Battery Engineer

The Battery Engineer will be a key contributor to the Engineering team, responsible for performing and coordinating electrical, mechanical, and thermal testing, as well as electrochemical characterization, of our NiZn batteries.  The Battery Engineer will be responsible for characterizing cell and system performance, developing and implementing accelerated testing approaches, and using statistical analysis tools to correlate experimental results with variations in cell/system parameters. The successful candidate will be a hands-on, resourceful problem-solver, and a consummate team player with excellent communication skills.  Emphasis will be placed on experience in the development of battery technology, battery characterization techniques and/or accelerated test protocols for lifetime prediction. This position will be worked onsite at our headquarters in Tualatin, Oregon.

Battery Engineer Job Duties:

• Develop and implement accelerated test protocols to characterize and improve performance and lifetime, at the cell, pack, and system level
• Use design-of-experiment (DOE) approaches to aid in optimizing cell and system design
• Improve system performance by executing root cause failure analysis and providing recommendations for appropriate corrective actions
• Drive proof-of-concept testing and feasibility assessment for new application areas
• Develop and maintain test programs for custom and commercial battery testers
• Develop and implement validation methods to ensure the integrity of test data
• Select and manage 3rd party testing vendors
• Analyze and interpret data, prepare test reports, and present results
• Maintain cell test database
• Create and maintain test procedure documentation
• Perform test equipment maintenance
• Work with Engineering and Quality Assurance teams to create QC protocols
• Apply safe working practices in an environment with high voltage, chemicals, and electrochemical test systems

 Job Requirements:

• Education: BS, MS, PhD, or equivalent, in materials science, chemical engineering or related field
• 5+ years hands-on experience in battery development, characterization and/or testing
• Good working understanding of, and hands-on experience with, typical battery characterization techniques
• Ability to design, build and troubleshoot test setups (mechanical, electrical, fluid, thermal, etc.)
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills 
• Ability to design and conduct complex experiments
• Basic knowledge of DOE approaches for performance optimization  
• Experience implementing root cause and corrective action methodologies
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to function as a team player in a cross-functional environment
• Experience in statistical analysis techniques and facility with JMP or similar commercial software
• Ability to travel in the U.S. and internationally if needed
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced, evolving, small startup company environment
• Strong computer skills including Microsoft Office and databases

Preferred Experience/Skills:

• 7+ years hands-on experience in battery characterization and/or testing
• Hands-on experience with Nickel, Zinc, or alkaline-based battery technology
• Expertise in life testing of batteries, especially using accelerated techniques
• Experience with materials characterization techniques
• Strong background in electrochemistry
• Relevant product or industry-specific experience such as in battery backup or uninterruptible power supplies
• Facility with Python, Matlab or other scripting language for data manipulation
• Exposure to quality inspection, auditing, and testing of electro-mechanical battery products

Key Competencies:

• Attention to detail
• Communication skills - verbal and written
• Data collection and analysis
• Problem-solving
• Planning and organizing
• Sound engineering/scientific judgment
• Solid decision-making
• Customer service oriented
• Teamwork

Physical Requirements and working conditions:

• Work involves sitting, walking, and lifting up to 40 pounds
• Domestic and international travel by car, airplane, bus & train
• Requires close visual acuity, the ability to distinguish color, and the ability to hear in 
• Warehouse and office environments

Salary offers will depend on factors that include the location you work from, your level, education, training, specific skills, years of experience and comparison to other employees already in this role.

In addition, the successful candidate for this position will become eligible for a comprehensive set of outstanding benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401k, paid sick time, paid time off for vacation, paid holidays, paid community service days, professional/personal learning program, and applicable state/federal paid family leave.

ZincFive is committed to employing a diverse workforce. As an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status. We maintain a safe workplace and perform pre-employment testing. ZincFive is a participant in E-Verify and receives employment authorization of new hires through Social Security and the Department of Homeland Security databases.

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