Senior Automotive Battery Systems Engineer

Placements24; Gqeberha; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental insurance

Retirement savings plan

Performance bonuses

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Automotive Battery Systems Engineer to lead the design and integration of advanced EV battery systems at our Port Elizabeth site. You will drive pack architecture, BMS implementation, and performance validation, collaborating with cross-functional teams to meet safety and reliability standards.

The role emphasizes hands-on modeling, thermal management, and HV system experience within a hybrid work setup.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD degree in Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in automotive battery systems engineering, with a focus on EVs or hybrid vehicles.
• In-depth knowledge of lithium-ion battery chemistry, cell types, and degradation mechanisms.
• Strong understanding of Battery Management Systems (BMS) hardware and software.
• Experience with thermal analysis and management techniques for battery systems.
• Proficiency in simulation tools (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink, COMSOL) for battery modeling and analysis.
• Familiarity with high-voltage system design, safety standards (e.g., ISO 26262), and relevant automotive protocols.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Proven ability to work effectively in a collaborative, cross-functional team environment.
• Experience with battery pack design for manufacturability and cost-effectiveness.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop next-generation automotive battery packs, including cell selection, module design, and pack assembly.
• Specify and integrate Battery Management Systems (BMS) to ensure optimal performance, safety, and longevity.
• Perform detailed analysis of battery performance, state-of-health (SoH), and state-of-charge (SoC) estimation algorithms.
• Develop and validate thermal management strategies for battery systems to ensure operation within optimal temperature ranges.
• Conduct system-level integration testing and validation of battery components and systems.
• Collaborate with electrical and mechanical engineering teams on high-voltage system design and safety protocols.
• Define requirements for battery testing and validation, and oversee testing procedures.
• Analyze test data and simulation results to identify areas for improvement and troubleshoot issues.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in battery technology, materials, and industry standards.
• Contribute to the development of intellectual property and technical publications.

Skills

Battery systems engineering

BMS hardware & software

Thermal management

Battery testing & validation

Analytical communication

Education

Master's or PhD in Electrical Engineering / Chemical Engineering / Materials Science

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

COMSOL

ISO 26262 safety

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a cutting-edge automotive technology firm situated in Port Elizabeth , is seeking an accomplished Senior Automotive Battery Systems Engineer. This role is at the forefront of electric vehicle (EV) development, focusing on the design, integration, and performance optimization of advanced battery systems. The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in battery chemistry, thermal management, battery management systems (BMS), and high-voltage architectures. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to ensure our battery solutions meet the highest standards of safety, reliability, and performance. This is a pivotal opportunity to contribute to sustainable mobility solutions from a key automotive hub.

Key Responsibilities

Design and develop next-generation automotive battery packs, including cell selection, module design, and pack assembly. Specify and integrate Battery Management Systems (BMS) to ensure optimal performance, safety, and longevity. Perform detailed analysis of battery performance, state-of-health (SoH), and state-of-charge (SoC) estimation algorithms. Develop and validate thermal management strategies for battery systems to ensure operation within optimal temperature ranges. Conduct system-level integration testing and validation of battery components and systems. Collaborate with electrical and mechanical engineering teams on high-voltage system design and safety protocols. Define requirements for battery testing and validation, and oversee testing procedures. Analyze test data and simulation results to identify areas for improvement and troubleshoot issues. Stay current with the latest advancements in battery technology, materials, and industry standards. Contribute to the development of intellectual property and technical publications.

Requirements

Master's or PhD degree in Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field. Minimum of 7 years of experience in automotive battery systems engineering, with a focus on EVs or hybrid vehicles. In-depth knowledge of lithium-ion battery chemistry, cell types, and degradation mechanisms. Strong understanding of Battery Management Systems (BMS) hardware and software. Experience with thermal analysis and management techniques for battery systems. Proficiency in simulation tools (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink, COMSOL) for battery modeling and analysis. Familiarity with high-voltage system design, safety standards (e.g., ISO 26262), and relevant automotive protocols. Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills. Proven ability to work effectively in a collaborative, cross-functional team environment. Experience with battery pack design for manufacturability and cost-effectiveness.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary range of R per annum , commensurate with your expertise and experience. This hybrid role allows for a blend of in-office collaboration and remote flexibility. You will be part of an innovative team driving the future of sustainable transportation. Benefits include a comprehensive medical and dental insurance plan, a generous retirement savings plan, performance bonuses, and opportunities for professional development and attending industry conferences. Join our client in the industrious city of Port Elizabeth and shape the future of automotive energy.