Technical Advisor for Energy Storage Systems Safety

Smart Justice California; United States; Remote; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading energy research organization as a Battery Materials and Systems expert. This role involves directing energy storage safety initiatives, engaging with stakeholders, and contributing to key technical committees. Ideal candidates will hold advanced degrees with extensive industry experience and a strong focus on educational outreach.

Qualifications

• BS/BA with 11 years, or MS/MA with 9 years relevant experience.
• Engineering or Science degree preferred with 10+ years experience.
• Experience in energy storage industry and code development.

Responsibilities

• Lead PNNL’s energy storage safety efforts.
• Represent PNNL on technical committees and present updates.
• Establish relationships with energy storage industries and utilities.

Skills

Technical leadership

Educational outreach

Stakeholder coordination

Effective communication

Education

BS/BA

MS/MA or higher

Job description

Overview

At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget.

Our Science & Technology directorates include National Security, Earth and Biological Sciences, Physical and Computational Sciences, and Energy and Environment. Our directorates related to Mission Support & Operations include Office of General Counsel, Business Services, Communications and External Engagement, Operational Systems, Communications and Information Technology, and Performance Management. In addition, we have an Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus.

The Energy and Environment Directorate delivers science and technology solutions for the nation’s biggest energy and environmental challenges. Our more than 1,700 staff support the Department of Energy (DOE), delivering on key DOE mission areas including: modernizing our nation’s power grid to maintain a reliable, affordable, secure, and resilient electricity delivery infrastructure; research, development, validation, and effective utilization of renewable energy and efficiency technologies that improve the affordability, reliability, resiliency, and security of the American energy system; and resolving complex issues in nuclear science, energy, and environmental management.

The Energy Processes and Materials Division, part of the Energy and Environment Directorate, creates and delivers real world solutions that support the Department of Energy’s goals for national energy security. We deliver new technologies that connect fundamental science to applications in areas such as energy storage, advanced materials manufacturing, applied catalysis, advanced separations, biomass conversions, carbon capture and utilization, and hydrogen production and storage. We employ a systems perspective that includes discovery, technology development, and scale-up as well as economic, regulatory, and market acceptance issues necessary for successful technology commercialization.

Responsibilities

The Battery Materials and Systems (BMS) Group within the Energy Processes and Materials Division of the Energy and Environment Directorate at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory works on a diverse portfolio of storage technologies including Li-ion battery, redox flow battery, Na-metal halide battery, Na-ion battery, Pb -acid, and aqueous Zn batteries. The research ranges from fundamental and applied material research to battery prototyping and demonstration, battery reliability testing, and safety codes and standards.

The position is for a highly motivated and established person to help lead PNNL’s work in ESS safety. The successful candidate will have a strong knowledge in ESS codes & standards, system design and deployment, and experience developing and delivering educational outreach to broad stakeholders. In general, the BMS Group is currently seeking an individual to help lead the energy storage safety and educational efforts at PNNL. Specifically, this position will play a key role representing PNNL on technical committees, present research/education and standards updates, and support battery safety efforts for deployment projects. Additional responsibilities will be in supporting the ESS safety program efforts within the Safety & Reliability program, and system deployment within the Industrial Acceptance program.

The candidate has the opportunity to join a team of about 60 world-class scientists and engineers working on varieties of battery technologies with diverse backgrounds in electrochemistry, materials science, and electrical engineering.

Provide technical leadership in identifying key stakeholders, relevant educational programs, and coordinating the development and delivery of programs at PNNL facilities.
Support outside educational outreach efforts at conferences, with utilities, manufacturers, and AHJ’s as needed.
Deliver clear and concise written papers, reports and oral presentation to DOE and industrial stakeholders and represent PNNL at conferences and workshops
Establish new business with major energy storage industries and utilities.
Manage relationships with key associations and government agencies.
Work with other national laboratories, other PNNL staff and project teams to accomplish program objectives.
Travel expected to be 25%.

Minimum Qualifications:

BS/BA and 11 years of relevant experience -OR-
MS/MA or higher and 9 years of relevant experience

Preferred Qualifications:

Engineering or Science degree with 10 or more years of experience.
Experience in developing and delivering technical training materials in both instructional and conference presentations.
Experience in leading facilities, equipment, and personnel development for energy storage.
Experience in code development in the ES field.
Proven leadership in energy storage and energy industry events.