Head of BESS R&D and Engineering

PeopleStrong; Bengaluru; On-site; INR 6,000,000 - 9,000,000; Full time

Job summary

L&T – EPS – Power Electronics and BESS in Bangalore seeks an accomplished Head of R&D to lead end-to-end battery energy storage system research and development. You will manage diverse engineering teams across electrical, mechanical, thermal, firmware, and controls to deliver robust utility-scale and industrial BESS platforms.

You will drive technology roadmaps, ensure safety and regulatory compliance, and partner with product, operations, and external collaborations.

Qualifications

• M.Tech/PhD in Electrical, Mechanical, Thermal, Power Electronics, Energy Systems or related fields.
• Experience 12–20+ years in Energy Storage, Batteries, EV, Renewable R&D or Power Electronics.
• Minimum 5–8 years leading multi-disciplinary engineering teams.
• Proven track record of launching Utility-Scale or Industrial BESS products.
• Deep understanding of cell chemistry, aging, safety, SoC/SoH estimation, module/pack design.
• Liquid cooling/air cooling, high‑voltage system design (600–1500V).
• Power electronics & inverter–battery interactions.
• EMS/BMS firmware & communication protocols (CAN, Modbus, IEC 61850).
• Fire detection & suppression.
• Knowledge of regulatory standards: UL, IEC, IEEE, IS.

Responsibilities

• Define 3–5-year technology roadmap for BESS products including cells, modules, packs, BMS/EMS.
• Oversee full product lifecycle from concept to manufacturing release for utility-scale and industrial BESS.
• Lead R&D across electrical, mechanical, thermal, firmware, software, and controls teams.
• File patents for thermal management, module designs, and battery controls.
• Set up and manage R&D labs for testing and certification including 9540A.
• Guide DFx and support manufacturing with design transfer and supplier qualification.
• Develop competency frameworks and governance for strong project delivery.

Skills

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Strategic thinking

Communication

Mentoring

Education

M.Tech/PhD in Electrical, Mechanical, Thermal, Power Electronics, Energy Systems

Tools

UL 9540/9540A

UL 1973

IEC 62933

IEEE

CAN

Modbus

IEC 61850

Job description

• DEIC-L&T Precision Engineering & Systems IC

Posted On 07 Oct 2026

End Date 05 Apr 2027

Required Experience 15 - 20 years

Knowledge & Posting Location

Battery Management Systems ESS R&D

Master of Technology (MTech) Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Job Description

Head of R&D – Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)Location: BangaloreDiv: L&T – EPS – Power Electronics and BESS

Role OverviewThe Head of R&D – BESS leads the end-to-end research, design, and development of utility-scale and industrial battery energy storage solutions. This role oversees multi-disciplinary engineering teams (electrical, mechanical, thermal, firmware, software, controls, power electronics, cell/pack engineering, and validation) and drives innovation, product roadmap execution, technology strategy, and platform development.

Key Responsibilities

Technology Strategy & Roadmap

Define the 3–5-year technology roadmap for BESS products: cells, modules, packs, PCS integration, BMS, EMS, safety, and cooling.

Evaluate emerging technologies (LFP/NMC cell innovations, sodium-ion, solid-state, liquid-cooled designs, advanced PCS topologies, hybrid systems).

Lead competitive benchmarking and cost-performance improvement programs.

2. End-to-End Product Development Leadership

Own the full product lifecycle: concept → design → prototype → validation → certification → release to manufacturing.

Oversee development of utility-scale BESS platforms (1–5 MWh containers) and industrial BESS products.

Drive cell-to-pack development (module structure, pack architecture, thermal pathways, safety features).

Ensure alignment with standards (UL 9540/9540A, UL 1973, IEC 62933, IEEE, CE, BIS).

3. Cross-Functional Engineering Management

Lead R&D teams across all function -Electrical & Power electronics, Mechanical/Structural design, Thermal & Cooling systems, Battery module/pack engineering, BMS/EMS controls & firmware development, System engineering & safety, Testing & validation.

Build strong collaboration with Product Management, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, and Field Engineering teams.

4. Innovation, IP, and Advanced Engineering

File patents for thermal management, module designs, battery controls, fire mitigation systems, etc.

Drive cost reduction through advanced materials, liquid cooling, optimized pack designs, and architecture simplification.

Establish partnerships with cell manufacturers, universities, and research institutes.

5. Testing, Validation & Certification

Set up and manage R&D labs: cell/module test labs, environmental chambers, fire testing, inverter-battery integration labs.

Define test plans for performance, reliability, safety, and life-cycle validation.

Oversee third‑party certification and large‑scale fire testing (9540A).

6. Manufacturing & Industrialization Support

Guide Design for Manufacturing (DFM), Design for Assembly (DFA), and design transfer.

Review production processes (module assembly, pack assembly, wiring harness, leak testing).

Support supplier qualification for cells, cooling components, electronics, and safety equipment.

7. Leadership & Organizational Development

Build and mentor a world‑class R&D organization.

Develop engineering competency frameworks and technical career ladders.

Establish strong project governance, development processes, documentation, and design reviews.

Required Qualifications

M.Tech/PhD in Electrical, Mechanical, Thermal, Power Electronics, Energy Systems, or related fields.

Experience 12–20+ years in Energy Storage, Batteries, EV, Renewable R&D, or Power Electronics.

Minimum 5–8 years leading multi‑disciplinary engineering teams.

Proven track record of launching Utility‑Scale or Industrial BESS products.

Deep understanding of Cell chemistry, aging, safety, SoC/SoH estimation, Module/pack design.

Liquid cooling/air cooling, High‑voltage system design (600–1500V).

Power electronics & inverter‑battery interactions.

EMS/BMS firmware & communication protocols (CAN, Modbus, IEC 61850).

Fire detection & suppression.

Knowledge of regulatory standards: UL, IEC, IEEE, IS.

Preferred Skills

Experience with giga‑factory cell supply, cell qualification, and vendor management.

Experience in cost modelling (cell-to‑pack, pack‑to‑system).

Strong program management and cross‑functional leadership skills.

Ability to work with global teams and customers.

Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and communication skills.

KPIs (Key Performance Indicators)

On‑time delivery of product roadmap milestones.

Reduction in cost/kWh and improvement in performance (Wh/L, Wh/kg, thermal stability).

Successful certifications and zero major field failures.

Patent filings and R&D innovation output.

Team competence development and retention.