Powertrain/Battery Management Engineer

Manna; Dublin; On-site; EUR 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading drone technology firm in Dublin seeks a Powertrain / Battery Management Engineer to lead the design and optimization of drone power systems. You’ll manage UAV battery activities, collaborate across teams, and support the transition to new battery technologies. Ideal candidates have a degree in engineering, proven expertise in battery management systems, and experience with energy modelling, particularly with MATLAB and Lithium-ion chemistries.

Qualifications

• Proven track record with battery chemistry and battery management systems (BMS)
• Hands-on experience with Lithium-ion chemistries (NMC, LCO, LiPo)
• Experience with thermal management and EMI control principles

Responsibilities

• Manage UAV battery-related activities across multiple geographies
• Conduct energy modelling to optimize flight time and range
• Support transition to new higher energy-density chemistries

Skills

Battery management systems

Energy modelling

Problem-solving

Team player

Fluent English

Education

Bachelor's or master's degree in electrical, Power, or Mechatronic Engineering

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

Battery testing equipment

Job description

Role Purpose

As a Powertrain / Battery Management Engineer at Manna, you will lead the design, testing, and optimisation of our drone power systems — with a strong focus on battery management, energy modelling, and performance efficiency. Reporting to the Head of Electronics. You’ll play a critical role in transitioning to new battery chemistries and ensuring safe, reliable, and scalable powertrain performance across all operational regions

Key responsibilities of the role

• Manage all UAV battery-related activities across multiple geographies and environments (UAE, USA, Finland, Ireland)
• Design and maintain battery ground tests and commissioning systems, ensuring repeatability and safety.
• Conduct energy modelling and simulation (MATLAB/Simulink) to optimize energy use to maximise flight time and range.
• Provide technical leadership in areas of cell balancing & management, thermal management, SOH/lifetime optimisation, powertrain efficiency, and EMI/EMC compliance.
• Support the transition to a new safer, higher energy-density chemistries, including planning and executing comprehensive test campaigns.
• Collaborate with the Electronic Engineering team on development and integration of Battery Management Systems (BMS) across multiple UAV platforms.

• Build battery commissioning and validation processes for production readiness.
• Define best practices for safe charging, discharging, and lifetime management of battery packs.
• Manage and develop strategic partnerships with key vendors to ensure supply chain reliability and technical quality at scale.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Electronic, Mechanical, and Manufacturing teams to enhance powertrain integration.

Skills & Education

• Bachelor's or master's degree in electrical, Power, or Mechatronic Engineering (or related field).

• Strong knowledge and proven track record of battery chemistry and battery management systems (BMS) — including SOC/SOH monitoring, cell balancing, voltage/current protection, and thermal control.

• Hands-on experience with Lithium-ion chemistries (NMC, LCO, LiPo).

• Proficiency in performing and automating battery test procedures (capacity, energy, SOC/SOH, internal resistance (AC/DC), thermal).

• Expertise in energy modelling using MATLAB/Simulink or equivalent simulation tools.

• Familiarity with smart charging infrastructure, swappable packs, and power distribution systems.

• Experience with thermal management, EMI control, and inrush protection design principles.

• Strong problem-solving, data analysis, and cross-functional communication skills.

• Team player, experience working in a fast-paced environment

• Fluent English - written and verbal

• Full driver's license