Talent.com
Principal Engineer
Principal EngineerElement Materials Technology • Warren, MI, United States
[error_messages.no_longer_accepting]
Principal Engineer

Principal Engineer

Element Materials Technology • Warren, MI, United States
[job_card.variable_days_ago]
[job_preview.job_type]
  • [job_card.full_time]
[job_card.job_description]

Principal Engineer

Job Locations

US-MI-Warren | US-MI-Burton | Work From Your Own Home

ID

2026-18211

Overview

Element has an opportunity for a Principal Certification Engineer to lead homologation, testing, and certification programs for lithium-ion battery cells, modules, packs, and energy storage systems at our Warren, MI laboratory. This role is central to Element's strategic investment in energy storage and electrification and is ideal for an engineer who thrives at the intersection of standards, testing reality, and regulatory intent.

This position goes well beyond running tests. You will own certification strategy, translate regulatory requirements into executable test programs, and design complex test setups that withstand scrutiny from OEMs, authorities having jurisdiction, and certification bodies. The right candidate is entrepreneurial, technically rigorous, and comfortable explaining why Annex 9 exists, not just how to pass it.

As the energy storage market accelerates across mobility, industrial, and stationary ESS applications, Element is committed to leading the industry in credible, defensible, and safety-focused certification-and this role helps make that happen.

Responsibilities

Certification & Homologation Leadership

Lead global certification and homologation programs for battery cells, modules, packs, and ESS, supporting North American, EU, and international market access

  • Interpret and apply regulatory frameworks including UN, IEC, UL, SAE, ISO, and regional requirements to client programs
  • Serve as a technical authority during certification reviews, CB scheme evaluations, AHJ discussions, and customer audits

Test Program Design & Execution

  • Develop and execute certification-driven test plans covering electrical, mechanical, environmental, thermal, and abuse conditions
  • Design and oversee custom and semi-custom test setups, including :
  • Thermal runaway and propagation
  • Mechanical abuse (crush, impact, vibration, shock)
  • Electrical abuse (short circuit, overcharge, forced discharge)
  • Fire exposure, venting, ejecta, and gas characterization
  • Translate ambiguous or evolving standards into clear, defensible test methodologies
  • Standards & Technical Expertise

  • Act as a subject matter expert across battery and ESS standards, including but not limited to :
  • UN 38.3, IEC 62281, DO-311A (transport)
  • IEC 62619, IEC 62620, IEC 61960-3, IEC 62133-1 / -2

    UL 1642, UL 2054, UL 2580, UL 9540 / 9540A

    SAE J2464, SAE J2929

    UN ECE R100 Rev.3 (including Annex-based system testing)

  • Applicable EU Battery Regulation requirements and emerging ESS guidance
  • Support internal scope expansion efforts (e.g., A2LA, CB Scheme) with technical justification and method development
  • Data, Reporting & Client Interface

  • Analyze test data with a certification lens-focusing on compliance, failure modes, margins, and risk
  • Author formal certification reports, deviation justifications, and technical position papers
  • Serve as a senior technical interface to OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, certification bodies, and regulators
  • Safety & Facility Stewardship

  • Champion safe operation of high-energy test environments, including abuse testing, fire mitigation, gas handling, and emergency response planning
  • Contribute to continuous improvement of lab infrastructure, procedures, and hazard analyses
  • Skills / Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline (Master's preferred for overachievers)
  • 7+ years of experience in battery or ESS testing, certification, or homologation
  • Demonstrated experience navigating standards-driven testing for lithium-ion systems
  • Hands-on experience designing and executing complex test setups (not just witnessing them)
  • Strong technical writing skills, able to stand up to auditor review with confidence, clarity, and without hesitation
  • Preferred / Strong Plus

  • Direct experience with ESS certification (stationary, industrial, or mobility applications)
  • Familiarity with UL, IEC, UN, and SAE certification pathways and how they actually work in practice
  • Experience supporting global market access programs (EU, North America, Asia)
  • Comfortable operating in gray areas where the standard says "shall," but the test method says "it depends"
  • #LI-TF1

    Company Overview

    Element is one of the fastest growing testing, inspection and certification businesses in the world. Globally we have more than 9,000 brilliant minds operating from 270 sites across 30 countries. Together we share an ambitious purpose to 'Make tomorrow safer than today'.

    When failure in use is not an option, we help customers make certain that their products, materials, processes and services are safe, compliant and fit for purpose. From early R&D, through complex regulatory approvals and into production, our global laboratory network of scientists, engineers, and technologists support customers to achieve assurance over product quality, sustainable outcomes, and market access.

    While we are proud of our global reach, working at Element feels like being part of a smaller company. We empower you to take charge of your career, and reward excellence and integrity with growth and development.

    Industries across the world depend on our care, attention to detail and the absolute accuracy of our work. The role we have to play in creating a safer world is much bigger than our organization.

    Diversity Statement

    At Element, we always take pride in putting our people first. We are an equal opportunity employer that recognizes diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our Vision of becoming "the world's most trusted testing partner".

    All suitably qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment on the basis of objective work related criteria and without regard for the following : age, disability, ethnic origin, gender, marital status, race, religion, responsibility of dependents, sexual orientation, or gender identity or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws.

    [job_alerts.create_a_job]

    Principal Engineer • Warren, MI, United States

    [internal_linking.similar_jobs]
    Maintenance Engineer - PM Shift

    Maintenance Engineer - PM Shift

    Embassy Suites By Hilton Detroit Troy Auburn Hills • Troy, MI, US
    [job_card.full_time] +1
    We are seeking a skilled and reliable.This role includes performing routine maintenance, addressing guest requests, and ensuring all systems operate safely and efficiently.The ideal candidate has a...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_variable_days] • [promoted]
    Director, Cloud Engineering & Operations, FinOps

    Director, Cloud Engineering & Operations, FinOps

    OneStream Software • Rochester, MI, United States
    [job_card.full_time]
    Range applies to US candidates only) + Benefits / Variable Comp / Equity - Range may vary based on experience.Vision, Medical, Life, Dental, 401K. As Director, Cloud FinOps, you'll own the strategy and ...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_variable_days] • [promoted]
    Mechanical Engineering Manager

    Mechanical Engineering Manager

    Dynamics ATS Organic • Sterling Heights, MI, US
    [job_card.full_time]
    Mechanical Engineering Manager Opportunity - Troy, MI Area - Machine Build / Capital Equipment.A multinational Machine Builder / Capital Equipment Manufacturer with a facility in the Troy, MI area ...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_30] • [promoted]
    Customer Applications Engineer (Interconnect Solutions)

    Customer Applications Engineer (Interconnect Solutions)

    Amphenol TCS • Detroit, MI, US
    [job_card.full_time]
    Our customer's success depends on our ability to solve their technical challenges and provide interconnect solutions.We value our relationships with these companies and depend on our Sales and ...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_variable_days] • [promoted]
    Cloud Engineering Manager

    Cloud Engineering Manager

    Reply • Detroit, MI, US
    [job_card.full_time]
    Concept Reply is a leader in IoT solutions.We support and advise our customers in Automotive, Manufacturing, Smart Infrastructure, and beyond in all aspects of Internet of Things (IoT) and Cloud Co...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_30] • [promoted]
    Manufacturing Engineer (Electrical)

    Manufacturing Engineer (Electrical)

    Crown Cork & Seal USA, Inc. Careers • ROCHESTER, Michigan, US
    [job_card.full_time] +1
    At Crown, we are passionate about helping our customers build their brands and connect with consumers around the world.We do this by delivering innovative packaging that offers significant value fo...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_30] • [promoted]
    Lead Automotive E / E Systems Engineer

    Lead Automotive E / E Systems Engineer

    LEONI • Troy, MI, US
    [job_card.full_time]
    LEONI is a global provider of products, solutions, and services for energy and data management in the automotive industry. With around 87,000 employees in 21 countries and EUR 5 billio...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_variable_days] • [promoted]
    Principal Engineer

    Principal Engineer

    VirtualVocations • Sterling Heights, Michigan, United States
    [job_card.full_time]
    A company is looking for a Principal Engineer to lead technical initiatives and build complex systems in a fully remote environment. Key Responsibilities Act as the primary developer for major fea...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_variable_days] • [promoted]
    Principal Project Engineer

    Principal Project Engineer

    Schwan's Company • Detroit, MI, US
    [job_card.full_time]
    CJ CheilJedang Corporation, is a leader in manufacturing and marketing quality foods enjoyed nationwide.We have beloved brands like Red Baron, Tony's, Big Daddy's, Villa Prima and Freschetta pizzas...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_variable_days] • [promoted]
    System Engineer

    System Engineer

    Infotree Global Solutions • Sterling Heights, MI, US
    [job_card.full_time]
    The System Engineer plays a crucial role in supporting the Systems Engineering Manager to ensure the timely delivery of System Engineering Products and gated reviews. Coordinating with the System En...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_variable_days] • [promoted]
    Project Manager

    Project Manager

    Dominion Technologies Group, Inc. • Roseville, MI, US
    [job_card.full_time]
    Dominion’s Project Management team is dedicated to quality, on time projects.As a member of the PM team you will work alongside Engineering, Manufacturing and Documentation teams to integrate...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_30] • [promoted]
    Industry 4.0 Engineer

    Industry 4.0 Engineer

    Reply • Detroit, MI, US
    [job_card.full_time]
    Concept Reply, part of the Reply Network, is a leader in IoT solutions.We support and advise our customers in Automotive, Manufacturing, Smart Infrastructure and beyond in all aspects of Internet o...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_30] • [promoted]
    Mechatronics Engineer

    Mechatronics Engineer

    Daniels Health • Detroit, MI, US
    [job_card.full_time]
    Mechatronics Engineer – Drive Automation & Sustainability at Daniels Health.Ready to engineer a cleaner, smarter future?. For over 30 years, we’ve been innovating solutions that prot...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_variable_days] • [promoted]
    Land Development Project Engineer

    Land Development Project Engineer

    Harrison Consulting Solutions • Rochester, MI, US
    [job_card.full_time]
    Engineering firm doing business in Michigan is seeking a Land Development Project Engineer for their growing office!.Lead project team in preparation of project drawings, calculations, and specific...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_30] • [promoted]
    Quality Engineer

    Quality Engineer

    Philips Recruiting Services • Warren, MI, US
    [job_card.full_time]
    [filters_job_card.quick_apply]
    Plant Quality Engineer Summary : .The Quality Engineer will provide support in carrying out Quality Functions to meet customer requirements. They will perform quality engineering reviews / audits of des...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_variable_days] • [promoted]
    Senior Manager, Field Application Engineering

    Senior Manager, Field Application Engineering

    Apera AI Inc • Detroit, MI, US
    [job_card.full_time]
    We are an innovative, Vancouver-based startup at the forefront of robotics, AI, and machine vision technologies.Backed by VC funding and we've been recognized with the 2025 Frost & Sullivan...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_30] • [promoted]
    Principal Software Engineer I

    Principal Software Engineer I

    OneStream Software • Rochester, MI, United States
    [job_card.full_time]
    Vision, Medical, Life, Dental, 401K (Range applies to US candidates only) + Benefits / Variable Comp / Equity - Range may vary based on experience. The Principal Software Engineer on the Solution Networ...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_variable_hours] • [promoted] • [new]
    • • •Fully Remote • • •Systems Engineer ( Sandvine / AppLogic)

    • • •Fully Remote • • •Systems Engineer ( Sandvine / AppLogic)

    TEKsystems • Detroit, MI, United States
    [filters.remote]
    [job_card.full_time]
    TEKsystems • is seeking a •Sandvine Systems Engineer • to support a wide range of wireless network operations and modernization efforts. We're supporting a major ISP organization as they modernize and...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_variable_days] • [promoted]