Deputy General Manager -Technical Systems

VSL PowerHive; Chennai District; On-site; INR 3,500,000 - 7,000,000; Full time

Job summary

VSL PowerHive in India is seeking a DGM/GM – Technical Systems to head the end‑to‑end systems engineering of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). You will own architecture, integration, validation, and delivery across LV/HV packs, C&I storage, and utility‑scale projects, while ensuring safety, quality and regulatory compliance.

You will provide technical leadership across multiple engineering disciplines and partner with Product Management, Electrical, Mechanical, Embedded Software,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering field.
• 15–20 years of engineering experience.
• 8–10 years in Battery Systems or Energy Storage.
• Proven experience leading Cell Systems, LV/HV Packs, and Utility‑scale BESS platforms.

Responsibilities

• Lead the complete systems engineering function for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).
• Define system architecture and technical roadmap for next‑generation BESS platforms.
• Establish engineering standards, design methodologies and best practices.
• Drive technical decision‑making across all battery system platforms.
• Lead development of LV and HV battery packs and modular C&I energy storage solutions.
• Coordinate validation, certification, and cross‑functional integration.

Skills

Technical leadership

System architecture

Cross-functional collaboration

Product development

Validation & compliance

Engineering leadership

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Electrical/Electronics/Mechanical/Automotive/Energy Engineering

Master's Degree in Battery Technology or Energy Systems (Preferred)

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

CAD & PLM Tools

CAN, Modbus, Ethernet

Job description

The DGM/GM – Technical Systems will lead the complete systems engineering function for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), driving end-to-end architecture, design, integration, validation, and technical delivery of advanced battery systems. The role will own the development and integration of Cell Systems, Cell Integration, Low Voltage (LV) Battery Packs, High Voltage (HV) Battery Packs, Commercial & Industrial (C&I) Energy Storage Systems, and Utility‑scale BESS solutions while ensuring performance, safety, quality, and regulatory compliance.

The incumbent will provide technical leadership across multidisciplinary engineering teams and collaborate closely with Product Management, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, Embedded Software, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, and Project Management to successfully deliver innovative energy storage products.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Systems Leadership

• Lead the overall Technical Systems function for Battery Energy Storage Systems.
• Define system architecture and technical roadmap for next‑generation BESS platforms.
• Establish engineering standards, system design methodologies, and best practices.
• Drive technical decision‑making across all battery system platforms.

Cell System & Cell Integration

• Lead selection, evaluation, and qualification of lithium‑ion battery cells (LFP, NMC, LFMP, Sodium‑ion, etc.).
• Own cell characterization, ageing studies, thermal behaviour, and performance analysis.
• Drive cell integration strategies considering safety, reliability, manufacturability, and cost.
• Define cell configuration, balancing strategy, and system optimisation.

Low Voltage (LV) Battery Systems

• Lead the development of LV battery packs for 48V, 72V, and other low‑voltage applications.
• Define electrical architecture, BMS integration, thermal management, and mechanical packaging.
• Ensure compliance with automotive and industrial standards.
• Drive product validation and certification activities.

High Voltage (HV) Battery Systems

• Lead the architecture and development of HV battery systems for EV, Industrial, and Energy Storage applications.
• Oversee high‑voltage safety design, isolation monitoring, contactor control, HV interlocks, and protection systems.
• Drive battery pack optimisation for energy density, performance, and lifecycle.
• Ensure compliance with IEC, UL, AIS, UN38.3, and relevant international standards.

Commercial & Industrial (C&I) Energy Storage Systems

• Lead development of modular C&I battery storage solutions.
• Define system sizing, electrical integration, thermal management, EMS interfaces, and protection philosophy.
• Coordinate system integration with PCS, EMS, transformers, HVAC, and fire suppression systems.
• Support customer‑specific technical customization.

Utility Scale BESS Systems

• Lead engineering of MW/MWh‑scale Battery Energy Storage Systems.
• Battery Racks
• Battery Containers
• BMS
• EMS
• PCS
• SCADA
• HVAC
• Auxiliary Power Systems
• Ensure grid compliance and seamless integration with renewable energy and utility infrastructure.

System Integration

• Lead integration of electrical, mechanical, embedded software, firmware, communication, and control systems.
• Drive end‑to‑end system validation and performance optimisation.
• Ensure compatibility among BMS, PCS, EMS, SCADA, and customer interfaces.
• Resolve complex cross‑functional technical challenges.

Product Development

• Lead New Product Development (NPD) from concept to production.
• Establish system requirements, technical specifications, and validation plans.
• Manage Design Reviews, DFMEA, PFMEA, DVP&R, and technical risk assessments.
• Support prototype builds, pilot production, and product industrialisation.

Validation & Compliance

• Lead system‑level validation for performance, safety, reliability, EMC, environmental, and abuse testing.
• Ensure compliance with applicable standards, including:
• IEC 62619
• IEC 62933
• UL 9540 / UL 9540A
• UL 1973
• UN38.3
• AIS 156 / AIS 038
• ISO 26262 (where applicable)
• Coordinate certification activities with external agencies.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Product Management to define product roadmaps.
• Support Manufacturing with Design for Manufacturability (DFM) initiatives.
• Collaborate with Supply Chain for component qualification and supplier development.
• Partner with Quality to drive reliability improvements.
• Support Sales and Business Development on customer technical discussions and proposal reviews.

Technical Governance

• Establish engineering processes, design standards, and documentation practices.
• Lead technical reviews, design approvals, and engineering change management.
• Develop technology roadmaps for future battery platforms.

Leadership & Team Development

• Build and lead multidisciplinary teams across:
• Cell Engineering
• Battery System Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Embedded Systems
• Validation & Testing
• Mentor technical leaders and establish engineering capability development programs.
• Drive a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Educational Qualification

• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical, Electronics, Mechanical, Automotive, or Energy Engineering.
• Master's Degree in Battery Technology, Energy Systems, Power Electronics, or a related field (Preferred).

Experience

• 15–20 years of engineering experience.
• Minimum 8–10 years in Battery Systems or Energy Storage.
• Proven experience leading Cell Systems, LV Packs, HV Packs, C&I Systems, and Utility‑scale BESS platforms.
• Experience in EV, Battery Manufacturing, Renewable Energy, or Energy Storage industries.

Technical Skills

• Battery System Architecture
• Cell Technology (LFP, NMC, LFMP, Sodium‑ion)
• Cell Integration
• Battery Pack Design
• High Voltage Systems
• Low Voltage Systems
• Battery Management Systems (BMS)
• Power Conversion Systems (PCS)
• SCADA Integration
• Thermal Management
• Functional Safety
• System Validation
• CAN, Modbus, Ethernet
• DFMEA, PFMEA, DVP&R
• MATLAB/Simulink
• CAD & PLM Tools
• Requirements Management
• Technical Vision & Strategy
• Systems Thinking
• Engineering Leadership
• Cross‑functional Collaboration
• Strategic Decision Making
• Problem Solving
• Stakeholder Management
• Customer Orientation
• Robust technical architecture for all battery system platforms.
• Successful development and launch of LV, HV, C&I, and Utility‑scale BESS products.
• Timely completion of product development milestones.
• Compliance with global safety and certification standards.
• Improved system performance, reliability, and lifecycle.
• Reduction in technical risks and product development cycle time.
• Standardisation of engineering processes and design practices.
• Development of future‑ready BESS technology platforms.