Staff Engineer, Battery Reliability - Clean Energy

We are Generac, a leading energy technology company committed to powering a smarter world.

Over the 60 plus years of Generac’s history, we’ve been dedicated to energy innovation. From creating the home standby generator market category, to our current evolution into an energy technology solutions company, we continue to push new boundaries.

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Battery Reliability Engineer to join our Energy Technology business group. Our ideal candidate will be responsible for ensuring the reliability, safety, and performance of our company's battery technology. As a Battery Reliability Engineer, your duties will include, but are not limited to, conducting reliability risk assessment and DfR initiatives on Li-ion battery powered products proceeding to planning and overseeing the execution of demonstration tests. Other responsibilities include analyzing test data, determining root causes of failures, and developing and implementing strategies to improve battery reliability.

This position will report to the Engineering Director or Supervisor.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop a process for defining cell, module and system level reliability assessment for various technology products utilizing Li-ion cells such as Energy Storage Systems (ESS) and IoT devices.

• Work collaboratively with internal stakeholders, such as product design engineers, to develop battery performance and reliability metrics.

• Develop a comprehensive understanding of different battery chemistries and technologies and their suitability to various applications with emphasis on reliability and field performance.

• Gain a deep understanding of the operating environment and performance requirements for Li-ion battery applications for Generac products.

• Apply expertise in statistical analysis to identify trends in battery performance and improve reliability through predictive models as well as demonstration.

• Drive validation excellence and lead other team members to a high standard by closely monitoring their design verification and validation plans, aiding, and escalating any concerns to leadership.

• Develop and maintain detailed and accurate records of battery performance and reliability data.

• Provide input during Risk Assessments, FMEA/DFMEAs, and Design Reviews.

• Investigate failure modes and root causes of battery failures and recommend corrective actions.

• Develop and implement strategies to improve battery reliability, including improvements in manufacturing processes and selection of new batteries with greater longevity, capacity, and efficiency.

• Manage third party resources (external labs, consultants, etc.) to fulfill delegated work packages including statement of work development, scope management, commercial agreements, and Engineering+- reports.

• Support product development plans (schedule, product cost, meeting design inputs).

• Mentor and teach less experienced engineers.

• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master of Science Degree in Reliability Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering or related discipline.

• 7 + years of relevant work experience in battery reliability engineering, preferably in the automotive or energy storage industry.

• Demonstrated success in developing and implementing battery reliability programs.

Additional Skills Preferred:

• PhD in Reliability Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering or related discipline.

• Certification in Reliability engineering.

• Experience developing and/or validating power electronic products.

• Experience with renewable energy products.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Good knowledge of battery safety, cell chemistry, and environmental factors affecting the performance of batteries.

• Experience with reliability failure modes of technologies involving power electronics and failure mechanisms with respect to reliability.

• Experience with statistical analysis tools and methods to identify and analyze trends in performance data.

• Good understanding of relevant test standards (IEEE, JEDEC, IEC etc.).

• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and manage multiple projects with competing priorities.

• Strong communication skills, with an ability to present complex information in a clear and concise manner.

• Strong decision-making skills.

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear; and use hands to manipulate objects or controls. The employee is regularly required to stand and walk. On occasion the incumbent may be required to stoop, bend, or reach above the shoulders. The employee must occasionally lift up to 25 pounds. Specific conditions of this job include are typical of frequent and continuous computer-based work requiring periods of sitting, close vision and ability to adjust focus. Occasional travel.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Physical Demands : While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear; and use hands to manipulate objects or controls. The employee is regularly required to stand and walk. On occasion the incumbent may be required to stoop, bend or reach above the shoulders. The employee must occasionally lift up to 25 pounds. Specific conditions of this job are typical of frequent and continuous computer-based work requiring periods of sitting, close vision and ability to adjust focus. Occasional travel.

“We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.”

Our success is directly tied to our employees’ professional growth and personal well-being, combined with strong families and communities. As an inclusive workplace, our employees embrace diversity, celebrate differences, and treat others with equality and respect.

Over the 60 plus years of Generac’s history, we’ve been dedicated to energy innovation. From creating the home standby generator market category, to our current evolution into an energy technology solutions company, we continue to push new boundaries.

As one of the leaders and largest suppliers of power generation equipment and technology, the work we do touches millions of lives. Employees at Generac are encouraged to be innovative and are valued as an integral part of our global team. Our challenging goals develop knowledgeable employees dedicated to helping continue Generac’s success. Generac provides individuals the opportunity to work in a fast-paced agile work environment where their work makes a difference in people’s lives and their own.