Systems Engineer I

Job Title: Battery Test Engineer

Location: Slingerlands, NY
Job Type: Full-Time | On-site
Industry: Industrial / Energy Storage / Electrification

Position Overview:

We are seeking a Battery Test & Qualification Engineer to join our growing Battery division. This role is integral to the qualification, design validation, and certification of lithium-ion and similar battery chemistries across cell, module, and pack levels. The successful candidate will support and lead efforts in cell selection, product development, regulatory compliance test execution, and determining production quality acceptance criteria, enabling the reliable deployment of hybrid energy system solutions for material handling applications.

Key Responsibilities:

• Cell Testing & Qualification
  • Design and execute test plans for the incoming Li-ion and advanced chemistry cells (e.g., LFP, NMC, Na-ion) for a full cell characterization and qualification based on performance and compliance.
  • Familiarity with potentiostatic, galvanostatic, and dynamic cycling of cells.
  • Familiarity with various test equipment such as Arbin and PEC cell cycler, Biologic tester and environmental chamber.
  • Strong understanding of parameters influencing cell performance, capacity, resistance, aging and safety
  • A strong knowledge and track record of experiment design and setup
  • A strong track record of designing and building test contraptions apparatuses, setting up DAQ systems, and composing simple Python/Matlab codes to maintain testing setup momentum under minimal budget.
• Module Design Validation
  • Conducting module level thermal, electrochemical and mechanical tests to support module/pack development teams during prototype and scaleup stages.
  • Provide detailed feedback and data-driven recommendations for design improvements.
• Battery Pack Quality & Compliance Testing
  • Develop and implement clear acceptance criteria tests for the production line
  • Perform end-of-line testing, failure analysis, and root-cause investigations for battery packs.
  • A strong knowledge of pack level Arbin cycling and testing, and MITS 10 software.
• Certification & Regulatory Compliance
  • Gain deep familiarity with standards including but not limited to UL 2580 , IEC 62619 , EU Regulation 2023/1542, UN 38.3, Special Provisions , and others relevant codes to industrial vehicles.
  • Lead or support technical engagements with certifying bodies, assisting the preparation of documentation, test samples, and interpreting results.
  • Study the thermal behavior and response of cell-pack level under over/under temperature, and voltage threshold limits among other criteria.
• Test Infrastructure & Data Management
  • Maintain and expand lab test capabilities including environmental chambers, cycling equipment, and DAQ systems.
  • Very strong organizational skills and data maintenance indicating methodical, precise and reliable test execution.
  • Ensure data integrity through clear labeling, structured storage, analysis pipelines, and reporting practices.
• Cross-functional Collaboration
  • Coordinate with R&D, systems engineering, manufacturing, and quality assurance teams to align test outcomes with product and business goals.
  • Participate in DFMEA, validation planning, and production readiness reviews.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s or PhD degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Electrochemistry, or related discipline.
• 2+ years with PhD or 5+ years with Master’s of experience testing battery cells, modules, or packs in a technical environment.
• Hands-on proficiency with battery cyclers, environmental chambers, calorimeters, EIS-tester and standard lab instrumentation.
• Experience interpreting data and drawing insights from cycling, abuse, and safety testing.
• Strong documentation and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment.
• Strong presentation skills using PowerPoint or similar free/open software.
• Ability to work and effectively communicate with multidisciplinary teams & vendors.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office and data analysis tools such as JMP, Python, Excel etc.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with BMS or data acquisition systems.
• Familiarity with safety and certification standards (UL/IEC/UN/DOT).
• Experience interacting with NRTLs (e.g., UL, Intertek) or other certifying agencies.
• Familiarity with battery teardown and forensic analysis methodologies.

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Collaborative, innovation-driven team culture
• Access to state-of-the-art test labs and development tools
• Career growth in a rapidly evolving energy technology sector

Pay Rate:

We offer a fantastic total rewards package at Plug, and a brief summary is below:
✓Base salary is determined on a number of factors including but not limited to education, experience, skills, and geography. These factors are considered when making an offer of employment. If you are interested in this position, we’d ask that you apply.
✓The above pay range, may not take into account local geographic pay variations. If there is an applicable geographic differential, a member of the HR team can discuss that with you.
✓Health, Dental & Vision Insurance eligibility starting from the first day of hire
✓401(k) with 5% company match
✓Bonus eligibility
✓Paid time off including vacation, personal and sick time
✓Paid Holidays
✓Wellness Reimbursement Program
✓Potential to apply for Tuition Reimbursement
✓Employee Referral program
✓Employee Assistance Program
Plug Power Inc. is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.