Engineer - Battery Thermal Simulation

Our Next Energy; Novi (MI); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Our Next Energy in Novi, Michigan, is seeking a Battery Thermal Simulation Engineer to drive thermal and CFD analysis for HV Li-Ion battery packs. The role involves developing thermal models, conducting simulations, and providing technical advice for design optimization.

The ideal candidate will hold an M.S. in a relevant engineering field and have experience with MATLAB, Simulink, and the latest simulation tools. Join a dynamic team focused on innovative solutions in battery technology.

Qualifications

• Minimum two years of industrial or academic experience with thermal and CFD analysis.
• Experience with the latest thermal and CFD simulation tools.
• Experience in battery ECM and life model development using MATLAB/Simulink tools.

Responsibilities

• Conduct battery pack thermal and CFD analysis and provide assessments.
• Develop and coordinate test and validation activities.
• Analyze cell test data and develop equivalent circuit models.
• Develop battery Simulink plant models based on test results.

Skills

Thermal and CFD analysis

MATLAB

Simulink

Battery Electric Vehicles knowledge

Detail-oriented

Education

M.S. degree or higher in Mechanical, Civil, Chemical, or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Star-CCM+

Fluent

Job description

The Battery Thermal Simulation Engineer will be responsible to develop, maintain, and conduct high-voltage (HV) Li-Ion battery pack-level thermal and CFD analysis, develop battery pack thermal models based on test results, and provide technical advice to internal and external customers for the design optimization of HV automotive Li-Ion battery packs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct battery pack thermal and CFD (computational fluid dynamics) analysis — running simulations on battery packs, modules, and electrical subsystems, verifying design concepts, and providing assessments and recommendations to mechanical, electrical, and hardware engineers.
• Develop and coordinate test and validation activities for verification and validation of battery cells, packs, modules, and thermal management systems, including test plan setup, test involvement, project scheduling, and result analyses.
• Analyze cell test data and develop equivalent circuit models (ECM) and life models; apply the resulting models for module- and pack-level simulations.
• Develop battery Simulink plant models and battery pack thermal models based on test results.
• Conduct cell-level thermal analysis and integrate it with electrochemical simulations.
• Provide requirements for improvements to advanced simulation activities, including CFD, thermal, structural, and multi-physics analysis.
• Contribute to the future development of software and hardware for simulation support.
• Interact with validation engineers to conduct root cause analysis and provide technical proposals and solutions to resolve engineering problems.
• Participate in benchmarking activities.
• Be solution-oriented and adept at creating contingency plans to meet deadlines and milestones.
• Perform any additional duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform the job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• M.S. degree or higher in Mechanical, Civil, Chemical, or Aerospace Engineering.
• Minimum two years of industrial or academic experience with thermal and CFD analysis.
• Experience with the latest thermal and CFD simulation tools such as Star-CCM+ and/or Fluent.
• Experience with MATLAB and Simulink.
• Experience in battery ECM and life model development using MATLAB/Simulink tools.
• Experience with battery power-performance and life analysis.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Ability to differentiate and utilize both system and subsystem analysis techniques to evaluate complex interactions
• Ability to define DOEs (design of experiments) and analyze the influence of design parameters to optimize product design for a given application
• Prior knowledge of Battery Electric Vehicles, electrochemistry, and Li-Ion batteries and cell design is a plus
• Proven ability to take initiative and be innovative
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision; takes a proactive role in executing assignments in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Ability to multitask, prioritize workload based on changing needs, and manage through conflicting perspectives

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

An individual must be able to perform the essential functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Our Next Energy Inc. (ONE) is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to disability or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.