Battery Safety Engineer (multiple Levels)

Joby Aviation Joby Aviation · Robotics · San Carlos, CA · Powertrain & Electronics, Engineering

Joby Aviation is seeking a Battery Safety Engineer to ensure the safety of their batteries through thermal analysis, simulations, and extensive testing of cells, modules, and packs under various abuse scenarios. The role involves designing and setting up test equipment, correlating simulation data with experimental results, and supporting certification efforts.

What you'd actually do

  1. Perform thermal analysis and simulations (using lumped sum models, CFD, and multi-physics tools) to evaluate cell, module, and pack-level behavior under abuse scenarios
  2. Own test planning and execution for battery performance and safety, with a focus on high-voltage and thermal management
  3. Design, set up, and maintain complex test equipment, including electrical, mechanical, fluid systems, and data acquisition/instrumentation
  4. Correlate simulation results with experimental test data, refining thermal models for accuracy and utility
  5. Drive decisions by analyzing and presenting data-driven insights and leading cross-functional efforts across mechanical, cell, and systems engineering

Skills

Required

  • BS + 3 years of experience or MS + 1 year of experience in mechanical engineering, thermals, physics, or related field
  • Solid understanding of battery hazards and failure modes (e.g., thermal runaway, electrical shorts, mechanical abuse)
  • Strong problem-solving mindset and foundation in thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid dynamics, and electrical engineering fundamentals
  • Willingness to get hands dirty and work with team-members on all levels of test execution, from planning to final cleanup
  • Fundamental understanding of sensing and data acquisition principles
  • Great written, verbal, and presentation skills

Nice to have

  • Advanced degree in a relevant engineering or science field and 5+ years of experience
  • Knowledge of li-ion cell technology and experience with battery testing/design
  • Experience working with abuse testing at cell/module/pack levels and familiarity with safety testing standards such as UN 38.3, SAE 2464, RTCA DO-311
  • CAD experience, CATIA preferred
  • Python or other language for data processing and visualization
  • LabVIEW or other language for interfacing with data acquisition hardware
  • Hands-on experience with thermal modeling and simulation tools such as ANSYS Fluent, COMSOL, STAR-CCM+, MATLAB/Simulink, or similar CFD/FEA software

What the JD emphasized

  • battery hazards and failure modes
  • abuse testing
  • safety testing standards