Senior Test Engineer - Fire, Lithium Ion Battery, & Explosions

Jensen Hughes; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A global leader in fire protection engineering is seeking a Senior Test Engineer for its Baltimore lab. The role involves designing and executing fire safety tests, analyzing data, and mentoring junior engineers. Candidates should have a Bachelor's in Mechanical or Fire Protection Engineering and at least three years in a lab environment, preferably in fire protection. Strong knowledge of fire safety testing and laboratory equipment is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related field; advanced degree preferred.
• 3+ years in a lab environment, preferably in fire protection.
• Experience with li-ion battery testing preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement test plans for evaluating fire safety performance.
• Oversee laboratory facilities and equipment.
• Communicate research findings and test results clearly.

Skills

Fire safety testing

Mechanical Engineering

Data analysis

Client-focused solutions

Leadership/Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Fire Protection Engineering

Tools

Calorimeters

Thermal imaging cameras

Testing equipment

Job description

Senior Test Engineer - Fire, Lithium Ion Battery, & Explosions

Company Overview

Throughout our worldwide network of experts, clients and communities, we are renowned for our leadership in fire protection engineering – a legacy of responsibility we have proudly upheld since 1939. Today, our expertise extends broadly across closely related security and risk-based fields – from accessibility consulting and risk analysis to process safety, forensic investigations, security risk consulting, emergency management, digital innovation and more.

Our engineers and consultants collaborate to solve complex safety and security challenges, ensuring our clients can protect what matters most. For over 80 years, we have helped mitigate risks that threaten lives, property and reputations. Through technology, expertise and industry-leading research, we remain dedicated to our purpose of making our world safe, secure and resilient.

At Jensen Hughes, we believe that creating and sustaining a culture of trust, integrity and professional growth starts with putting our people first. Our employees are our greatest strength, and we value the unique perspectives and talents they bring to our organization.

Our wide range of Global Employee Networks connect people from across the organization, supporting career development and providing forums for individuals to share experiences on topics they're passionate about. Together, we are cultivating a connected culture where everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow and succeed together.

Job Overview

Jensen Hughes is seeking a motivated Senior Test Engineer to join the Research, Development, Testing + Evaluation team in the Fire Testing Lab at the global company headquarters in Baltimore, Maryland. The successful candidate will work independently and in collaboration with a multi‑disciplinary team of professional consultants and engineers to help our clients answer some of the industry’s most challenging fire protection questions. This role will involve the design, execution, and analysis of research and testing programs. Typical projects range from bench‑scale to full‑scale testing for evaluation of fire protection system efficacy, consequence characterization for industrial processes and energy storage systems, product testing and evaluation, demonstrative testing for litigation support, performance‑based comparison of construction materials for use in engineering judgments, numerical model validation, and applied research initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement test plans and protocols for evaluating the fire safety performance of products, including fire suppression systems, detection devices, new construction materials, and other related products.
• Identify and apply specialized test equipment and instrumentation, such as calorimeters, smoke chambers, thermal imaging cameras, and gas analyzers, to accurately measure and record relevant test parameters.
• Oversee the setup, operation, and maintenance of new and existing laboratory facilities and equipment.
• Conduct a wide range of fire safety tests, including but not limited to fire resistance, flame spread, smoke detection, and heat release rate tests, in accordance with applicable industry standards.
• Strategically manage multiple projects concurrently, from inception to completion, ensuring alignment with timelines, budgets, quality standards, and client deliverables.
• Collect, process, and analyze test data using various data processing techniques.
• Communicate research findings, test results, and recommendations clearly and concisely through test reports, technical documentation, and presentations tailored to the needs of our diverse clientele.
• Participate in technical discussions and provide expert guidance on fire safety testing matters to internal stakeholders, partners, and clients.
• Mentor junior lab engineers by demonstrating best practices and facilitating an environment where practical testing skills can be developed.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Fire Protection Engineering, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of three (3) years of professional experience in a client-focused laboratory environment with a proven track record of delivering innovative client-oriented testing solutions, preferably within the fire protection industry. Experience with li-ion battery abuse and fire testing at cell, module, and unit scales is preferred.
• Available to work full time onsite at the test facility in Baltimore, MD, USA (BWI area).
• Knowledge and/or experience with the operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of laboratory equipment and apparatus, including hood calorimeters, test furnaces, and other specialized instrumentation.
• Experienced at conducting bench-scale to full-scale fire tests, applying best practices for test documentation, and operating testing equipment and instrumentation.
• Knowledge and/or experience with data collection software, hardware, and instrumentation, including the calibration, installation, and operation of instruments intended for measurement of temperature, heat flux, pressure, gas concentrations, etc.
• Interest in writing proposals and developing your client base.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Jensen Hughes is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.

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