Senior Research Engineer – Battery and Data Center Safety

International Association for Fire Safety Science; Norwood (MA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits package

Job summary

The International Association for Fire Safety Science is looking for a Senior Research Engineer to enhance understanding and develop testing methodologies for battery safety, particularly focusing on lithium-ion systems relevant to data centers and renewable energy.

This role involves performing thermal and fire safety experiments and managing project activities, requiring a Master’s degree or PhD in relevant fields. A full benefits package is offered, with a salary commensurate with experience.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree with 3 years of experience, or PhD in Mechanical, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• Strong understanding of battery technologies, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and combustion.
• Hands-on experience with battery fire testing.

Responsibilities

• Develop and perform thermal and fire safety experiments at multiple battery scales.
• Analyze experimental data and prepare documentation.
• Manage project aspects including proposals, planning, execution, and reporting.

Skills

Battery fire testing

Thermal and fire safety experiments

Data analysis

Project management

Communication skills

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

Master’s degree in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering

PhD in related field

Tools

High-voltage battery systems

Testing methodologies

Job description

FM is seeking a Senior Research Engineer to advance scientific understanding, develop testing methodologies and standards, and create engineering solutions in the field of battery safety. The ultimate goal is to support industrial property loss prevention by conducting high-quality research focused on thermal and fire hazards associated with batteries, with a near‑term emphasis on lithium-ion systems used in data center and renewable energy applications.

Responsibilities

• Develop and perform thermal and fire safety experiments at multiple battery scales – cell, module, unit, and high‑voltage-system levels.
• Advance existing experimental capabilities and methods to support the development of standardized testing for hazard evaluation and protection of battery systems.
• Analyze experimental data and prepare high-quality documentation.
• Communicate test methods, results, and engineering recommendations to internal and external stakeholders, including collaborators, clients, and industry partners.
• Manage all aspects of project management, including proposals, planning, execution, reporting, and engineering application.
• A Master’s degree with 3 years of experience, or a PhD degree in Mechanical, Chemical Engineering, Fire Protection Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Strong understanding of existing and emerging battery technologies, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and combustion.
• Hands‑on experience with battery fire testing and associated experimental approaches in fire science.
• Experience with high‑voltage battery system testing, such as BESS or UPS systems, is highly desirable.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and a demonstrated ability to develop effective solutions to complex technical challenges.
• Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills, with the ability to productively collaborate in an interdisciplinary research environment.

A full benefits package is offered with this position. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience.