Principal, Battery Cell Technical Specialist (Lithium-Ion Battery)

Location: Novi, Michigan, United States; 4–5 days per week in the office. Regular in-person meetings, company events, and domestic and international travel to supplier and development locations, including Germany and Korea, are required.

Base salary: $170,000–$206,250 annually, plus eligibility for an annual performance bonus.

Company

An automotive product company developing electrified pickup trucks and rugged SUVs, including all-electric and range-extender powertrains.

What you will do

• Coordinate battery cell engineering activities across hirify.global, Volkswagen Group, and cell suppliers.
• Define cell technical requirements based on vehicle performance, durability, and safety targets.
• Guide advanced cell development and material selection for cathodes, anodes, electrolytes, and separators.
• Oversee cell prototyping, performance characterization, cycle-life testing, safety assessments, and qualification activities.
• Support cell integration into modules and battery packs in collaboration with BMS, thermal, mechanical, safety, electrical, and vehicle integration teams.
• Lead technical discussions on cell design changes, problem resolution, compliance testing, and certification.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field; Ph.D. preferred.
• 15+ years of experience in lithium-ion battery cell design and development for automotive applications.
• Experience leading battery cell development programs from concept through production launch.
• Knowledge of Volkswagen Group battery cell development and release processes, battery testing, validation, manufacturing, and quality control.
• Knowledge of FMVSS 305, UNECE R100, UN 38.3, IEC, and UL standards.
• Ability to work onsite in Novi and travel domestically and internationally; a valid driver’s license and passport are required.

Culture & Benefits

• Collaborative, entrepreneurial, and fast-paced environment focused on building products and a company from the ground up.
• Medical, dental, vision, and income protection plans.
• 401(k) program with employer matching and immediate vesting.
• 20 days of planned paid time off, 40 hours of unplanned PTO, and 14 company or floating holidays annually.
• Up to 16 weeks of paid parental leave, plus paid leave for bereavement, jury duty, voting time, and military leave.