Systems Engineer Safety and Reliability

ESS, Inc. is hiring a Systems Engineer for Safety and Reliability in Oregon City, OR. The role focuses on integrating safety into grid-scale iron flow battery systems, leading analyses like FMEA and HAZOP, and ensuring the systems operate safely and efficiently. Responsibilities include designing engineering solutions, collaborating across teams, managing the engineering lifecycle, and conducting system testing. A relevant degree and experience in safety-critical system design are required.
Catalyzing a cleaner future.

ESS is a globally recognized leader in sustainable energy storage and is consistently identified as one of the most innovative and exciting technology players in energy storage. It is poised to be one of the fastest growing energy technology companies in the world, with projects already across 4 continents and an upcoming public offering. The ESS vision is about enabling the decarbonization of the grid by enabling us to achieve up to 100% of our electricity from clean, sustainable renewable energy.

These are ambitious goals, and we are pursuing them with passion. At ESS, we are leading the energy transition, creating the sustainable energy solutions of the future to help individuals, businesses and communities change energy into lasting value.

ESS is seeking a motivated and versatile Systems Engineer to lead product safety and reliability. This role is focused on integrating safety considerations into grid-scale iron flow battery systems. This Systems Engineer role plays a pivotal part in ensuring that our battery energy storage systems are designed to operate safely, efficiently, and for extended durations in the field, significantly contributing to the success and sustainability of large-scale energy projects. You will be asked to lead FMEA, HAZOP analysis, and design risk assessments to identify potential hazards and develop mitigating strategies.

Key Responsibilities:
• Design and develop engineering solutions that enhance safety, reliability, and longevity across various systems within the battery energy storage system (BESS), with a strong focus on field performance.
• Lead Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA) to proactively identify potential failure modes and mitigate risks in system design, ensuring robust operation over the system's lifecycle.
• Collaborate across teams (mechanical, electrical, and software) to integrate subsystems into a cohesive, safe, and resilient whole that meets safety, performance, and regulatory standards.
• Establish and implement safety-focused design principles to optimize system performance, maintenance, and field operation with minimal risk and maximum durability.
• Manage the systems engineering lifecycle, including requirements analysis, specification, design, implementation, and testing phases, ensuring alignment with safety and longevity goals.
• Conduct comprehensive system validation and reliability testing to verify compliance with safety regulations and industry standards, including high voltage, thermal, and chemical hazards.
• Provide technical support and in-field troubleshooting, analyzing performance data to drive continuous improvements in safety and longevity.
• Maintain rigorous documentation of design rationale, system configurations, test results, and safety protocols to support future system upgrades and audits.

Education and Certification Requirements:
• Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field;
• Relevant certifications such as Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP), Professional Engineer (PE), or certification in DFMEA or similar risk assessment practices can enhance prospects.
• Extensive experience in DFMEA or similar risk assessment practices, safety-critical system design, or reliability engineering, particularly in energy storage, automotive, or industrial process plants.
• Strong knowledge of mechanical and electrical principles, especially in the context of large-scale energy storage or battery systems, with an emphasis on long-term reliability and safety.

Key Skills and Attributes:
• Able to lead cross functional teams through troubleshooting and analysis.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to perform failure analysis and develop mitigation strategies.
• Ability to handle multiple projects and tasks concurrently
• Highly organized and detail oriented with the ability to prioritize and hold schedules. Experience managing complex, cross-functional engineering projects with strict safety and performance requirements.
• Exceptional communication skills to convey complex technical details across teams and to non-engineering stakeholders.
• Ability to think strategically about system-level design while addressing granular details that affect safety and longevity.

Benefits of working at ESS.

In addition to the value of working with and helping grow a global reaching clean technology, ESS offers a Company assisted Health insurance, Approved PPE Reimbursement, Medical & Dental; Flex spending account; 8 paid holidays; 401K, and a competitive PTO accrual.

As an equal opportunity employer, we are open to considering every qualified candidate who is eligible and legally authorized to work in the United States on a full or part-time basis, without a need for sponsorship.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

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