Principal Research Engineer (Energy Storage)

Placements24; Willows (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Medical coverage

Retirement plans

Relocation support

Professional growth

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a visionary Principal Research Engineer specializing in Energy Storage. Based in Welkom, Free State, the role drives innovation of advanced battery technologies and storage systems, leading a diverse team of engineers and scientists toward commercially viable solutions.

The role requires a PhD and 10+ years of experience, with a track record of guiding complex projects, publishing results, and collaborating with manufacturing to scale up new tech.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field with energy storage specialization.
• 10+ years of progressive R&D experience in energy storage.
• Proven leadership in large multi-disciplinary projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D on next‑gen energy storage technologies and chemistries.
• Design experiments, model performance, and optimize designs.
• Mentor engineers, manage cross-functional teams and milestones.
• Publish findings and present at conferences.

Skills

Energy storage

Battery electrochemistry

Materials synthesis

Leadership

Project management

Education

PhD in Electrical/ Chemical/ Materials Science with energy storage specialization

Tools

COMSOL

ANSYS

MATLAB

Job description

About the Role Our client is at the forefront of developing sustainable energy solutions and is seeking a visionary Principal Research Engineer specializing in Energy Storage. This critical role, based in Welkom, Free State, will drive the innovation and development of advanced battery technologies and other energy storage systems. You will lead complex research projects, mentor a team of brilliant engineers and scientists, and contribute to shaping the future of renewable energy integration. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of electrochemical principles, materials science, and system design, with a proven ability to translate cutting-edge research into commercially viable products. This is a unique chance to influence global energy landscapes from Welkom.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the research and development of next-generation energy storage technologies, including advanced battery chemistries, flow batteries, and supercapacitors.
• Design and conduct experiments to evaluate material performance, cell design, and system integration for energy storage solutions.
• Develop theoretical models and simulations to predict performance, optimize designs, and troubleshoot issues in energy storage systems.
• Manage cross-functional teams of engineers and scientists, ensuring project milestones are met within scope, budget, and timeline.
• Analyze experimental data, interpret results, and develop comprehensive technical reports and publications.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in energy storage research, identifying new opportunities and technological breakthroughs.
• Collaborate with manufacturing and product development teams to ensure successful scale-up and commercialization of new technologies.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers and researchers, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous learning.
• Represent the company at key industry conferences and contribute to technical discussions within the energy sector in Free State.
• Ensure adherence to all safety protocols and environmental regulations throughout the research process in Welkom.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field with a specialization in energy storage.
• 10+ years of progressive research experience in energy storage technologies, with a significant portion in a principal or lead engineer capacity.
• Demonstrated expertise in battery electrochemistry, materials synthesis, cell design, and system integration.
• Proven track record of leading successful R&D projects and delivering innovative solutions.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and computational modeling skills (e.g., COMSOL, ANSYS, MATLAB).
• Experience with various battery chemistries (e.g., Li-ion, solid-state, redox flow) and relevant characterization techniques.
• Excellent leadership, project management, and communication skills.
• Ability to publish research findings in high-impact journals and present at international conferences.
• Experience working with or within the energy sector in Welkom or similar regions.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive remuneration package, including an attractive base salary, annual bonus, and long-term incentives.
• A comprehensive benefits package includes premium medical coverage, robust retirement plans, and generous paid time off.
• Opportunities for professional growth through continuous training, conference attendance, and internal mobility are abundant.
• We provide access to world‑class research facilities and a stimulating, collaborative work environment.
• Support for relocation to Welkom, Free State may be offered.