Battery Cell Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Engineering

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Caterpillar’s Integrated Drivetrain Energy Solutions Division will focus on delivering advanced electrified power train, zero-emissions products/technologies, and the solutions and services associated with these technologies. Focus areas include batteries, fuel cells, motors, inverters, micro grid controllers, charging, energy storage systems, lifecycle solutions/services and integration of components for ePowertrain solutions across industries.

We are looking for top talent to build and scale the next generation of technologies, products and services to help our customers build a better—more sustainable—world. We need self-motivated, intelligent and team-oriented individuals to make our plans a reality. Individuals with high emotional intelligence, humility and openness to discovery will thrive in the teams we are building.

The Senior Battery Cell Engineer provides technical leadership in the development of advanced battery solutions for Caterpillar's electrification portfolio. This role is accountable for evaluating and selecting battery cell technologies, defining cell-related requirements, and ensuring optimal cell performance, safety, durability, and reliability across machine applications. The engineer collaborates closely with internal engineering teams and external cell suppliers to support battery system design, validation testing, supplier development, and failure analysis activities. Through deep expertise in battery cell technologies and data-driven decision making, this position plays a critical role in delivering innovative, high-performance energy storage solutions that meet customer expectations and business objectives.

• Drive cell selection decisions based on the cell specifications and test results.

• Evaluate and select optimal cell chemistries and form factors to meet the system requirements.

• Support development of battery system requirements for electrified machine applications based on voice of customers.

• Lead regular technical discussions with cell suppliers to deliver the cell related information to support battery system design for new production programs and investigate the issues associated with cell design and production changes.

• Collaborate with battery system engineers, software/BMS engineers, modeling engineers, and compliance experts to develop cell validation test plans based on battery system build schedule and lead technical communications with test engineers to review the life and performance of the selected battery cells.

• Work closely with cell suppliers, lab coordinators, and battery system engineers to conduct detailed failure and root cause analysis of battery cells.

• Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering, electrical engineering, materials science or related field.

• Analytical Thinking: Working knowledge of techniques and tools that promote effective analysis; ability to determine the root cause of organizational problems and create alternative solutions that resolve these problems. Experience in cell postmorterm analysis and knowledge of various electrochemical or chemical analysis methods to define failure or degradation mechanisms of problematic or aged cells

• Decision Making and Critical Thinking: Working knowledge of the decision-making process and associated tools and techniques; ability to accurately analyze situations and reach productive decisions based on informed judgment. Ability to decide the key attributes of cell technologies based on requirements from program team and down-select the candidate cells through analysis of cell specifications and validation data from cell suppliers

• Technical Excellence: Working knowledge of a given technology and various application methods; ability to develop and provide solutions to significant technical challenges. Experience in battery cell design, manufacturing and validation testing. Strong understanding of lithium -ion and other battery chemistry and technologies.

• Project Management: Working knowledge of effective project management strategies and tactics; ability to plan, organize, monitor, and control projects, ensuring efficient utilization of technical and administrative resources to achieve project objectives. Experience managing battery cell related projects. Track and manage cell supplier progress from initial RFI/RFQ through qualification and mass production. Serve as the main point of contact between cell suppliers, internal battery teams, and supply chain teams to implement corrective action plans

• Manufacturing Standards, Procedures and Policies: Basic understanding and knowledge of organizational standards, procedures and policies in manufacturing activities; ability to plan, guide, and monitor manufacturing processes for compliance. Familiar with lithium-ion battery cell manufacturing processes. Work with cell suppliers to conduct cell DFMEA/PFMEA and support Caterpillar quality engineers to monitor cell supplier’s production quality and conduct production failure analysis

• Product Testing: Extensive experience and knowledge of product testing approaches, techniques and tools; ability to design, plan and execute testing strategies and tactics to ensure product quality at all stages of manufacturing. Manage or support the cell level testing schedule and running design of experiment for cell life and performance validation per requests from battery program teams, BMS team, and cell model developers. Regularly update the test results. Process large dataset using Python, Matlab, or Excel and data analysis & reporting

• Experience working with large cell suppliers and developers for battery production programs.

• Excellent communication and organizational skills, including working with various teams in different locations.

• Ability to work independently on multiple projects with complex requirements.

• Program management experience

• This position is located in Mossville, IL and requires 5-day a week on-site availability

• Domestic relocation is available

• Visa Sponsorship is not available

• 20% or less travel is expected, with potential for 1-2 international trips per year

$112,710.00 - $169,060.00

Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar.

Subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of benefits.

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits*

• Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)*

• 401(k) savings plans*

• Health Savings Account (HSA)*

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)*

• Health Lifestyle Programs*

• Employee Assistance Program*

• Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts*

• Career Development*

• Incentive bonus*

• Disability benefits

• Life Insurance

• Parental leave

• Adoption benefits

• Tuition Reimbursement

* These benefits also apply to part-time employees

This position requires working onsite five days a week.Relocation is available for this position.Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

August 17, 2026 - August 31, 2026

Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.