Sr. Engineer I - Battery Software

Karma Automotive; Irvine (CA); Hybrid; USD 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance (if applicable)

401(k) with employer match

Health plan options (HMO, PPO, HDHP)

Dental & vision plans

Employee health & well‑being program

Company paid basic life & AD&D

Job summary

Karma Automotive in Irvine, CA is seeking a Sr. Engineer I – Battery Software to develop BMS application software, including architecture, status monitoring, control, safety mechanisms, and diagnostics, while collaborating with cross‑functional teams.

Responsibilities include designing embedded software for next‑generation EV/BMS, defining software requirements with systems engineering, creating test cases and automation, and leading functional safety and cybersecurity efforts in ISO 26262.

Qualifications

• MS/BS in Control Systems (EE, ME, CS, or related degrees).
• 3+ years of hands-on experience with BMS, high voltage battery systems and Li-Ion batteries.
• Model-based development using MATLAB/Simulink for control and diagnostics.
• Experience with Functional Safety (ISO 26262).
• Proficient in CAN protocols and related tools.
• Model-, software-, and hardware-in-the-loop testing (MIL/SIL/HIL).
• Agile software development with cross-functional teams.
• Background in electric/hybrid vehicle control systems and AUTOSAR.
• OBD-II/UDS knowledge; ISO 9001/ISO 14001 familiarity.
• A valid driver’s license is required.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop embedded software for next generation EV BMS.
• Define software functional requirements with system engineering.
• Create test cases and execute unit tests and automation.
• Lead functional safety and cybersecurity for BMS with team support.
• Define safety software requirements and implement safety mechanisms.
• Manage software version control, data dictionary, calibration, and documentation.
• Oversee bench, HIL, and in-vehicle test processes.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize BMS hardware and software.

Skills

BMS experience

Embedded software development

Model-based development (MATLAB/Simul

Education

MS/BS in Control Systems (EE/ME/CS)

Tools

CAN tooling

MIL/SIL/HIL testing tools

Job description

Sr. Engineer I - Battery Software

The Sr. Engineer I – Battery Software will develop battery management system (BMS) application software to achieve all functions based on software requirements, including architecture, status monitoring, control, safety mechanism, and diagnostic. This role executes technical tasks and collaborates with cross‑functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop embedded application software for next generation EV battery management system.
• Define software functional requirements with system engineering.
• Create test cases and execute software unit test plans, test scripts and test automation.
• Lead functional safety and cybersecurity for BMS with team support.
• Define safety software requirements and implement software safety mechanism based on functional safety requirements.
• Manage software version control and release, including data dictionary, calibration, and documentation.
• Oversee the test process to verify functionalities on bench, HIL, and in‑vehicle environments.
• Work closely with cross‑functional teams to design, validate, and optimize BMS hardware and low‑level software performance.
• Drive next‑generation BMS projects through all phases, from concept and specifications to validation.
• Champion technology innovation, process improvement, and knowledge sharing within the team.
• Other duties, as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• MS/BS in Control Systems (EE, ME, CS, or related degrees).
• 3+ years of demonstrated hands‑on experience with BMS, high voltage battery systems and Li‑Ion batteries.
• Proven expertise in model‑based software development leveraging MATLAB/Simulink for control and diagnostics applications.
• Solid understanding and at least 1 year of hands‑on experience with Functional Safety (ISO 26262).
• Proficient in CAN communication protocols and related engineering tools.
• Experienced in Model‑, Software‑, and Hardware‑in‑the‑Loop (MIL/SIL/HIL) testing for ECUs.
• Skilled in software compiling, flashing, and calibration tools and processes.
• Experienced in Agile software development with sprint‑based planning and cross‑functional collaboration.
• Strong background in electric and hybrid vehicle control systems.
• Knowledgeable in AUTOSAR software architecture and development methodology.
• Familiar with automotive diagnostics standards, including OBD‑II and UDS.
• Basic knowledge of Quality Management Systems (ISO 9001:2015) and Environmental Management Systems (ISO 14001:2015), as applicable.
• A valid driver’s license is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in Control Systems, ME, EE, Aerospace, or related degree with a focus on vehicle systems and dynamics.
• Proven skills on optimal control design, linear programming, or dynamic programming optimization.
• Solid understanding of automotive cybersecurity within frameworks of ISO 21434 or UNECE R155.
• Electric/hybrid vehicle/powertrain control systems algorithm and software development with a major OEM or tier‑1 supplier on production‑intent development programs.
• Powertrain system knowledge including engine, motor, inverter, powertrain control, and brake control.
• CAN communication tools experience (e.g., Vector CANalyzer, CANOE, Kvaser).

Character Traits and Related Responsibilities

• Works with all levels of management, communicates directly with management and cross‑functional leaders as required.
• Must display ability to identify problems, recommend solutions, and negotiate and execute contingency plans.
• Must be able to accept personal responsibility and accountability for major analytical and planning assignments.
• Strong teamwork skills. Able to develop consensus, move the program forward, and develop win‑win situations.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to frequently use or operate a computer, mouse and/or other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, computer printer, etc.
• Ability to frequently use hand(s) for repetitive actions (grasping and fine manipulation).
• Ability to frequently walk or move – to regularly move about inside the office.
• Ability to frequently see or detect, identify, recognize, or assess surroundings while in the office.
• Ability to occasionally bend, kneel, crouch, turn, and stoop.
• Ability to frequently sit or be stationary for extended continuous periods of time.
• Ability to stand for occasionally periods of time.
• Ability to safely climb ladders, stairs, and ramps occasionally.
• Ability to occasionally lift and/or push/pull up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) correctly most of the day.
• Driving company vehicles occasionally.
• Travel up to 25%.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing their job.

Benefits & Perks

• Medical plan choices include HMO, PPO & HDHP (high‑deductible health plan).
• Dental & vision plans.
• Health savings account & flexible spending account.
• Employee health & well‑being program events.
• Company paid basic life & AD&D insurance.
• 401(k) with employer match.
• Relocation assistance (if applicable).
• Employee assistance program (EAP).
• Sick time, vacation time and personal floaters.
• Paid holidays including company’s annual year‑end shutdown.
• Karma Cares program (quarterly lunch).
• Work‑life balance (flexible and hybrid work schedule).
• Employee driving program.
• Pre‑taxed commuter benefits & much more.

Compensation

$125,000 – 150,000 / annual salary. Compensation will vary DOE. This money is one part of the total rewards package, which may also include other elements dependent on the position being offered.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Karma Automotive, Inc. is an equal employment opportunity (EEO) employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, gender identity and expression, color, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy or related conditions (including breastfeeding), national origin/ancestry, religion, military/veteran status, genetic information, citizenship status, intersectionality or any other characteristic and group protected by applicable law. Karma Automotive, Inc. complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act to ensure equal access to all qualified individuals with a physical or mental disability. Valid driver’s license may be required based on essential duties.