Fire Safety Engineer - Energy Storage

Contemporary Amperex Technology USA Inc; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) retirement plan with company 4%

Paid time off and company holidays

Professional development and growth

Job summary

Contemporary Amperex Technology (USA), Inc. (CATU) is seeking a Fire & System Safety Engineer to lead safety engineering for Grid-Scale Energy Storage products. This role blends fire protection with system reliability to manage hazards from energy storage systems to full grid-connected sites.

The ideal candidate has direct experience with BESS, NFPA standards, and safety modeling, and will lead permitting and approvals with AHJs for grid-connected projects.

Qualifications

• Energy Storage Systems (BESS) experience.
• Knowledge of NFPA 855, UL 9540/9540A, NFPA codes.
• Ability to translate failure data into design improvements.
• Experience leading utility-scale energy projects and permits.

Responsibilities

• Lead NFPA 855 implementation for stationary energy storage systems.
• Manage NFPA 68 and NFPA 69 applications for safety.
• Conduct FTA and FMEA to prevent cascading failures in BESS.
• Create and maintain Hazard Mitigation Analysis documentation.
• Coordinate with external safety firms and obtain third-party validation.
• Lead technical discussions with customers and AHJs for permits.

Skills

Energy storage expertise

Regulatory knowledge

Safety modeling

Project leadership

Job description

Contemporary Amperex Technology (USA), Inc. (CATU) is a U.S. subsidiary of Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL), a global leader in the research, development and manufacturing of advanced electric vehicle and energy storage batteries. Established in Michigan in 2017, CATU has played a critical role in advancing electric mobility and energy resilience in the U.S.

Our Vision

To become a globally leading innovative technology corporation, contribute meaningfully to sustainable energy solutions, and provide a platform that supports both the professional and personal growth of our employees.

Overview

CATL is seeking a Fire & System Safety Engineer to lead safety engineering for our Grid-Scale Energy Storage products. This role will blend fire protection engineering with system reliability analysis to manage hazards from energy storage system to the full grid-connected site.

Key Responsibilities

• Grid Storage Compliance: Lead the implementation of NFPA 855 for stationary energy storage systems, ensuring all product designs and site layouts meet fire and explosion safety requirements.
• Explosion & Fire Mitigation: Manage the application of NFPA 68 (Deflagration Venting) and NFPA 69 (Explosion Prevention)
• System Safety Analysis: Conduct deep-dive technical evaluations, including Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) and FMEA, to predict and prevent cascading failures within the BESS architecture.
• Hazard Mitigation Analysis (HMA): Create and maintain the Hazard Mitigation Analysis documentation.
• External Consultant Management: Coordinate with external safety firms to validate technical assessments and ensure all third-party analysis is complete and accurate.
• Customer & AHJ Approvals: Act as the technical lead in customer meetings and hearings with AHJs to secure the necessary permits and approvals for grid-connected projects.

Preferred Qualifications

• Energy Storage Expertise: Direct experience with Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and knowledge of lithium-ion battery behavior.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Proficiency in UL 9540 and UL 9540A testing standards, alongside the NFPA codes.
• Safety Modeling: Ability to translate complex system failure data into actionable design improvements to enhance grid reliability.
• Project Leadership: Experience navigating the unique permitting challenges of utility-scale energy projects in diverse jurisdictions.
• Competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
• Paid time off and company holidays.
• Professional development and growth opportunities.

CATU is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.

Employment Disclaimer

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. CATU reserves the right to modify, revise, or add job responsibilities as business needs evolve. Employment with CATU is at-will, meaning either the employee or the Company may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, in accordance with applicable law.

Export Control & Data Security Compliance

This position may involve access to sensitive systems or information subject to U.S. export control and data security regulations. Employment is contingent upon the employee’s ability to comply with applicable laws and company policies related to data protection and controlled information access.