Chief Battery Engineer

About Fluence: Fluence (Nasdaq: FLNC) is a global market leader delivering intelligent energy storage and optimization software for renewables and storage. Our solutions and operational services are helping to create a more resilient grid and unlock the full potential of renewable portfolios. With gigawatts of successful implementations across nearly 50 markets, we are transforming the way we power our world for a more sustainable future. For more information, please visit fluenceenergy.com.

 

We are guided by our passion to transform the way we power our world. Achieving our goals requires creativity, diversity of ideas and backgrounds, and building trust to effect change and move with speed.

Fluence currently has thousands of MW of energy storage projects operated or awarded worldwide in addition to the thousands of MW of projects managed by our trading platform—and we are growing every day.

Fluence is defined by its unwavering commitment to safety, quality, and integrity.

We achieve our goals and meet our customer’s needs by cultivating curiosity, adaptability, and self-reflection in our teams.

We value the diversity in thought and experience of our coworkers and customers. Through honest, forthcoming, and respectful communications we work to ensure that Fluence is an inclusive and welcoming environment for all. 

Fluence is seeking for a highly qualified Chief Battery Engineer for Battery Management Systems (BMS) and Battery Modules/Packs within the Chief Engineering Office. This role will drive Fluence’s development and production of innovative, scalable, cost-effective, and manufacturable Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). As the technical authority, the Chief Battery Engineer will ensure that BMS and Battery Pack designs meet rigorous quality, reliability, performance, and safety standards for energy storage applications. This role will report to the Chief BESS Engineer and will also provide technical expertise and support for battery-related topics across the company and to external stakeholders.

As the Chief Battery Engineer at Fluence, you will be responsible for:

• BESS Battery System Technology:
• Translate energy storage application needs into specific BMS, battery module/pack, and rack/system requirements, focusing on electrical, mechanical, thermal, environmental, reliability, and compliance aspects.
• Drive the development of energy storage systems that are battery technology-agnostic, allowing for a range of cell chemistries (e.g., Lithium-Ion – NMC, LFP) and pack architectures.
• Work with Director of Emerging Technologies to evaluate future battery technologies and qualifying applicability to Fluence’s products.


• Supplier and Design Reviews:
• Review and assess battery supplier specifications for cells and modules, ensuring alignment with BESS requirements.
• Lead technical design reviews and approval for BMS and Battery Packs, ensuring that designs meet all performance, reliability, and safety objectives.
• Ensure seamless integration of BMS with battery modules, optimizing for cost, safety, and manufacturability.


• Design Validation and Testing:
• Oversee the creation and execution of test plans and procedures for BMS and battery pack validation, covering critical performance metrics such as thermal management, charge/discharge cycles, and safety compliance.
• Lead FMEA, DFM, and DFA reviews for battery platforms, focusing on identifying and mitigating design risks early in the development process.


• Cross-Functional Support:
• Collaborate with global R&D teams in addressing technical challenges, leading root cause analysis, and ensuring the resolution of battery-related issues.
• Support System-Level Testing for BESS products, ensuring that battery packs perform optimally within the broader energy storage system.
• Provide technical support to manufacturing and supply chain teams for supplier development, alternate component qualification, and mass production scalability.
• Assist quality teams in root cause analysis and driving corrective actions when issues arise in production or field operations.


• Regulatory and Safety Compliance:
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements, including certifications such as UL, IEC, and others related to battery systems.
• Lead engineering standards for battery safety design and testing, ensuring that products meet the highest global safety standards.


• Technology Adoption and Customer Support:
• Work closely with regional business units to drive the successful adoption of battery platforms for BESS products, providing ongoing technical support during product integration and deployment.
• Serve as the primary technical point of contact for both internal and external customers on battery-related issues, ensuring smooth communication and issue resolution.

What we look for you to bring to Fluence:

• Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical Engineering or Materials Science or related field.
• 15+ years of experience with battery systems.
• 5+ years of experience with Lithium-Ion batteries (e.g., NMC, LFP).
• Strong understanding of Battery Management Systems (BMS) and Battery Pack design.
• Deep knowledge of safety, compliance, and regulatory standards (UL, IEC, etc.).


• Preferred Qualifications:
• Master’s or Ph.D. in Engineering or Science is preferred.
• Expertise in developing specifications and requirements for battery modules, packs, and racks.
• Experience working cross-functionally with mechanical, thermal, electrical, firmware/software, and testing teams.
• Direct experience in testing battery cells, modules, and packs/racks, and navigating UL certifications.
• Proven track record in battery product development, including cell qualification.
• Bilingual in English/Chinese preferred.
• Strong project management and leadership skills, with experience in planning and executing complex development projects.


• Key Skills:
• Excellent problem-solving and strategic thinking capabilities.
• Ability to work in diverse cultural environments with global teams and customers.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to drive quick resolution to issues and to innovate.


• Travel: 25-40% domestic and international travel may be required.