Job Description

The Lead Battery Engineer will apply extensive battery expertise in leading research, development and testing activities focused on both existing and future Nickel-Zinc battery applications. The successful candidate will work closely with a talented CFT (Cross Functional Team) to develop new products, perform RCCAs (Root Cause/Corrective Actions) on battery failures, propose new battery applications and lead proof-of-concept testing, and participate in all phases of the PLM (Product Life Cycle Management) process. This role will be worked at ZincFive headquarters in Tualatin, Oregon and will report to the Director of Engineering.

 Lead Battery Engineer Job Duties:

• Lead the Battery Engineering team and manage technical personnel
• Provide technical direction and set performance expectations for the team
• Provide guidance to the CFT as an electrochemistry/battery subject-matter expert
• Utilize electrochemistry and battery expertise to guide new Ni/Zn-based product and Battery Management System (BMS) designs
• Lead battery testing including performance, degradation and state-of-health characterization, accelerated life testing, and abuse testing
• Develop test plans and protocols related to fundamental Ni/Zn battery technology development

• Apply rational, design-of-experiment (DOE) approaches to aid in optimizing cell, pack and overall system design

• Perform and direct battery testing, including autopsies of failed batteries, and present findings and recommendations
• Provide direction to compliance team and NRTLs (Nationally Recognized Testing Labs) such as UL, TUV, CSA, ETL, to obtain product-specific safety certifications 
• Work directly with customers, and internal sales & marketing team to develop new products for existing markets
• Use appropriate DFx (Design for Manufacturability, Design for Assembly, and Design for Cost) tools for guiding development projects
• Support Applications Engineering team, particularly in technical assessment and screening of new ideas, applications and opportunities.
• Support cost-down and continuous improvement initiatives
• Support expansion of IP and patent portfolio
• Communicate plans and results effectively
• Work, train and collaborate with other battery engineers, scientists and technicians
• Provide technical reports and presentations to internal/external project stakeholders
• Keep abreast of relevant industry, applications and materials technology trends through literature, seminars and market contact
• Apply safe working practices in an environment that includes high voltage, chemical and electrochemical test systems

Job Requirements: 

• Education:  BS, MS or PhD, or equivalent, in materials science, chemical engineering or related field

• 12+ years of intensive, hands-on experience in battery technology development, product development, characterization and/or testing
• Strong leadership, project management, time management and communication skills
• Strong background in electrochemical principles
• Mastery of battery characterization techniques
• Demonstrated ability to design and conduct complex experiments
• Knowledge of DOE approaches for performance optimization
• Experience implementing RCCA methodologies

Key Competencies:

• Ability to lead, train and mentor other technical professionals
• Superior analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work under pressure and deliver on-time in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, and ability to excel in a cross-functional team
• Planning and organizing
• Exercises good judgment and decision-making

Preferred Skills:

• Advanced degree with concentration in electrochemistry or battery technology
• Hands-on experience with Nickel, Zinc and/or alkaline-based battery technology
• Experience in statistical analysis techniques and facility with JMP software or similar
• Experience with materials characterization techniques
• Relevant product or industry-specific experiences such as in battery backup or in uninterruptible power supplies

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Work involves sitting, walking, and lifting up to 40 pounds

• Must be willing to work with proper PPE to protect against high voltage

• 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, lab 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.