Battery Systems Technical Lead

Career Area:

Job Description:

Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.

When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other.  We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.

About IDES:

Caterpillar's Integrated Drivetrain Energy Solutions (IDES) Division will focus on delivering advanced electrified power train, zero-emissions products/technologies, and the solutions and services associated with these technologies. Focus areas include batteries, fuel cells, motors, inverters, micro grid controllers, charging, energy storage systems, lifecycle solutions/services and integration of components for ePowertrain solutions across industries.

We are looking for top talent to build and scale the next generation of technologies, products and services to help our customers build a better—more sustainable—world. We need self-motivated, intelligent and team-oriented individuals to make our plans a reality. Individuals with high emotional intelligence, humility and openness to discovery will thrive in the teams we are building.

Job Summary

Caterpillar's Battery Systems team is looking for an experienced Battery Systems Technical Lead to own battery programs from customer need to production. This role is the technical owner of the battery system. You will define requirements with the customer, make the key architecture and sourcing decisions, and lead a cross-functional team of design, test, and validation engineers through design freeze, certification, and launch. The Technical Lead brings together engineering, suppliers, manufacturing, portfolio management, and commercial partners, weighs technical tradeoffs against business impact, and keeps programs on commitment.

What You Will Do:

• Lead battery programs from concept through design freeze, certification, and production launch, starting with the 50V fork truck program.
• Work directly with customers to gather requirements and define development loops, using corporate requirements management tools.
• Lead battery system decision matrix activities, including architecture, sourcing, and make-buy options, and build consensus across the organization.
• Lead technical engagement with cell, module, and pack suppliers, including design reviews ahead of design freeze.
• Partner with the Battery Performance & Validation team on performance, durability, and certification testing.
• Develop scalable battery architectures that can be reused across Caterpillar platforms.
• Use product and process knowledge to develop project R&D and material estimates.
• Develop detailed resource loading and high-level project plans.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to clearly summarize and communicate areas of risk and suggest opportunities for improvement.

What You Will Have:

Degree Requirement:

• Bachelor's degree in an Engineering field

Skill Requirement:

• Technical Excellence (Extensive Experience): Knowledge of a given technology and various application methods; ability to develop and provide solutions to significant technical challenges. In this role, that means deep knowledge of battery cells, modules, packs, BDUs, and BMS. You apply it to solve battery system challenges such as thermal management, thermal propagation, electrical architecture, and integration into machine platforms.
• Influencing Through Expertise (Extensive Experience): Knowledge of effective influencing tactics and strategies; ability to use these to deepen own expertise and impact or challenge decisions within and outside own organization. In this role, you use battery expertise to build consensus on architecture, sourcing, and make-buy decisions across engineering, suppliers, portfolio management, and commercial partners. You also challenge assumptions when the data supports a better battery solution.
• Requirements Analysis (Extensive Experience): Knowledge of tools, methods, and techniques of requirement analysis; ability to elicit, analyze and record required business functionality and non-functionality requirements to ensure the success of a system or software development project. In this role, you translate customer duty cycles, operating environments, and application needs into clear, testable battery system requirements. These cover energy, power, weight, voltage, life, safety, and certification, and you keep them traceable using corporate requirements management tools.
• Project Management (Advanced): Knowledge of effective project management strategies and tactics; ability to plan, organize, monitor, and control projects, ensuring efficient utilization of technical and administrative resources to achieve project objectives. In this role, you plan and execute battery programs from concept through design freeze, validation, certification, and production launch. You manage critical path, supplier lead times, prototype builds, and test schedules.
• Team Management (Advanced): Knowledge of effective team building techniques; ability to form and manage effective teams. In this role, you lead cross-functional battery teams of design, test, validation, software, and manufacturing engineers. You align them around shared program goals and build a culture of ownership and speed.

Top Candidates Will Also Have:

• Knowledge in battery cell, module, pack, and/or system design
• Knowledge in battery electric powertrain integration, including BMS hardware and software
• Knowledge in battery performance and data analysis
• Experience across low- and high-voltage battery systems
• Experience working directly with customers and battery suppliers

Additional Information:

• This role is located in Mossville, IL and does provide domestic relocation
• This role requires 5-day a week on-site availability
• Travel is expected up to 15% of the time
• Visa sponsorship is not available for this role

Summary Pay Range:

Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar. 

Benefits:

Subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of benefits.

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits*

• Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)*

• 401(k) savings plans*

• Health Savings Account (HSA)*

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)*

• Health Lifestyle Programs*

• Employee Assistance Program*

• Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts*

• Career Development*

• Incentive bonus*

• Disability benefits

• Life Insurance

• Parental leave

• Adoption benefits

• Tuition Reimbursement

* These benefits also apply to part-time employees

Posting Dates:

Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities.  Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.

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