Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for E-Mobility Engineer
💰 $110,000 - $185,000
🎯 Role Definition
As an E-Mobility Engineer, you are at the heart of the electric revolution. You will be a key technical authority responsible for conceptualizing, designing, and bringing to life the core components that power our next-generation electric vehicles (EVs). From high-voltage battery systems and advanced powertrains to intelligent charging solutions, your work will directly impact vehicle performance, safety, and efficiency. This role requires a forward-thinking innovator who is passionate about sustainable technology and eager to solve complex engineering challenges in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
📈 Career Progression
Typical Career Path
Entry Point From:
- Junior Electrical or Mechanical Engineer
- Automotive Systems Engineer
- Battery Test Engineer
Advancement To:
- Senior E-Mobility Systems Engineer
- E-Mobility Project Lead or Technical Program Manager
- Engineering Manager (Powertrain or Battery Systems)
Lateral Moves:
- Functional Safety Engineer
- Charging Infrastructure Specialist
- Battery Research Scientist
Core Responsibilities
Primary Functions
- Design, develop, and integrate high-voltage (HV) components for electric vehicles, including battery packs, on-board chargers (OBC), DC-DC converters, and electric drive units.
- Lead the system-level design and architecture for EV powertrain and energy storage systems, ensuring all subsystems work harmoniously.
- Develop and execute comprehensive Design Verification Plans (DVP) and Reports (DVP&R) for e-mobility components and systems at various stages of development.
- Create and manage detailed technical specifications, component requirements, and interface control documents for suppliers and internal teams.
- Perform detailed simulations and modeling of EV systems (e.g., thermal management, battery performance, powertrain efficiency) using tools like MATLAB/Simulink or Ansys.
- Conduct root cause analysis on complex system failures using structured problem-solving methodologies like 8D, Ishikawa, and Fault Tree Analysis.
- Ensure all designs comply with global automotive standards and regulations, particularly those related to high-voltage safety (e.g., ISO 26262, SAE J1772).
- Collaborate with manufacturing and quality teams to ensure the seamless transition of designs from prototype to mass production, addressing any DFM/DFA concerns.
- Define and implement testing procedures for vehicle-level and bench-level validation of e-powertrain performance, durability, and safety.
- Manage technical relationships with key component suppliers, conducting design reviews and ensuring deliverables meet project timelines and quality standards.
- Develop control strategies for vehicle systems, including battery management (BMS), thermal management, and torque control.
- Analyze test data from dynamometers, test benches, and in-vehicle loggers to validate performance against requirements and identify areas for improvement.
- Lead the integration of hardware and software for EV-specific Electronic Control Units (ECUs).
- Evaluate new e-mobility technologies, materials, and architectures to drive innovation and maintain a competitive edge.
- Support vehicle-level homologation and certification activities related to the electric powertrain and emissions.
- Architect and validate vehicle communication networks (CAN, LIN, Automotive Ethernet) for reliable data exchange between e-mobility systems.
- Characterize the performance of electric motors, inverters, and battery cells to create accurate models for system simulation.
- Lead and participate in Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) sessions for HV systems to proactively identify and mitigate potential risks.
- Develop and maintain comprehensive engineering documentation, including schematics, block diagrams, and technical reports.
- Support prototype vehicle builds, commissioning, and shakedown activities, providing hands-on troubleshooting for electrical and system-level issues.
Secondary Functions
- Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis on vehicle telemetry and component test data to inform future design iterations.
- Contribute to the organization's long-term e-mobility technology strategy and product roadmap.
- Collaborate with business units and product management to translate market needs and customer requirements into tangible engineering specifications.
- Participate in sprint planning, daily stand-ups, and other agile ceremonies within the cross-functional product development team.
Required Skills & Competencies
Hard Skills (Technical)
- High-Voltage System Architecture: Deep understanding of EV battery packs, Battery Management Systems (BMS), inverters, converters, and high-voltage distribution units.
- EV Powertrain Integration: Expertise in integrating electric motors, gearboxes, and power electronics into a cohesive and efficient vehicle powertrain.
- Simulation & Modeling: Proficiency with engineering simulation tools such as MATLAB/Simulink, Ansys, GT-SUITE, or similar for system analysis.
- Vehicle Communication Protocols: Hands-on experience with automotive networks like CAN, CAN-FD, LIN, and Automotive Ethernet, and tools like Vector CANoe/CANalyzer.
- Functional Safety (ISO 26262): Knowledge of functional safety principles and their application in the development of safety-critical automotive electronics.
- Power Electronics: Strong foundation in the principles of DC/DC converters, AC/DC rectifiers (On-Board Chargers), and DC/AC inverters.
- Diagnostics & Troubleshooting: Ability to diagnose and resolve complex issues in electro-mechanical systems using oscilloscopes, data loggers, and diagnostic software.
- Requirements Management: Experience using tools like JAMA, DOORS, or Polarion for managing and tracing system and component requirements.
- CAD & PLM Software: Familiarity with 3D CAD software (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks) and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems.
- Test Plan Development: Proven ability to create robust validation and verification plans (DVP&R) for automotive components and systems.
Soft Skills
- Analytical Problem-Solving: A methodical and data-driven approach to identifying root causes and implementing effective solutions.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with diverse teams including software, mechanical, manufacturing, and supply chain.
- Clear Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to convey complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Adaptability & Resilience: Thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and can manage shifting priorities without losing focus on long-term goals.
- Project Ownership: A proactive and self-motivated mindset with a strong sense of responsibility for project outcomes.
Education & Experience
Educational Background
Minimum Education:
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in a relevant engineering discipline.
Preferred Education:
- Master of Science (M.S.) or Doctorate (Ph.D.) focused on electric vehicles, power electronics, or energy systems.
Relevant Fields of Study:
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Automotive Engineering
- Mechatronics Engineering
- Systems Engineering
Experience Requirements
Typical Experience Range:
- 3-8+ years of professional experience in the automotive, aerospace, or a related industry with a focus on electric or hybrid systems.
Preferred:
- Direct, hands-on experience in the design, development, or validation of an electric vehicle's core systems (battery, powertrain, or charging).
- Experience taking a product from concept through to series production in an automotive environment.