Overview

Our expert staff provide multi-disciplinary solutions to complex energy and environmental issues. Key capabilities include science (chemical and mechanical). We employ a systems perspective that includes, discovery technology development and scale-up as well as economic, regulatory, and market acceptance issues necessary for successful technology commercialization. EP&MD focuses on three mission contributions: Clean Fossil Energy, Electricity Infrastructure, & Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.

Responsibilities

The Battery Materials and Systems Group at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory works on a diverse portfolio of storage technologies including Li-ion batteries, redox flow batteries, Na-metal halide batteries, Na-ion batteries, Pb-acid batteries, and aqueous Zn batteries. The group is comprised of approximately 60 world-class scientists and engineers with diverse backgrounds in electrochemistry, materials science, and engineering, working on research projects that range from fundamental and applied material research to battery prototyping and demonstration, battery reliability testing, and safety codes and standards.

The Battery Materials and Systems Group is currently seeking a senior engineer to take a lead role in the battery reliability testing efforts in DOE’s Grid Storage Launchpad (GSL) testing facility at PNNL. GSL is a new 93,000 square foot grid energy storage research and development facility at PNNLs Richland campus. GSL boasts a 6000 square foot performance testing area for reliability testing of 10 kW modules and six test bays designed for reliability testing of 100 kW battery systems. The position is for an experienced professional with extensive industrial, utility, national laboratory, or commercial experience in testing of battery energy storage systems to work alongside other scientists on battery reliability test projects at GSL. More information on GSL is available at https://www.pnnl.gov/projects/grid-storage-launchpad .

In general, the job responsibilities include setting up, operating, and reporting on battery modules of various sizes and chemistries, in addition to mentoring and training junior staff on these activities. The successful candidate needs to have a strong background & knowledge in battery testing equipment, test protocol design and execution, and experience preparing reports of battery test data. Candidates will have hands-on experience with testing single cell/large module batteries, experience in setting up/operating battery testing facilities, and have prior experience in building external collaborations and/or marketing of laboratory capabilities.

• Working with PMs, PIs, and other staff to determine/procure battery modules and design/determine test protocols.

• Attend conferences, workshops, and other relevant meetings to build new external collaborations and develop research partners, quickly taking a lead role in these activities.

• Work with PNNL colleagues and external collaborators to pursue new funding opportunities and write research proposals, often playing a lead role in these efforts.

• Develop and implement plans for business growth and capability development with PMs.

• Work with PNNL support and craft staff to determine a safe operating plan for the modules and to build battery test stands, connections, and fixtures.

• Working independently or in a team to program battery cycling equipment and interface battery management systems with battery cyclers.

• Working independently or in a team to assemble battery cycler data into reports on battery performance and degradation.

• Effectively train and mentor junior staff.

• Work safely in the labs and lead continual safety improvement.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• BS/BA and 7+ years of relevant work experience -OR-

• MS/MA and 5+ years of relevant work experience -OR-

• PhD with 3+ year of relevant experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Engineering or Science degree with 10 or more years of experience in battery systems.

• Experience in developing battery testing capabilities.

• Experience building partnerships and collaborations.

• Experience in programming battery cycler equipment.

• Experience in interfacing battery management systems with battery cycler.

• Experience with data analysis software (Excel, PowerBi, Tableau).

• Experience developing data acquisition systems.

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment

Not Applicable.

Additional Information

Not Applicable.

Testing Designated Position

Not a Testing Designated Position.

About PNNL

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them!

At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, and flexible work schedules. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State—the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab’s campus is only a 45-minute flight (or 3 hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs.

Commitment to Excellence and Equal Employment Opportunity

Our laboratory is committed to fostering a work environment where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect while solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at careers@pnnl.gov.

Drug Free Workplace

PNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs.

If you are offered employment at PNNL, you must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment. PNNL complies with federal law regarding illegal drug use. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug. If you test positive for any illegal controlled substance, including marijuana, your offer of employment will be withdrawn.

HSPD-12 PIV Credential Requirement

In accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, new employees are required to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

Mandatory Requirements

Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a “country of risk” without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment.

Rockstar Rewards

Employees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, supplemental parental bonding leave, surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support. Employees are automatically enrolled in our company funded pension plan and may enroll in our 401k savings plan. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.

• Research Associates excluded.

**Once eligibility requirements are met.

Click Here For Rockstar Rewards (https://careers.pnnl.gov/rockstar-rewards)

Notice to Applicants

PNNL lists the full pay range for the position in the job posting. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range and actual placement in the range is determined based on an individual’s relevant job-related skills, qualifications, and experience. This approach is applicable to all positions, with the exception of positions governed by collective bargaining agreements and certain limited-term positions which have specific pay rules.

As part of our commitment to fair compensation practices, we do not ask for or consider current or past salaries in making compensation offers at hire. Instead, our compensation offers are determined by the specific requirements of the position, prevailing market trends, applicable collective bargaining agreements, pay equity for the position type, and individual qualifications and skills relevant to the performance of the position.

Minimum Salary

USD $144,900.00/Yr.

Maximum Salary

USD $229,000.00/Yr.