Technical Specialist, Next Generation Battery Cell Integration, Ford Energy

Ford Energy is a newly formed wholly-owned subsidiary of Ford Motor Company dedicated to accelerating U.S. energy independence. Leveraging Fords century of manufacturing excellence and world-class battery energy storage systems (BESS) technology Ford Energy designs manufactures and services grid-scale and commercial DC battery energy storage systems (BESS). Ford Energy is uniquely positioned to capture the growing demand for reliable US-built energy storage systems. We are not just building batteries; we are building the infrastructure for the next generation of the American grid.

Why Ford Energy
At Ford Energy you have the backing of an industrial manufacturing powerhouse with the agility of a dedicated energy startup offering industry leading technology. We offer a competitive compensation package including performance-based bonuses Ford vehicle discounts and the opportunity to shape the energy strategy of one of the worlds most iconic brands. Learn more at .

In this position...
Ford Energy is seeking a Technical Specialist to lead the technical integration of next-generation battery chemistry into Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).

This role is responsible for translating BESS-level performance life safety reliability operational and cost objectives into battery cell and battery subsystem requirements while leading the technical evaluation selection validation and integration of next-generation battery technologies. The position serves as the primary technical bridge between cell suppliers and Ford Energys battery system controls and product engineering organizations.

The Technical Specialist will work closely with Cell Engineering Module and Rack Engineering Container Engineering Battery Modeling BMS EMS Power Conversion Systems (PCS) Electrical Systems Validation Safety and Supplier Engineering teams to ensure successful integration of next-generation battery technologies into commercially viable energy storage products.

This role will also help shape Ford Energys battery technology roadmap by assessing emerging next-generation battery technologies identifying strategic opportunities and technical risks and guiding future technology adoption decisions.

What youll do...

• Lead Next-Generation Battery Technology Integration
• Serve as Ford Energys technical subject matter expert for next-generation battery chemistry.
• Translate BESS application requirements into cell and battery subsystem technical requirements.
• Define cell-level targets for:
  • Energy capability
  • Power capability
  • Efficiency
  • Operating temperature range
  • Cycle life
  • Calendar life
  • Safety and reliability
  • Cost and total cost of ownership
• Establish operating windows performance requirements and integration criteria supporting grid-scale and commercial energy storage applications.
• Evaluate and Select Battery Cell Technologies
• Lead technical evaluation of next-generation battery cell technologies and work with cell suppliers.
• Assess supplier capability technology maturity performance degradation behavior safety manufacturability scalability quality and supply chain readiness.
• Support RFQ/RFI activities supplier technical reviews and sourcing decisions.
• Develop technical requirements validation expectations and success criteria for supplier programs.
• Lead Validation and Qualification Activities
• Define and execute cell characterization and validation strategies for next-generation battery technologies.
• Develop test plans covering:
  • Performance characterization
  • Rate capability
  • Efficiency
  • Thermal behavior
  • Cycle aging
  • Calendar aging
  • Safety and abuse testing
• Application-specific duty cycles
• Review supplier and laboratory data and provide technical assessments and recommendations.
• Establish qualification criteria supporting product release and supplier approval decisions.
• Drive Cross-Functional System Integration
• Work closely with:
  • Cell Engineering
  • Module and Rack Engineering
  • Container Engineering
  • Battery Modeling & CAE
  • BMS Engineering
  • EMS Engineering
  • Power Conversion Systems (PCS) Engineering
  • Electrical Systems Engineering
  • Validation and Safety Teams
  • Supplier Engineering
• Translate cell behavior limitations and degradation characteristics into module- rack- and container-level design requirements.
• Support development of operating limits thermal requirements control strategies safety requirements and life assumptions.
• Drive technical alignment across engineering organizations and suppliers to ensure successful product integration.
• Lead Performance Degradation and Failure Analysis
  Investigate battery performance issues abnormal aging impedance growth swelling thermal concerns and safety events.
• Lead root-cause investigations with internal teams and suppliers.
• Utilize laboratory validation and field data to improve cell requirements supplier specifications operating strategies and future product designs.
• Support Battery Technology Strategy
• Assess emerging next-generation battery technologies and competitive battery solutions for energy storage applications.
• Support development of Ford Energys battery technology roadmap and future cell sourcing strategies.
• Provide technical recommendations regarding technology adoption development priorities risks and opportunities.

Youll have...

• Bachelors degree in Chemical Engineering Materials Science Electrochemistry Mechanical Engineering Electrical Engineering or related engineering discipline.
• 8 years of experience in battery technology development battery systems or electrochemical energy storage technologies.
• Strong understanding of battery cell performance degradation mechanisms safety considerations and operating limitations.
• Experience translating application or system requirements into cell-level technical requirements.
• Experience evaluating battery technologies and supplier capabilities.
• Experience reviewing and interpreting battery test results from suppliers laboratories or engineering teams.
• Ability to read and interpret test specifications engineering drawings and battery technical documents.
• Strong analytical technical problem-solving and communication skills.
• Experience working cross-functionally with battery electrical thermal controls validation system engineering or supplier teams.

Even Better You May Have...

• Ph.D. in Electrochemistry Materials Science Chemistry Chemical Engineering or related discipline.
• Experience with next-generation battery chemistries and associated performance life and safety characteristics.
• Experience supporting battery technology selection qualification and integration for BESS applications.
• Experience leading supplier technical assessments joint development programs or advanced technology evaluations.
• Deep knowledge of commercial and emerging battery technologies and their applicability to energy storage systems.
• Experience correlating cell-level performance degradation and failure modes to module- rack- and system-level outcomes.
• Experience supporting battery technology roadmaps and strategic technology assessments.
• Familiarity with battery modeling battery management systems and digital engineering tools.
• Success Measures
  • Successful qualification and integration of next-generation battery technologies into Ford Energy BESS products.
  • High-quality technical assessments supporting cell technology decisions and cell supplier engagement.
  • Accurate translation of BESS requirements into battery subsystem requirements.
  • Effective cross-functional integration across cell module rack and container engineering organizations.
  • Identification and mitigation of technical risks early in the development process.
  • Contributions to Ford Energys long-term battery technology roadmap and competitive differentiation strategy.
• Location & Travel
  • Location: Dearborn MI

You may not check every box or your experience may look a little different from what weve outlined but if you think you can bring value to Ford Motor Company we encourage you to apply!

As an established global company we offer the benefit of choice. You can choose what your Ford future will look like: will your story span the globe or keep you close to home Will your career be a deep dive into what you love or a series of new teams and new skills Will you be a leader a changemaker a technical expert a culture builderor all of the above No matter what you choose we offer a work life that works for you including:
Immediate medical dental vision and prescription drug coverage
Flexible family care days paid parental leave new parent ramp-up programs subsidized back-up child care and more
Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement fertility treatments and more
Vehicle discount program for employees and family members and management leases
Tuition assistance
Established and active employee resource groups
Paid time off for individual and team community service
A generous schedule of paid holidays including the week between Christmas and New Years Day
Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time.

This position is leadership level 6 and ranges from $115500-$218100.

Final determination of salary grade will be based on candidates skills and experience and base salary will be set within the applicable range according to job scope responsibility and competitive market value.
Internal applicants: moving into this role may result in an adjustment to your current compensation based on the posted pay range for this role taking into consideration your qualifications and other relevant factors.

For more information on salary and benefits click here: As Ford establishes a wholly owned subsidiary focused on Battery Energy Storage Systems this role will initially be employed by Ford and is expected to transition to the subsidiary within one year.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Candidates for positions with Ford Motor Company must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race religion color age sex national origin sexual orientation gender identity disability status or protected veteran the United States if you need a reasonable accommodation for the online application process due to a disability please call 1-.

This position is hybrid with a requirement to be onsite four or more days per week.

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