First Mode develops and manufactures decarbonization solutions for heavy industry partners dedicated to the clean energy future — for people and planet.
Our team is creative and passionate, with a range of experiences and capabilities. If you want to create a cleaner, more sustainable world, we’d love your help.
First Mode develops high-voltage (400.. 800 VDC), high power and high energy (~500 kWh) lithium-ion based battery systems to help in our overall solution for our decarbonization products.
As a Principal Battery Systems Engineer you are tasked to develop custom full cell-to-pack Battery systems not just cells.
This is not solely a requirements management / paper-pushing job; you will be performing detailed engineering design and analysis of the whole battery system. A working knowledge of the entire battery system – chemistry, thermal management, battery management system, communications, etc.
Position Responsibilities
- Design battery solutions for First Mode electric vehicle and other platforms
- Work closely with key external partners (cell, modules)
- Support internal battery research and development efforts.
- Act as a bridge between Modeling / Simulation and Engineering by mapping simulation results to battery requirements and supporting energy/power analysis
- Mentor and serve as a technical subject matter expert on battery systems
- Create / support creation of verification and validation plans for battery systems (module and pack level)
- Support design for manufacturing + manufacturing hand off for battery systems
Basic Qualifications
- Experience in the design and implementation of battery or battery management systems, preferably in automotive, industrial, Solar or similar electric powertrain applications
- Proficiency in using test equipment (cyclers, load banks, power supplies, etc.) and software to perform battery bring-up and testing
- Experience with high-voltage (400.. 800 VDC), high power and high energy (100 - 200 kWh) lithium-ion based battery systems
Preferred Qualifications
- 10+ years of experience in development of vehicle electrical / electronic (E/E) systems and architectures
- Strong understanding of battery systems architectures / experience in ‘clean-sheet’ design
- Experience in requirements management and other complex technical project management tools (e.g., JAMA, JIRA, DOORS)
- Hands-on experience in the design, development, and test of high-power battery systems
- Programming experience in at least one scripting language (e.g., Python)
- Experience through a complete product lifecycle (requirements, design, build, test, manufacturing)
Location
- This position will be located at First Mode’s headquarters in Seattle, WA and will be required to work in office >60% of working hours
Total Rewards
Base Salary Range: $178,500 - $210,000
Benefits & Perks
- Annual bonus incentive
- Equity-based awards
- 100% employer-paid health insurance (medical, dental, vision)
- 401(k) retirement account with a 3% employer contribution from the start of employment
- Flexible PTO with 12 weeks of supplementary paid parental leave
- Commuter benefits (parking & public transportation)
- A culture that encourages professional growth with learning and development reimbursements
- Open and collaborative workspace with free office snacks and lunches
- Hybrid work model
#LI-Hybrid
First Mode is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with First Mode is governed on the basis of merit, competence, and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
