Principal Energy Research Engineer

Honda South Carolina Manufacturing; Raymond (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base salary

Regional bonus

Relocation assistance

Medical/Dental/Vision insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

Honda South Carolina Manufacturing is seeking a Principal Research Engineer to lead R&D efforts in charging and energy technologies. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to advance PoV demonstrations and align with Honda's energy strategy.

The role requires at least a bachelor’s in engineering and 8+ years in energy storage, grid integration, or renewable projects, with strong modelling, programming (Python), and Matlab/Simulink skills. Onsite with occasional remote day.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Engineering or related STEM field.
• At least 8+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Experience with energy storage, conversion or renewable integration projects.
• Knowledge of electrical grid infrastructure and V2X concepts.
• Proficiency in programming (Python) and data analytics.

Responsibilities

• Define, lead, and execute advanced research initiatives in renewable energy integration, electrical infrastructure, energy storage, and energy conversion methods.
• Continuously sense emerging technologies and market trends related to charging, energy and NA market.
• Own end-to-end execution of complex research programs from concept through PoV/MVP demonstrations.
• Support design and prototyping of energy and charging systems for scalability and reliability.
• Collaborate with stakeholders, industry partners, and academia to identify challenges and co-develop solutions.
• Document findings and grow technical capability in NA.

Skills

Energy systems modeling

Python programming

Matlab/Simulink

AI/ML for predictive modeling

Electrical grid knowledge

V2X concepts

Battery technologies

Thermal management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Energy Systems

Tools

Matlab/Simulink

Job description

What Makes a Honda, Is Who Makes a Honda

Honda has a clear vision for the future, and it’s a joyful one. We are looking for individuals with the skills, courage, persistence, and dreams that will help us reach our future-focused goals. At our core is innovation. Honda is constantly innovating and developing solutions to drive our business with record success. We strive to be a company that serves as a source of “power” that supports people around the world who are trying to do things based on their own initiative and that helps people expand their own potential. To this end, Honda strives to realize “the joy and freedom of mobility” by developing new technologies and an innovative approach to achieve a “zero environmental footprint.”

We are looking for qualified individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, continuous improvement values, and a strong work ethic to join our team.

If your goals and values align with Honda’s, we want you to join our team to Bring the Future!

Job Purpose

• The Principal Research Engineer conducts research and development efforts for Charging and Energy Technologies.


• You will work with emerging, state-of-the art collaborators to find and progress new approaches to develop new value solutions.


• The role targets proof-of-value (PoV) demonstrations for consideration towards development in products.


• You will work with cross-functional members from within the COE division, related function groups (regional or global) and regional business stakeholders to prepare and review PoVs.

Key Accountabilities

• Independently define, lead, and execute advanced research initiatives in renewable energy integration, electrical infrastructure, advanced battery systems, and energy conversion methods.


• Continuously sense emerging technologies (energy generation, transmission, and distribution, vehicle charging, automation, etc.), consumer trends, and the NA market pertaining to charging and energy.


• Own end-to-end execution of complex research programs, from concept through proof-of-value (PoV), proof-of-concept, or MVP demonstration maintaining accountability for technical outcomes, timeline adherence, and research quality.


• Support in the design and implement prototypes for energy and charging systems, ensuring scalability, reliability, and security.


• Lead new technology from the research portfolio of themes for implementation into the Honda technical strategy through existing meeting structure and cadence


• Work closely with stakeholders, industry partners, and academic institutions to identify challenges and co-develop solutions.


• Gain knowledge and expertise in emerging technologies, document findings, and inform others to grow the overall technical capability in NA

Qualifications, Experience, And Skills

• Education: At least a Bachelors level degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Energy Systems / Renewable Energy or a related STEM field.


• At least 8+ years of relevant industry xperience


• Proven experience of energy storage, conversion, or renewable integration projects.


• Good demonstrable knowledge of electrical grid infrastructure, V2X concepts, and connected infrastructure.


• Knowledge of battery technologies, fuel cells, and thermal management.


• Expertise in energy systems modeling and simulation tools, e.g. – Matlab, Simulink


• Proficiency in programming (e.g. - Python) and data analytics.


• Familiarity with AI/ML frameworks for predictive modeling.

Workstyle

This is an onsite job. One remote workday per week may be possible with prior departmental approval

What differentiates Honda and makes us an employer of choice?

Total Rewards

• Competitive Base Salary (pay will be based on several variables that include, but not limited to geographic location, work experience, etc.)


• Regional Bonus (when applicable)


• Manager Lease Car Program (No Cost - Car, Maintenance, and Insurance included)


• Industry-leading Benefit Plans (Medical, Dental, Vision, Rx)


• Paid time off, including vacation, holidays, shutdown


• Company Paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability


• 401K Plan with company match + additional contribution


• Relocation assistance (if eligible)

Career Growth

• Advancement Opportunities


• Career Mobility


• Education Reimbursement for Continued learning


• Training and Development Programs

Additional Offerings

• Lifestyle Account


• Childcare Reimbursement Account


• Elder Care Support


• Tuition Assistance & Student Loan Repayment


• Wellbeing Program


• Community Service and Engagement Programs


• Product Programs

Honda is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected factor.