Development Engineer

Job Description

Role Summary:

This position is a pre-development engineer for NAR energy system CoE battery. This person will serve as an electrochemistry expert for tech scouting. They will scout and lead new development projects.

Role Responsibilities:

Innovation Identification, Evaluation, and Verification- 50 % of time spent

• Gather and filter ideas from NAR, passing them to CoE HQ in Germany, and manage idea submission processes.
• Identify and evaluate potential innovations in collaboration with regional teams
• Plan, schedule, and execute testing of cell samples, primarily through third-party facilities or internal resources if available
• Ensure compliance by gathering NDAs, verifying legal and regulatory statuses, and managing documentation

Documentation and Reporting - 20 % of time spent

• Document all activities and findings, including academic monitoring, innovation project updates, and partner evaluations
• Prepare quick fact sheets and information bundles for management decision-making

Project Support and Handover - 20 % of time spent

• Facilitate the handoff of innovations to other predevelopment teams, including organizing kick-off meetings and sharing contacts
• Arrange delivery or construction of test samples, including shipment coordination and correspondence

Engagement - 10 % of time spent

• Attend and represent VW at trade shows, conferences for tech scouting and academic partners
• Coordinate with government resources, such as the Department of Energy, to expand the battery technology supply base in the US
• Coordinate special information bundles, demonstrations, and visits

Volkswagen Group of America is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome and encourage applicants from all backgrounds, and do not discriminate based on race, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, color, gender identity/expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable laws.

Qualifications

Years of experience:

• 5+ years of professional experience in development of batteries in automotive industry

Education - Required:

• Bachelor's in chemistry, chemical engineering, material sciences, or a comparable qualification

Education - Desired:

• Master's or Doctorate Degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, material sciences, or a comparable qualification

Skills:

• Analytical and conceptual thinking - using logic and reason, creative and strategic
• Highly organized and good time management
• Communication skills - interpersonal, presentation and written
• Integration - joining people, processes or systems
• Influencing and negotiation skills
• Above-average team skills
• High level of assertiveness, confident demeanor

Skills - Required:

• Knowledge on the electrical vehicle and HV systems
• Comprehensive knowledge of batteries and battery cell technology and production process
• Experience in leading time-critical projects in the development of batteries

Skills - Desired:

• German skills written and verbal are advantageous
• Experience on vehicle systems integration
• Experience vehicle level component or sub-systems testing/releasing
• Experience with local supplier base development

Work Flexibility:

• Frequently traveling to innovation partner, suppliers ext. labs, and the R&D department in Germany up to 50% of time