Head of R&D Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
Role Overview
The Head of R&D BESS leads the end-to-end research, design, and development of utility-scale and industrial battery energy storage solutions. This role oversees multi-disciplinary engineering teams (electrical, mechanical, thermal, firmware, software, controls, power electronics, cell/pack engineering, and validation) and drives innovation, product roadmap execution, technology strategy, and platform development.
Key Responsibilities
- Technology Strategy & Roadmap
- Define the 35-year technology roadmap for BESS products: cells, modules, packs, PCS integration, BMS, EMS, safety, and cooling.
- Evaluate emerging technologies (LFP/NMC cell innovations, sodium-ion, solid-state, liquid-cooled designs, advanced PCS topologies, hybrid systems).
- Lead competitive benchmarking and cost-performance improvement programs.
- 2. End-to-End Product Development Leadership
- Own the full product lifecycle: concept design prototype validation certification release to manufacturing.
- Oversee development of utility-scale BESS platforms (15 MWh containers) and industrial BESS products.
- Drive cell-to-pack development (module structure, pack architecture, thermal pathways, safety features).
- Ensure alignment with standards (UL 9540/9540A, UL 1973, IEC 62933, IEEE, CE, BIS).
- 3. Cross-Functional Engineering Management
- Lead R&D teams across all function -Electrical & Power electronics, Mechanical/Structural design, Thermal & Cooling systems, Battery module/pack engineering, BMS/EMS controls & firmware development, System engineering & safety, Testing & validation
- Build strong collaboration with Product Management, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, and Field Engineering teams.
- 4. Innovation, IP, and Advanced Engineering
- File patents for thermal management, module designs, battery controls, fire mitigation systems, etc.
- Drive cost reduction through advanced materials, liquid cooling, optimized pack designs, and architecture simplification.
- Establish partnerships with cell manufacturers, universities, and research institutes.
- 5. Testing, Validation & Certification
- Set up and manage R&D labs: cell/module test labs, environmental chambers, fire testing, inverter-battery integration labs.
- Define test plans for performance, reliability, safety, and life-cycle validation.
- Oversee third-party certification and large-scale fire testing (9540A).
- 6. Manufacturing & Industrialization Support
- Guide Design for Manufacturing (DFM), Design for Assembly (DFA), and design transfer.
- Review production processes (module assembly, pack assembly, wiring harness, leak testing).
- Support supplier qualification for cells, cooling components, electronics, and safety equipment.
- 7. Leadership & Organizational Development
- Build and mentor a world-class R&D organization.
- Develop engineering competency frameworks and technical career ladders.
- Establish strong project governance, development processes, documentation, and design reviews.
Required Qualifications
- M.Tech/PhD in Electrical, Mechanical, Thermal, Power Electronics, Energy Systems, or related fields.
- Experience
- 1220+ years in Energy Storage, Batteries, EV, Renewable R&D, or Power Electronics.
- Minimum 58 years leading multi-disciplinary engineering teams.
- Proven track record of launching Utility-Scale or Industrial BESS products.
- Deep understanding of Cell chemistry, aging, safety, SoC/SoH estimation,Module/pack design
- Liquid cooling/air cooling, High-voltage system design (6001500V)
- Power electronics & inverter-battery interactions
- EMS/BMS firmware & communication protocols (CAN, Modbus, IEC 61850)
- Fire detection & suppression
- Knowledge of regulatory standards: UL, IEC, IEEE, IS.
Preferred Skills
- Experience with giga-factory cell supply, cell qualification, and vendor management.
- Experience in cost modelling (cell-to-pack, pack-to-system).
- Strong program management and cross-functional leadership skills.
- Ability to work with global teams and customers.
- Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and communication skills.
KPIs (Key Performance Indicators)
- On-time delivery of product roadmap milestones.
- Reduction in cost/kWh and improvement in performance (Wh/L, Wh/kg, thermal stability).
- Successful certifications and zero major field failures.
- Patent filings and R&D innovation output.
- Team competence development and retention.
