Principal Hardware Design Engineer

American Battery Solutions has a full-time opening for a Principal Hardware Design Engineer - BMS in Lake Orion, Michigan.

Job Summary

The Principal Hardware Design Engineer - Battery Management System (BMS) plays a critical role in the design and development of advanced battery management systems for high-voltage battery applications. This is a high-impact role responsible for shaping BMS electrical architecture, leading circuit design efforts, and ensuring adherence to a robust engineering development process.

Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end electrical design of automotive BMS, including high-voltage monitoring, cell balancing, protection circuits, and communication interfaces (CAN, LIN, SPI).
• Define and document the BMS electrical architecture in alignment with vehicle system requirements and safety goals.
• Work with both internal and external customers on defining system and performance requirements.
• Perform and guide the hardware components development of the Battery Management System (BMS), including printed circuit boards (PCBs), microcontrollers, analog and digital circuits, and sensors.
• Create detailed schematics, evaluate component selection, and collaborate with PCB layout designers to ensure the reliability and functionality of the BMS hardware.
• Build and test hardware prototypes, ensuring they meet performance and safety specifications and make design improvements as needed.
• Develop and integrate monitoring circuits and sensors to measure key battery parameters such as voltage, current, temperature, and state of charge.
• Ensure the hardware design adheres to relevant safety standards, such as ISO 26262 or IEC 62133, and conduct safety analysis.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams, including software engineers, system engineers, and testing teams, to integrate the BMS into the overall energy storage system.
• Create comprehensive design documentation, including specifications, test plans, DFMEA, WCCA, and test reports.
• Troubleshoot and resolve hardware-related issues, making improvements to enhance BMS performance.
• Stay up-to-date with emerging technologies, industry trends, and best practices to continually improve the BMS hardware design.
• Adhere to federal and state regulations.
• Adhere to all company policies, processes, and procedures.
• Performs other duties as requested, directed, or assigned.
• Predictable and reliable attendance.

Position Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of experience in automotive or similar hardware development.
• Product experience with Li-Ion batteries, battery pack design, electric vehicles, power systems, alternative energy systems, electronic control units (ECUs), MEMS, and sensors preferred.
• Proficiency in PCB design tools (e.g., Altium Designer, Cadence) and simulation tools (e.g., SPICE).
• Strong knowledge of analog and digital circuit design, microcontrollers, and sensor integration.
• Experience with battery technologies, battery safety, and relevant industry standards.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work in a collaborative team environment.
• Knowledge of programming languages (e.g., C/C++) is a plus.
• Proven ability to analyze electrical issues and find solutions.
• Demonstrated leadership skills necessary to manage and develop a team through assignments.
• Proven track record in leading design teams, conducting technical reviews, and resolving cross discipline engineering challenges.
• Prior success in collaborating with offshore or global teams, including technical oversight and task coordination.

Key Competencies

• Communications: Exchanges thoughts, feelings, and information effectively.
• Continual Improvement: Displays a consistent orientation toward producing the highest quality products or services, while keeping a focus on sustainability. Constantly looking for incremental improvements in work processes and results.
• Delivers Results: Achievement-oriented, feeling a sense of urgency to reach goals on time, if not before.
• Teamwork: Works cooperatively with others to accomplish team goals and organizational objectives.
• Takes Initiative: Exhibits strong drive for results and success; conveys a sense of urgency and drives issues to closure; persists despite obstacles and opposition.
• Influences Others: Has personal and organizational impact built on mutual trust, fairness, and honesty. Flexes their style to direct, collaborate, or empower, as the situation requires.

Physical Requirements / Working Conditions

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Constantly operates a computer and other office equipment.
• Ability to adjust focus, especially due to concentration on a computer screen.
• May need to lift and carry up to 30 pounds and/or position the body to reach items on the floor/below knee level or reach overhead.
• The person in this position needs to occasionally move about in industrial environments, and on uneven terrain.
• Works in a temperature-controlled office environment, with occasional work in outdoor weather conditions, and in industrial environments.
• The noise level in the work environment can be moderately loud.

Why Join Us

American Battery Solutions (ABS) provides comprehensive 100% employer paid benefit plans to employees and their family, competitive salary and retirement program. ABS employs a diverse and inclusive workforce.

Benefits Overview

• Paid time off includes 3 weeks vacation, up to 72 hours sick, 15 holidays, and parental leave.
• 100% company-paid medical, dental, vision, short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) offerings.
• Company provided 401K savings plan with immediately vested matching contributions to help you save for retirement.
• Voluntary benefits offerings.
• Tuition assistance.
• Employee Referral Program.
• Employee development and career growth opportunities.

About Us

American Battery Solutions Inc. (“ABS”) is a manufacturer of advanced batteries for commercial, fleet, and industrial on- and off-road vehicles. Located in the heart of the U.S. automotive region with facilities in Michigan and Ohio. In 2023, ABS was acquired by Komatsu, a world leader in construction, mining, forestry, and industrial heavy equipment in support of Komatsu’s 2050 carbon neutrality goal. ABS continues to operate as an independent entity serving Komatsu applications while continuing to expand and grow our core commercial, fleet and industrial business. 

As we have grown, ABS has assembled a world-class team of dedicated and experienced engineers. This team is equipped with a deep understanding of high-voltage, automotive-grade battery systems from concept development and prototyping, to testing and validation, to high-volume production. We pride ourselves on developing a diverse team of next generation battery experts.

The Location - Lake Orion 

American Battery Solutions Headquarters and Innovation Center is located in the heart of South-East Michigan in Orion Township. Orion Township is a Pure Michigan Trail Town that has a long-standing dedication to enhancing trails and pathways in its community, which is home to the Polly Ann Trail, Paint Creek Trail, and Iron Belle Trail. The township has more than 50 miles of trails. Southeast Michigan also boasts some of the best eating around! Whether your interest is in furthering your education, enjoying one of the many regional sporting events, or enjoying the vast outdoors that Michigan has to offer, you’ll be at the center of it here!

AMERICAN BATTERY SOLUTIONS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.