Sr. Battery Cell Engineer, Modeling

Key Skills

Effective communication skills, Machine learning techniques, MATLAB Programming, Mechanical, Numerical Computing, Simulink, Statistics

Job Description

As a company, we constantly challenge what’s possible, never simply accepting what has always been done. We reframe old problems, seek new solutions and operate comfortably in areas that are unknown. Our backgrounds are diverse, but our team shares a love of the outdoors and a desire to protect it for future generations. 

Role Summary

The role is to develop physics based/semi-empirical/empirical mathematical models to correlate the battery physics to cell level and eventually the pack level performance for various usage conditions. More over, the candidate is expected to apply the understanding of physics to define cell capability limits for fast charging, regen currents, discharge currents etc. to support various decisions from cell selection to battery controls algorithm development.

Responsibilities

• Develop electrochemical models such as- porous electrode models/reduced order models/equivalent circuit models, to estimate battery electrical and electrochemical response under different usage conditions from the automotive perspective
• Apply physics-based models to develop fast charge profiles, regen current limits, discharge limits at the cell and potentially pack level.
• Develop semi-empirical tools based on battery physics which can be used to quickly estimate battery performance, design battery limits for newer cells without detailed datasets.
• Develop models to investigate the effects of temperature gradients on current distributions within cells and at the pack level.
• Guide experiments to develop optimal test procedures (at cell, module, and pack level) to extract the information to support model calibration and continuously improve model accuracy and to minimize the resource utilization.
• Use statistical tools to connect cell level models to pack level incorporating cell-to-cell variations and other pack level effects.
• Use physics-based model to guide battery degradation modeling and connecting vehicle usage to battery life/warranty
• Drive the decision for cell selection (chemistry and design) and system design based on the modeling and test results.
• Support electrical and thermal controls teams in controls development to meet the battery life targets.
• Define pathways to improve cell/pack design with enhanced performance and lifetime; develop intellectual property for Rivian’s battery cell technology.
• Review academic literature of lithium-ion cells and beyond, to support advancement of Rivian’s battery cell technology.

Qualifications

• Must have:
• PhD with a focus on battery modeling with industrial experience on battery degradation modeling.
• Experience of developing porous electrode models for the automotive/energy storage applications, such as developing fast charge protocol is a plus, understanding regen limits etc.
• Awareness about Statistical Methods to account for factors such as cell-to-cell variation etc. to connect the cell level models to the pack level models.
• Familiarity with important considerations while connecting cell models to pack models.
• Strong optimization skills and numerical skills.
• Experience in MATLAB/Simulink/COMSOL is necessary.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Preferred:
• Experience with data driven models/ machine learning skills is a plus.
• Familiarity with battery life model development is a plus.
• Experience with MSMD electrochemical-mechanical-thermal models is a plus.

Pay Disclosure

Salary Range Rate for California Based Applicants: $121,000-$139,000 (actual compensation will be determined based on experience, location, and other factors permitted by law).

Benefits Summary: Rivian provides robust medical/Rx, dental and vision insurance packages for full-time employees, their spouse or domestic partner, and children up to age 26. Coverage is effective on the first day of employment, and Rivian covers most of the premiums. 

Equal Opportunity

Rivian is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information or characteristics, physical or mental disability, marital/domestic partner status, age, military/veteran status, medical condition, or any other characteristic protected by law.