Senior Automotive Battery Systems Engineer

Placements24; Upington; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement savings plan

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly experienced Senior Automotive Battery Systems Engineer to join our advanced engineering team in Upington, Northern Cape. The role focuses on design, development, integration, and validation of high-voltage battery systems for EVs and HEVs, with a hybrid work model blending on-site and remote development.

The candidate will lead battery pack architecture, BMS integration, and testing strategies, collaborating with power electronics, vehicle integration, and

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in a relevant engineering field.
• 8+ years of automotive battery systems experience (EV/HEV).
• Expertise in battery pack design, thermal management, cell balancing, and BMS.
• Proficiency with MATLAB/Simulink, COMSOL and GT-SUITE.
• Knowledge of CAN and embedded systems; strong analytical skills and leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, architecture, and specification of battery packs and modules, including cell selection, thermal management, and BMS integration.
• Develop testing and validation strategies for battery systems to ensure safety, performance, and durability.
• Analyze battery performance data: energy throughput, cycle life, and thermal behavior.
• Collaborate with suppliers to qualify cells and components.
• Work with vehicle integration and software teams for seamless integration into the vehicle architecture.
• Provide technical leadership and mentor junior battery systems engineers.

Skills

Battery systems engineering

Thermal management

BMS integration

CAN / embedded systems

Analytical skills

Leadership

Education

Master's or Ph.D. in Electrical/Mechanical/Chemical Engineering or Materials Science

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

COMSOL

GT-SUITE

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in sustainable automotive solutions, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Automotive Battery Systems Engineer to join their advanced engineering team in Upington, Northern Cape. This pivotal role will focus on the design, development, integration, and validation of high-voltage battery systems for electric and hybrid vehicles. You will be instrumental in optimizing battery performance, safety, energy density, and longevity. The position offers a hybrid work model, providing a blend of crucial on-site technical activities and focused remote development. You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including power electronics, vehicle integration, and software engineers, to deliver state-of-the-art battery solutions. As a senior member, you will provide technical leadership and contribute to strategic battery technology roadmaps. This is an exciting opportunity to be at the forefront of electric vehicle innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, architecture, and specification of automotive battery packs and modules, including cell selection, thermal management, and Battery Management System (BMS) integration.
• Develop and implement rigorous testing and validation strategies for battery systems to ensure safety, performance, and durability under various operating conditions.
• Perform detailed analysis of battery performance data, including energy throughput, cycle life, and thermal behavior.
• Collaborate with suppliers to select and qualify battery cells and components.
• Work closely with vehicle integration and software teams to ensure seamless integration of the battery system into the overall vehicle architecture.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant safety standards and regulations for high-voltage battery systems (e.g., UN 38.3, IEC 62133, ISO 26262).
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex battery system issues encountered during development, testing, and production.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in battery chemistry, cell technology, thermal management, and BMS technology.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior battery systems engineers.
• Create and maintain comprehensive technical documentation, including design specifications, test plans, and validation reports.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in automotive battery systems engineering, with a focus on EV/HEV applications.
• Demonstrated expertise in battery pack design, thermal management, cell balancing, and Battery Management Systems (BMS).
• Strong understanding of battery electrochemistry, safety principles, and failure modes.
• Proficiency with simulation tools for battery performance and thermal analysis (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink, COMSOL, GT-SUITE).
• Experience with testing methodologies for battery systems, including abuse testing and performance validation.
• Knowledge of automotive communication protocols (e.g., CAN) and embedded systems.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong communication and leadership abilities, suitable for a hybrid work environment.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and significant performance bonus potential.
• Hybrid work model offering a flexible work-life balance.
• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge battery technology for electric and hybrid vehicles.
• Contribution to a company driving innovation in sustainable mobility.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Generous retirement savings plan with employer matching.
• Extensive paid time off and company holidays.
• Continuous professional development and opportunities for advanced training.
• Access to state-of-the-art research and development facilities.