2+ years of relevant experience for Intermediate level; no experience required for Professional level
  • Experience with high-voltage battery systems
  • Familiarity with technical team collaboration
  • Proven ability to design, troubleshoot, and integrate battery systems

Responsibilities

  • Design and prototype new battery module and pack designs
  • Evaluate emerging battery chemistries through research and partnerships
  • Develop testing protocols for battery performance in a lab setting
  • Analyze large data sets to identify performance metrics and failure modes
  • Collaborate with various engineering teams for battery integration
  • Document technical reports and standard operating procedures

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Robust retirement plans
  • Generous paid time off including holidays and vacation
  • 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible family members
Full Job Description
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 tests 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. You will: - Design and prototype by creating new module and pack designs or improving existing ones for enhanced performance or safety - Evaluate new battery chemistries by scouting and assessing innovative and 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 lab environment - Collect, analyze, and interpret large sets of data to evaluate performance, identify failure modes, and determine root causes of issues - 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 - Initiate or contribute data/analysis/design for use in technical reports, documents, proposals, papers, or oral/written presentations Required skills/experience areas include: - High-voltage battery systems - Work within a technical team of engineers/scientists - High-voltage battery design concepts, and possess a proven ability to build, troubleshoot, and integrate hardware into larger, more complex systems 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 If filled as R&D Engineer - Systems (ARL) - Intermediate Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science2+ years of relevant experienceRequired Certifications:NoneIf filled as R&D Engineer - Systems (ARL) - Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or ScienceNo prior relevant work experience requiredRequired Certifications:None FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our web site at www.arl.psu.edu. BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. Notice regarding employment at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL):Employees must be eligible to obtain a government security clearance, participate in the ARL drug testing program, and comply with electronic and physical monitoring requirements applicable to federal contractors. ARL operates in a secure information environment involving Unclassified, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and Classified information. Personal electronic devices brought onsite must be registered and may be restricted from certain areas. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply. SALARY & BENEFITS The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $92,100.00 - $174,708.00. 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. CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

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