Lead ESS Test Engineer – Safety & Abuse at Supernal

Supernal is at the forefront of creating emerging mobility solutions that will foster the development of human-centered cities. We are designing a completely new electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft tailored to the mobility needs of future cities. This allows passengers a seamless intermodal journey that safely transports them to their final destination. We fuse research in autonomy, robotics, aviation and services to define a new category of mobility for the world’s communities. We believe in creative thinking and collaboration to help build a better mobility experience for everyone, improving people’s ability to move – whether for work or play.

What we do:

The Lead ESS Test Engineer is responsible for establishing, performing, and analyzing results from the Energy Storage System (ESS). Within the ESS Test Engineer group, this role will serve as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for understanding safety limits of ESS from cell level to system level via rigorous test plans. The position works closely with battery design engineers, ESS DAE within the battery team and multi-functional team members at aircraft level to develop and implement test plans required for design development loops and compliance activities.

What you can do:

• Develop and carry-on high-level and detailed-level validation plans verifying the performance of battery systems and their components with the focus on identifying abuse tolerance, failure propagation, large scale thermal and fire testing


• Develop and lead test strategy and test plans with focuses on mechanical, electrical, and thermal abuse tests to cover system verification and then validating the battery system for functional and certification requirements per standards and aircraft level requirements


• Contribute to test equipment selection and implementation of verification & validation test processes


• Design of new safety and abuse test tools if vital


• Automating test cases and developing test tools required for battery system abuse testing


• Develop of simulation and modelling methods for understanding thermal runway


• Develop diagnostic techniques for battery state of stability


• Collaborate with design engineers to development next generation products


• May require up to 20% of domestic and international travels


• Other duties as assigned

What you can contribute:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineer, electrical engineer, chemical engineer, or related field


• A minimum ten (10) years of demonstrated experience with battery safety and abuse testing (an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered)


• Experience with LV and HV battery systems


• Strong problem solving and analytical skills


• Experience with data acquisitions systems, sensors, and other measurement equipment


• Experience in CATIA or Solidworks for 3D CAD design


• Understanding of Lithium-based cell chemistries, and expert in battery safety limits


• Knowledge of safety-critical component testing requirements like margin testing, testing for reliability, etc.


• Experience with test setup and lab setup for battery safety and abuse testing


• Experience with safety and abuse testing for consumer electronic standards and/or automotive industry


• Excellent verbal and written communication skills


• Proactive delivery of communication and follow up


• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail


• Must have the ability to independently prioritize and accomplish work within time constraints

You may also be able to contribute:

• Master’s or Ph.D., in engineering preferred 


• Exposure to aerospace standards is a plus


• Experience with using Python as a scripting language to process large test data is preferred

Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a background check. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. Individuals with disabilities may request to be provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation at: ta-support@supernal.aero

This position will include access to certain technology and/or software source code, that will be subject to U.S. export control laws. If an export license or other export control authorization is required in connection with your employment, your employment is contingent upon Supernal’s receipt of such license or authorization and approvals and your continued compliance with all conditions and limitations contained in such license or authorization.