Battery System Engineer

Caterpillar · Wuxi

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Job Description:

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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.

PF Battery System Engineer

Position Title

Battery System Engineer

Location

Wuxi, China

Job Summary

The PF Battery Engineer will be responsible for the engineering development, integration, validation, and continuous improvement of PF (Purchased Finished) Battery systems for Caterpillar electrification products.

This role serves as the primary technical interface between battery suppliers and machine development teams, ensuring battery solutions meet application requirements for performance, safety, reliability, durability, manufacturability, and cost.

The engineer will work closely with global battery teams, ePowertrain system engineers, software teams, validation teams, machine integration engineers, and battery suppliers to successfully deliver battery products for electrified construction and mining equipment.

Key Responsibilities

Battery Product Development

• Lead PF battery engineering activities from concept through production implementation.
• Define battery system technical requirements based on machine application needs.
• Manage technical development and issue resolution with battery suppliers.
• Support battery architecture evaluation, benchmarking, supplier selection, and technical assessments.
• Review battery design documentation, specifications, DFMEA, DVP&R, test reports, and production readiness.

Battery System Integration

• Support integration of battery systems into machine platforms.
• Collaborate with machine integration project team leaders on packaging, mounting, cooling, HV routing, and serviceability.
• Evaluate battery interfaces including:
  • Electrical
  • Mechanical
  • Thermal
  • Communication
  • Functional Safety
• Ensure compatibility between battery, inverter, charger, motor, and machine control systems.

Battery Validation & Testing

• Develop battery validation plans and test strategies.
• Review supplier validation activities and test results.
• Support:
  • Functional testing
  • Environmental testing
  • Thermal performance testing
  • Durability testing
  • Abuse testing
  • Vehicle/Machine-level validation
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for battery-related issues.

Supplier Technical Leadership

• Serve as the primary engineering focal point for PF battery suppliers.
• Conduct technical design reviews with suppliers.
• Drive issue resolution and risk mitigation.
• Monitor supplier development progress, technical maturity, and readiness.
• Support APQP, PPAP, and production launch activities.

Battery Performance & Optimization

• Evaluate battery performance including:
  • Energy capacity
  • Power capability
  • Charging performance
  • Thermal behavior
  • Efficiency
  • Aging characteristics
• Drive continuous improvement in:
  • Cost
  • Reliability
  • Performance
  • Manufacturability

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Work closely with:

• Battery System Team
• BMS Engineering
• Power Electronics Team
• Controls & Software Team
• Machine Integration Team
• Validation Team
• Procurement Team
• Product Support Team
• External Battery Suppliers

to ensure successful delivery of electrification programs.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree or above in:
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Electrochemical Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Energy Storage
  • Automotive Engineering
  • Related Engineering Discipline

Experience

• 5+ years of battery engineering experience.
• Experience developing lithium-ion battery systems.
• Experience with supplier-managed battery products preferred.
• Experience in automotive, commercial vehicle, construction equipment, mining equipment, or energy storage industries preferred.

Technical Skills

Strong understanding of:

• Lithium-ion battery technology
• Battery pack architecture
• Cell/module/pack design
• Battery thermal management
• Battery safety requirements
• Battery degradation mechanisms
• High-voltage systems
• Battery testing and validation

Experience with:

• CAN communication
• Battery diagnostics
• BMS fundamentals
• DFMEA/PFMEA
• APQP / PPAP
• Root Cause Analysis
• System engineering processes

Knowledge of standards:

• ISO 26262
• IEC 62619
• UL 2580
• GB/T battery standards
• UN38.3

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working directly with battery suppliers such as CATL, BYD/FinDreams, Sunwoda, EVE, Ganfeng, etc.
• Experience with off-highway electrification applications.
• Experience supporting battery sourcing and localization projects.
• Experience with machine-level electrification programs.
• Familiarity with charging systems and HV architecture.

Key Competencies

• Strong technical leadership
• Systems thinking
• Problem solving and root cause analysis
• Supplier management
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Effective communication in English and Chinese
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously

Posting Dates:

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply

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