Senior Automotive Battery Systems Engineer

Placements24; Riverton (UT); Hybrid; USD 73,000 - 109,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive bonus

Hybrid work model

Medical insurance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Automotive Battery Systems Engineer for a hybrid role in Upington, Northern Cape. You will lead design, validation, and integration of high-voltage battery systems for EV/HEV applications, collaborating with power electronics, vehicle integration, and software teams.

You will mentor engineers, drive roadmaps, ensure safety standards, and optimize energy density and longevity while contributing to cutting-edge battery technology.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Electrical/Mechanical/Materials or related field.
• Proven track record in automotive battery systems for EV/HEV.
• Experience with high-voltage battery packs and BMS.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, architecture, and specs for battery packs/modules.
• Develop testing/validation strategies for safety and performance.
• Collaborate with suppliers and cross-functional teams.
• Mentor junior engineers and document technical work.

Skills

Battery systems design

BMS integration

Thermal management

CAN and automotive networks

MATLAB/Simulink

Testing & validation

Leadership

Education

Master's or PhD in Electrical/Mechanical Engineering or related

Tools

COMSOL

GT-SUITE

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in sustainable automotive solutions, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Automotive Battery Systems Engineer to join their advanced engineering team in Upington, Northern Cape . This pivotal role will focus on the design, development, integration, and validation of high-voltage battery systems for electric and hybrid vehicles. You will be instrumental in optimizing battery performance, safety, energy density, and longevity. The position offers a hybrid work model, providing a blend of crucial on-site technical activities and focused remote development. You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including power electronics, vehicle integration, and software engineers, to deliver state-of-the‑art battery solutions. As a senior member, you will provide technical leadership and contribute to strategic battery technology roadmaps. This is an exciting opportunity to be at the forefront of electric vehicle innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, architecture, and specification of automotive battery packs and modules, including cell selection, thermal management, and Battery Management System (BMS) integration.
• Develop and implement rigorous testing and validation strategies for battery systems to ensure safety, performance, and durability under various operating conditions.
• Perform detailed analysis of battery performance data, including energy throughput, cycle life, and thermal behavior.
• Collaborate with suppliers to select and qualify battery cells and components.
• Work closely with vehicle integration and software teams to ensure seamless integration of the battery system into the overall vehicle architecture.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant safety standards and regulations for high-voltage battery systems (e.g., UN 38.3, IEC 62133, ISO 26262).
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex battery system issues encountered during development, testing, and production.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in battery chemistry, cell technology, thermal management, and BMS technology.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior battery systems engineers.
• Create and maintain comprehensive technical documentation, including design specifications, test plans, and validation reports.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in automotive battery systems engineering, with a focus on EV/HEV applications.
• Demonstrated expertise in battery pack design, thermal management, cell balancing, and Battery Management Systems (BMS).
• Strong understanding of battery electrochemistry, safety principles, and failure modes.
• Proficiency with simulation tools for battery performance and thermal analysis (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink, COMSOL, GT-SUITE).
• Experience with testing methodologies for battery systems, including abuse testing and performance validation.
• Knowledge of automotive communication protocols (e.g., CAN) and embedded systems.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong communication and leadership abilities, suitable for a hybrid work environment.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and significant performance bonus potential.
• Hybrid work model offering a flexible work-life balance.
• Opportunity to work on cutting‑edge battery technology for electric and hybrid vehicles.
• Contribution to a company driving innovation in sustainable mobility.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Generous retirement savings plan with employer matching.
• Extensive paid time off and company holidays.
• Continuous professional development and opportunities for advanced training.
• Access to state‑of‑the‑art research and development facilities.