Principal, Battery Cell Technical Specialist
Novi · Novi, MI · USD 170,000-206,250 / year · 15+ years experience · Remote · Posted Oct 14, 2026
At a glance
- Experience
- 15+ years experience
- Workplace
- Remote
- Location
- Novi · Novi, MI
- Salary
- USD 170,000-206,250 / year · Base salary
About the role
- Serve as the subject matter expert for lithium-ion battery cell technologies at Scout and coordinate battery cell engineering activities between Scout, Volkswagen Group, and battery cell suppliers.
Responsibilities
- Coordinate battery cell engineering activities between Scout, Volkswagen Group, and battery cell suppliers.
- Serve as the subject matter expert for lithium-ion battery cell technologies at Scout.
- Provide on-site Scout support at cell supplier facilities at critical milestone events.
- Develop battery cell technical requirements aligned to vehicle performance, durability, and safety requirements.
- Work with R&D and cell suppliers to develop advanced battery cells, optimizing for performance, energy density, and lifespan while considering manufacturability and cost-effectiveness.
- Work closely with suppliers and research teams to evaluate and select appropriate materials for cathodes, anodes, electrolytes, and separators to improve cell performance and safety.
- Oversee the prototyping and testing of battery cells, including performance characterization, cycle life testing, and safety assessments.
- Work closely with cross-functional teams, including battery pack engineers, electrical engineers, and systems engineers to integrate battery cells into complete energy storage systems to support vehicle performance and durability.
- Monitor cell supplier development activities and qualification processes.
- Lead / Support technical discussions regarding cell design changes and problem resolution.
Requirements
- Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field
- 15+ years of experience in lithium-ion battery cell design and development for automotive applications
- Proven experience leading lithium-ion battery cell development programs from concept through production launch
- Knowledge of Volkswagen group battery cell development and release processes
- Strong understanding of battery testing, validation methodologies, and performance characterization techniques
- Understanding of battery cell manufacturing processes and quality control methods
- Knowledge of automotive battery regulations and standards, including FMVSS 305, UNECE R100, UN 38.3, IEC, and UL standards
- Valid driver's license required
- Passport required
Preferred qualifications
- Ph.D. preferred
Benefits
- Medical, dental, vision and income protection plans
- 401(k) program with an employer match and immediate vesting
- 20 days planned PTO, as accrued
- 40 hours of unplanned PTO and 14 company or floating holidays, annually
- Up to 16 weeks of paid parental leave for biological and adoptive parents of all genders
- Paid leave for circumstances related to bereavement, jury duty, voting time, or military leave
Workplace
- This role requires 4-5 days per week in the office, with regular in-person meetings and events.
- Domestic and international travel required.
- Willingness to support frequent travel domestically and internationally to supplier and development locations including Germany and Korea.
