Head of Research and Development - Battery Energy Storage Systems

R&D  Head -BESS

Head of R&D – Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)

Role Overview

The 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 Responsibilities

• Technology Strategy & Roadmap
• Define 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 Leadership
• Own 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).
• Ø  3. Cross-Functional Engineering Management
• Lead 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 & validation
• Build strong collaboration with Product Management, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, and Field Engineering teams.

• Ø  4. Innovation, IP, and Advanced Engineering
• File 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.
• Ø  5. Testing, Validation & Certification
• Set 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).
• Ø  6. Manufacturing & Industrialization Support
• Guide 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.
• Ø  7. Leadership & Organizational Development
• Build 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 Qualifications

• M.Tech/PhD in Electrical, Mechanical, Thermal, Power Electronics, Energy Systems, or related fields.
• Experience
• 12–20+ 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 design
• Liquid cooling/air cooling, High-voltage system design (600–1500V)
• Power electronics & inverter-battery interactions
• EMS/BMS firmware & communication protocols (CAN, Modbus, IEC 61850)
• Fire detection & suppression
• Knowledge of regulatory standards: UL, IEC, IEEE, IS.

Preferred Skills

• Experience 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.