Senior Spacecraft Battery Engineer at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL)

Are you searching for meaningful work in Spacecraft Battery development?

Are you passionate about Space?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL!

We are seeking a Senior Spacecraft Battery Engineer to help us develop batteries for space flight missions. You will contribute to missions like Dragonfly (https://dragonfly.jhuapl.edu/) and IMAP (https://civspace.jhuapl.edu/destinations/missions/imap).  You will join a hardworking team of engineers that conceive, develop, test, launch and fly spacecraft power components and systems. We strive to foster an environment of collaboration, mentoring, diversity and acceptance.

As a Senior Spacecraft Battery Engineer…

• Your primary responsibility will be to lead the development of electrochemical batteries for multiple space flight programs.
• You will develop battery requirements based on spacecraft system needs in collaboration with Systems Engineers.
• You will perform battery electrical design including power interfaces, telemetry signals, thermal control, and fault protection.
• You will collaborate with packaging, structural, thermal and other engineers to design batteries meeting challenging requirements.
• You will prepare specifications, statements of work, drawings, parts lists, test plans, procedures, test reports, and review packages.
• You will perform modeling, simulation, and worst-case analysis to verify end-of-life performance, and present at design reviews.
• You will interface with vendors for subcontracted hardware including cells and electronic components used in the batteries.
• You will generate requirements and plans for battery test equipment, and coordinate the development of such equipment.
• You will perform characterization testing on emerging cell technologies and recommend roadmaps to incorporate into new designs.

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you have...

• A Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical field.
• Five or more years of experience with battery development and test.
• Experience with electrical design, analysis, and simulation.
• Experience managing/leading a product development team.
• Experience in battery packaging design and thermal management.
• Experience with lithium-ion cells, safety, and failure modes.
• Familiarity with battery thermal runaway mitigation.

• Are able to obtain a Top Secret security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Have a Master's degree in Engineering or related technical field.
• Have designed batteries for space flight applications.
• Have performed modeling and simulation of electrochemical systems.
• Have experience with spacecraft power system engineering.
• Hold or are able to obtain an active Secret or Top-Secret clearance.

Spacecraft Power Engineering Group (SEP) Mission Statement

SEP’s mission is to design, test, and deliver reliable spacecraft power systems for APL’s Space Exploration Sector and broader space community that enable the tools to expand our knowledge of the universe. Our diverse team aims to create an accountable and collaborative environment where individuals feel empowered to seek out critical challenges, to make discoveries, and to develop advancements in power electronics.

Be Part of Something Innovative

Over the past 25 years, the Space Exploration Sector at APL has pushed the boundaries of what is possible, delivering game-changing impacts to sponsors like NASA and the Department of Defense. This includes historic, science space firsts like New Horizons reaching Pluto, Parker Solar Probe being the first to “touch” the sun, and the DART mission that redirected an asteroid for planetary defense. As a not-for-profit university affiliated research center, APL also delivered solutions to our nation’s national security challenges, as proven with the recent Deep Space Advanced Radar Concept (DARC) Tech Demo, and acts as a trusted partner with the US Space Force in space domain awareness and space-integrated warfare.

APL teams are currently developing missions that will advance the search for life in the Solar System through programs such as Europa Clipper and Dragonfly, exploring the lunar and cislunar domains, and providing fundamental knowledge of our Sun’s influence on the near-Earth environment through IMAP and other research and technology endeavors.  To learn about these APL’s mission and projects, https://civspace.jhuapl.edu/ and https://www.jhuapl.edu/OurWork/NationalSecuritySpace.

Why work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at http://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

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APL is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

APL is committed to promoting an innovative environment that embraces diversity, encourages creativity, and supports inclusion of new ideas. In doing so, we are committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accommodations@jhuapl.edu. Only by ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard are we empowered to be bold, do great things, and make the world a better place.

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL’s good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.