Staff Battery Test & Validation Engineer

At Heart Aerospace we develop the ES-30, a regional hybrid-electric airplane with a capacity of 30 passengers, an electric zero-emission range of 200 km and an extended hybrid range of 400 km. Heart is targeting type certification of the ES-30 by the end of the decade.

Our headquarters is based in Gothenburg, Sweden and we are now opening up a R&D hub in Los Angeles, which will focus on the advancement of Heart's hybrid-electric propulsion system and other key technologies.

Your mission

Heart Aerospace is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Staff Battery Test & Validation Engineer to join our growing and dynamic team. In this role, you will be a key contributor to the development, testing, and optimization of advanced battery cells specifically designed for the demanding requirements of electric aerospace applications. You will leverage your deep understanding of Test & Validation methodologies and approach to drive innovation and ensure the highest levels of performance, safety and reliability.

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Lead the development and execution of comprehensive test plans and procedures for battery cells, modules, and packs designed for electric aerospace applications. This includes performance, life cycle, environmental, and safety testing.
• Create and maintain Design Verification Plans and Reports (DVP&R).
• Design and set up test fixtures, data acquisition systems, and control software to conduct accurate and repeatable testing.
• Analyze test data, generate detailed reports, and present findings to cross-functional teams, including design, manufacturing, and safety.
• Identify failure modes, perform root cause analysis, and propose design or process improvements to enhance battery system performance and reliability.
• Collaborate closely with battery design engineers to define test requirements and ensure testability of new battery technologies and designs.
• Stay up-to-date on industry standards, regulations, and best practices related to battery testing and safety in aerospace.
• Contribute to the development and validation of battery management system (BMS) algorithms and functionalities.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior engineers and technicians.
• Manage external testing labs and vendors as needed.

You will initially report to the Director of Battery and belong to the Battery team. Your place of work will be at our office located in El Segundo, CA (Los Angeles).

You'll Bring These Qualifications:

• 8+ years of experience in battery testing and validation, preferably within the aerospace, automotive, or other high-reliability industries.
• Deep understanding of battery electrochemistry, performance characteristics, failure mechanisms, and safety requirements for lithium-ion batteries.
• Hands-on experience with battery testing equipment (e.g., cyclers, environmental chambers, safety test equipment) and data acquisition systems.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools (e.g., MATLAB, Python, JMP) and statistical methods.
• Familiarity with relevant industry standards and regulations (e.g., RTCA DO-311, UN 38.3, IEC standards).

These Qualifications Would Be Nice to Have:

• Knowledge of battery management systems (BMS) and control algorithms.
• Experience with aerospace qualification and certification processes.
• Familiarity with high-voltage systems and safety protocols.
• Familiarity with aerospace industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• Experience with battery modeling and simulation for aerospace applications.
• Passion for electric aviation and sustainable technologies.

Education

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Electrochemistry, or a related field.