Battery Test Engineer

We are currently entering a phase of expansion with the objective of rapidly bringing competitive product(s) to market. As part of this expansion, we are looking for a Test Engineer within the battery team to deliver critical battery test activities, from testing initial design ideas through to ensuring final products perform to specification. It has a focus of working on high voltage battery pack systems and their module components. This team does not perform cell testing activities, but focuses on testing and assessing the high voltage battery assembly. 

We are looking for a Battery Test Engineer. In this role you will have the following responsibilities and duties:

• Planning and preparation of tests, including material handling, instrumentation and cooling system connections, electrical connection work (including HV)
• Delivery and reporting for battery testing activities that are associated with mechanical, thermal and electrical performance of the battery assembly and its sub systems so that they are delivered on time and on budget. Examples of which are:
  • Long term electrical cycling
  • Battery abuse testing (drop, thermal runaway, crush, short circuit, mechanical shock)
  • Battery vibration testing
  • Characterisation testing for the development of new simulation models.
  • Ground equipment testing which is associated with the battery assembly.
  • Battery management system testing
  • Battery cooling system testing
• Robustly record test methodology and results for certification authorities and the wider business to review
• Support the scheming and designing of electrical and mechanical systems (and rigs) required to enable various test activities, this can cover HV and LV networks/systems of the battery assembly.
• Perform risk assessments of testing activities and ensure the right measures, documentation and measures are in place, whilst being a role model of the company’s safety-first culture.
• Support the planning, development and delivery of new battery test facilities.
• Supporting test operations at third party facilities away from normal operating base and when required to travel and work extended hours
• Supporting the development of requests for information and requests for quotation for testing services and equipment from third party providers.
• Support the definition of requirements for the battery system and battery associated group equipment
• Support and the writing of technical documentation for the aircraft
• To undertake live working on high voltage battery assemblies in support of pre and post test inspections, instrumentation and system analysis.
• Production and delivery of high quality data to customer teams
• The creation and update of standardised battery test scripts

We are looking for someone that will enjoy working with a world class team comprised of leading aerospace and technology thinkers as well as some of the finest engineering talent. Of course, you will possess or be able to rapidly adopt a passion for sustainable aviation and it’s benefits for both society and sustainability.

Vertical is a values-led business that embraces diversity in all its forms in particular diversity of thought. Vertical is committed to building an industry leading team offering global perspectives that represent the communities it serves.

You are the ideal candidate for the role if:  

• You are a team player, and you enable your team to perform at their best
• You give clear direction, and push back on requests when they do not align with the battery team mission
• You embody the aerospace ‘just work culture’, and you advocate for your team to work with integrity in everything they do
• You give your team freedom to be fast-paced, innovative and creative, and you believe that the best engineering idea should always win
• You are able to make decisions based on the best compromise of cost, timing, safety, weight and quality
• You stand by team decisions and are able to justify them to external stakeholders

The successful candidate will be able to work in dynamic innovative teams, building positive working environments and diplomatically resolving challenges to programme delivery.  “Hands on” work will be expected, with the assistance of our skilled technicians. 

The successful Battery Test Engineer will have the following Experience & Qualifications:

We seek a unique individual, who has a mix of hands on test experience (electrical, mechanical and climatic) and desk based administrative and test planning work.  A career background in electric vehicle or battery testing (in Aerospace or Automotive)  would be particularly advantageous, together with an interest in green technology and/or aviation.

You will need:

• A degree or NVQ in an engineering or technical discipline, or equivalent experience
• Fluent English language skills are essential, including excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• A working knowledge of HV lithium-ion battery systems
• Knowledgeable in battery test methods and data analysis
• Hands-on experience of battery test operations, including preparation, set-up and monitoring
• Assembly and installation of test jigs, cooling systems and instrumentation.
• Knowledgeable in the use of battery cyclers and battery test scripting languages
• A good knowledge of the health and safety challenges around battery testing.
• Experience of operating, maintaining and calibrating test equipment and associated systems
• Demonstrable technical skills to plan, coordinate, and delivering test rigs and solutions.
• Experience of establishing and maintaining relationships with numerous internal and external stakeholders
• Experienced with standard laboratory and workshop toolsas well as high voltage working.
• Competent with Microsoft Applications and IT proficient
• Competent with data loggers such as Dewesoft, Vector (Canalyizer, CanNoe etc.), PICO, Lab View.
• Basic project management skills – such as timing plan creation
• The ability to identify and resolve technical issues

Experience of the following is desired but not essential 

• Previous experience with electric aircraft and/or VTOLs
• Electro-mechanical systems integration experience
• CAD familiarity (CATIA/Solidworks) for interrogating digital models
• Experience with JIRA and Confluence
• Professional qualification with iMechE, IET or similar preferred but not essential
• Knowledge of battery electrochemistry and the electrical and thermal behaviour advantageous but not essential
• Previous experience of high voltage live working advantageous but not essential

This is an on-going advert and interviews will be help on an ad-hoc basis until sufficient applications have been received.