The Ugandan Jobline

Job Title:  Senior Battery Engineer – Team Leader

Organisation: Soleil Power

Duty Station: Kampala, Uganda

About the Company:

Soleil Power is an ambitious, young Ugandan company building East Africa’s first lithium-ion battery assembly plant to serve the region’s growing EV and ESS markets.

Job Summary:   We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Battery Engineer – Team Leader to help lead our team of engineers and technicians to new heights.

In this crucial role, you will bring your years of lithium battery engineering experience to our growing team and help lead the success of our battery development and assembly operations. Your primary responsibility will be to provide hands-on direction and oversee the design, development, and assembly of a wide range of lithium-ion battery solutions for our key markets including 2-wheel EV companies, solar EPC’s and mini-grid developers.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the engineering team in developing and optimizing lithium-ion battery solutions for stationary energy storage and e-mobility applications.
• Create and maintain updated CAD models for batteries under development.
• Oversee and contribute to all aspects of battery prototyping and assembly.
• Ensure compliance with relevant safety regulations and environmental standards for lithium-ion battery manufacturing.
• Create and oversee work plans for engineering and production staff.
• Ensure timely delivery of engineering objectives and product development milestones.
• Maintain a clean, safe and organized work environment and ensure equipment is properly maintained.
• Support team management functions and career development opportunities for direct reports.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and partners in the lithium-ion battery industry.
• Stay up to date on the latest advancements in lithium-ion battery technology and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

Qualifications:

• University degree or equivalent qualification in materials science, chemistry, chemical engineering, electrical engineering, electrical and computer engineering or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience, preferably with at least 2 years in a supervisory role.
• Strong project management and customer communication skills.
• Knowledge of relevant industry standards and regulatory requirements for lithium-ion batteries, including safety and environmental regulations.
• Proven track record of leading and motivating technical teams in a fluid, fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
• Ability to adapt and contribute to wide range of functions as the company grows and evolves.
• Ability to travel for customer visits and industry conferences.
• Ability to obtain a Uganda work permit for foreign nationals.
• Fluency in English is required.

Technical Knowledge Requirements:

• Expert knowledge of lithium-ion battery chemistry and materials.
• Expertise in battery pack design and assembly, including mechanical, electrical, and thermal aspects.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD) for designing battery packs and related components.
• Proficiency with battery testing tools and assembly equipment including spot welders, capacity graders and charge/discharge machines.
• Proficiency in implementing BMS hardware and software.
• Understanding of critical safety features and parameters for BMS.
• Ability to integrate BMS into battery packs effectively.
• Ability to integrate BMS into IoT applications.
• Familiarity with cell assembly tools and equipment.
• Ability to use analytical tools to assess battery pack performance and reliability.
• Strong data analytical skills for interpreting test data and optimizing battery performance.
• Additional Technical Knowledge Desired:
• Battery product certification experience (UN, IEC, UL)
• Experience with embedded systems development.

Benefits:

• Opportunity to be a pioneer in the East African battery sector.
• Be a part of a dynamic and growing company in a vibrant market.
• Make a real impact on the development of clean energy solutions in Uganda and the wider region.
• Competitive salary, health care plan, performance bonus.
• Work permit and relocation support for the right candidate.

How to Apply:

Please submit your CV and cover letter to laura@aptechafrica.com and copy brendan@soleilpower.ug. In your cover letter, highlight your relevant experience and why you are passionate about leading engineering and product development for an ambitious startup in the East African lithium-ion battery sector.

Deadline: 30th August 2024

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