Lead Automotive Battery Systems Engineer (Remote First)

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Executive benefits

Health insurance

Dental and vision

Job summary

WhatJobs Direct seeks a Lead Automotive Battery Systems Engineer to drive the design, development, and validation of advanced battery packs for next‑gen EVs in a remote capacity. You will mentor engineers, set technical direction, and ensure performance, safety, and reliability of battery solutions.

The ideal candidate holds a Master's or PhD in a relevant field with 10+ years in automotive battery design, including at least 4 years in a leadership role, and strong BMS knowledge, safety

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field with specialization in batteries.
• 10+ years in automotive battery system design; 4+ years in leadership roles.
• Proven expertise in Li-ion cell chemistries, module design, and pack integration.
• In-depth knowledge of BMS hardware and software.
• Experience with battery safety standards (UN 38.3, IEC 62619, ISO 26262) and thermal management.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Excellent leadership and communication abilities.
• Remote work capability and proximity to Bloemfontein, ZA.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and validation of automotive battery pack systems, including cell selection, module design, and pack integration.
• Oversee the development and implementation of Battery Management Systems (BMS) for optimal performance, safety, and longevity.
• Define and execute testing strategies for battery systems, ensuring compliance with automotive standards and regulations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration of battery systems.
• Mentor and guide junior battery engineers, fostering technical growth.
• Conduct in-depth analysis of battery performance, degradation, and safety issues; provide innovative solutions.
• Stay abreast of emerging battery technologies, materials, and industry trends.
• Manage timelines, resources, and budgets for battery system development.
• Contribute to the overall strategy and roadmap for EV battery technology.

Skills

Battery system design leadership

Leadership

BMS hardware/software

Thermal management

Project management

Safety standards knowledge

Strong communication

Remote work capability

Education

Master's or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science or related with battery specialization

Tools

Battery simulation software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, WhatJobs Direct, is seeking a highly experienced and visionary Lead Automotive Battery Systems Engineer to join their groundbreaking team in a fully remote capacity. This is an exceptional opportunity for an expert in battery technology to drive innovation and development from the convenience of their home office. You will be responsible for leading the design, development, and integration of advanced battery systems for next-generation electric vehicles. This role demands a deep understanding of electrochemistry, battery management systems (BMS), thermal management, and safety protocols. As a Lead Engineer, you will mentor a team of talented engineers, set technical direction, and ensure the highest standards of performance, reliability, and safety for our battery solutions. We are committed to accelerating the transition to sustainable transportation and require a passionate, results-oriented leader to achieve this vision. As a remote-first organization, we provide state-of-the-art collaboration tools and support to ensure our distributed team operates at peak efficiency. Your leadership and technical acumen will be critical in overcoming the challenges of electric vehicle battery development and delivering market-leading products. This position is open to candidates residing within the Bloemfontein, Free State, ZA region, but is a remote role.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and validation of automotive battery pack systems, including cell selection, module design, and pack integration.
• Oversee the development and implementation of Battery Management Systems (BMS) for optimal performance, safety, and longevity.
• Define and execute testing strategies for battery systems, ensuring compliance with automotive standards and regulations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including mechanical, electrical, and software engineers, to ensure seamless integration of battery systems.
• Mentor and guide junior battery engineers, fostering technical growth and expertise within the team.
• Conduct in-depth analysis of battery performance, degradation, and safety issues, providing innovative solutions.
• Stay abreast of emerging battery technologies, materials, and industry trends.
• Manage project timelines, resources, and budgets for battery system development.
• Contribute to the overall strategy and roadmap for our electric vehicle battery technology.

Requirements

• Master's or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field with a specialization in batteries.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in automotive battery system design and development, with at least 4 years in a leadership or senior engineering role.
• Proven expertise in battery cell technologies (e.g., Li-ion chemistries), module design, and pack integration.
• In-depth knowledge of Battery Management Systems (BMS) hardware and software.
• Experience with battery system safety standards (e.g., UN 38.3, IEC 62619, ISO 26262) and thermal management solutions.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal abilities.
• Experience with simulation tools for battery performance and thermal analysis is a plus.
• Must be able to work effectively from a remote location, with strong self-discipline and communication skills, and be located within reasonable proximity to Bloemfontein, Free State, ZA.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and executive-level benefits package.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off and flexible remote working arrangements.
• Opportunities for significant professional growth and leadership development.
• Be at the forefront of electric vehicle battery innovation.
• Access to cutting-edge research and development resources.
• Company-sponsored professional development and training.
• 401k or similar retirement savings plan with company match.