Battery Cell Engineer (all genders)
Munich
Full-time
Permanent employee
About Us
STARK is a European defence technology company building the next generation of unmanned systems. We design, develop and manufacture software-defined, mass-scalable and cost-effective platforms that give NATO operators a decisive edge in highly contested environments. We are focused on delivering deployable, high-performance capability — not future promises. In a time of rising threats, our work strengthens the technological edge of NATO Allies and their partners.
Your mission
As a Battery Cell Engineer, you will be the company’s foremost expert on electrochemistry and cell-level performance. You will be responsible for sourcing, characterizing, modeling, and validating the next generation of battery cells. You will work directly with Tier 1 cell suppliers and our internal engineering teams to ensure the cells we select will safely and reliably power our fleet through rigorous flight profiles.
Responsibilities
- Cell Evaluation & Selection: Scout and evaluate commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) and prototype battery cells from global suppliers. Select optimal chemistries (e.g., high-nickel NMC, LCO, Silicon-Anode, Solid-State) that meet our aggressive Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) targets.
- Characterization & Testing: Design and execute rigorous cell-level test matrices, including Hybrid Pulse Power Characterization (HPPC), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), cycle life, calendar aging, and extreme temperature testing.
- Data Analysis & Modeling: Process massive datasets from cell cyclers (e.g., Arbin, Maccor) to generate Equivalent Circuit Models (ECM) and empirical degradation models.
- Failure Analysis: Lead cell-level root cause investigations. Define Destructive Physical Analysis (DPA) and cell teardowns to identify failure mechanisms like lithium plating, electrolyte degradation, or manufacturing defects.
- Supplier Quality & Collaboration: Act as the primary technical liaison with cell manufacturers. Define cell-level specifications, incoming quality control (IQC) metrics, and acceptance testing protocols to ensure high yield and batch-to-batch consistency.
- Safety Validation: Conduct and analyze cell-level abuse testing (nail penetration, overcharge, thermal runaway) to define the thermal boundary conditions for the Mechanical Engineering team.
Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Electrochemistry, or a closely related discipline.
- Experience: 3+ years of professional experience in battery cell engineering, characterization, or cell manufacturing.
Technical Skills:
- Deep theoretical and practical understanding of lithium-ion reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, and degradation mechanisms.
- Extensive hands-on experience programming and running battery testing equipment.
- Proficiency in data analysis and scripting using Python, MATLAB, or R to automate the processing of cycling data.
Nice to have
- Experience analyzing high C-rate discharge profiles specific to aerospace, eVTOL, or high-performance drone applications.
- Direct experience working at a battery cell manufacturer (Gigafactory) or auditing cell manufacturing lines.
- Familiarity with next-generation cell technologies, such as lithium-metal or solid-state electrolytes.
For more details, please contact Sally Grütte-Pad, Interim Lead TA Partner via talent@stark-defence.com
About us
SECURITY CLEARANCE
Due to the nature of our work in the defence sector, candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance required for this position. Details will be provided during the recruitment process.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
We are an equal-opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Due to the nature of our work in the defence sector, candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance required for this position. Details will be provided during the recruitment process.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
We are an equal-opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.