Head of BESS R&D and Engineering

Job Description

Head of R&D – Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)Location: BangaloreDiv: L&T – EPS – Power Electronics and BESSRole OverviewThe Head of R&D – BESS leads the end-to-end research, design, and development of utility-scale and industrial battery energy storage solutions. This role oversees multi-disciplinary engineering teams (electrical, mechanical, thermal, firmware, software, controls, power electronics, cell/pack engineering, and validation) and drives innovation, product roadmap execution, technology strategy, and platform development.Key ResponsibilitiesTechnology Strategy & RoadmapDefine the 3–5-year technology roadmap for BESS products: cells, modules, packs, PCS integration, BMS, EMS, safety, and cooling.Evaluate emerging technologies (LFP/NMC cell innovations, sodium-ion, solid-state, liquid-cooled designs, advanced PCS topologies, hybrid systems).Lead competitive benchmarking and cost-performance improvement programs.2. End-to-End Product Development LeadershipOwn the full product lifecycle: concept → design → prototype → validation → certification → release to manufacturing.Oversee development of utility-scale BESS platforms (1–5 MWh containers) and industrial BESS products.Drive cell-to-pack development (module structure, pack architecture, thermal pathways, safety features).Ensure alignment with standards (UL 9540/9540A, UL 1973, IEC 62933, IEEE, CE, BIS).3. Cross-Functional Engineering ManagementLead R&D teams across all function -Electrical & Power electronics, Mechanical/Structural design, Thermal & Cooling systems, Battery module/pack engineering, BMS/EMS controls & firmware development, System engineering & safety, Testing & validationBuild strong collaboration with Product Management, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, and Field Engineering teams.4. Innovation, IP, and Advanced EngineeringFile patents for thermal management, module designs, battery controls, fire mitigation systems, etc.Drive cost reduction through advanced materials, liquid cooling, optimized pack designs, and architecture simplification.Establish partnerships with cell manufacturers, universities, and research institutes.5. Testing, Validation & CertificationSet up and manage R&D labs: cell/module test labs, environmental chambers, fire testing, inverter-battery integration labs.Define test plans for performance, reliability, safety, and life-cycle validation.Oversee third-party certification and large-scale fire testing (9540A).6. Manufacturing & Industrialization SupportGuide Design for Manufacturing (DFM), Design for Assembly (DFA), and design transfer.Review production processes (module assembly, pack assembly, wiring harness, leak testing).Support supplier qualification for cells, cooling components, electronics, and safety equipment.7. Leadership & Organizational DevelopmentBuild and mentor a world-class R&D organization.Develop engineering competency frameworks and technical career ladders.Establish strong project governance, development processes, documentation, and design reviews.Required QualificationsM.Tech/PhD in Electrical, Mechanical, Thermal, Power Electronics, Energy Systems, or related fields.Experience12–20+ years in Energy Storage, Batteries, EV, Renewable R&D, or Power Electronics.Minimum 5–8 years leading multi-disciplinary engineering teams.Proven track record of launching Utility-Scale or Industrial BESS products.Deep understanding of Cell chemistry, aging, safety, SoC/SoH estimation,Module/pack designLiquid cooling/air cooling, High-voltage system design (600–1500V)Power electronics & inverter-battery interactionsEMS/BMS firmware & communication protocols (CAN, Modbus, IEC 61850)Fire detection & suppressionKnowledge of regulatory standards: UL, IEC, IEEE, IS.Preferred SkillsExperience with giga-factory cell supply, cell qualification, and vendor management.Experience in cost modelling (cell-to-pack, pack-to-system).Strong program management and cross-functional leadership skills.Ability to work with global teams and customers.Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and communication skills.KPIs (Key Performance Indicators)On-time delivery of product roadmap milestones.Reduction in cost/kWh and improvement in performance (Wh/L, Wh/kg, thermal stability).Successful certifications and zero major field failures.Patent filings and R&D innovation output.Team competence development and retention.