Expert Witness - Battery Failure Investigation - #2181432

Forensic Battery Expert / Battery Failure Investigation

Locations – Various

The Company

Since they were established in 60’s, they have specialised in the forensic investigation of the causes of fires, explosions and engineering related failures for insurance, engineering/manufacturing companies and legal clients.

They have a network of offices in the UK and overseas

The company are now seeking an experienced Battery Expert / SME to undertake forensic investigations involving battery failures, fires, thermal events and other incidents associated with battery cells, modules, packs and battery-powered systems.

The Role of a Forensic Battery Expert

They wish to recruit an experienced scientist or engineer with specialist knowledge of battery technology to undertake forensic investigations into battery failures and battery-related incidents.

The role will involve investigating incidents associated with lithium-ion and other rechargeable battery technologies across a broad range of applications, potentially including electric vehicles, e-bikes and e-scooters, consumer electronics, power tools, domestic appliances, energy storage systems, industrial equipment and other battery-powered systems.

These investigations will usually be undertaken for insurance-related or legal purposes. Their clients require clear and accurate technical advice regarding the cause of an incident and assistance with determining liability, sometimes at very short notice.

The Nature of the Work for a Battery Expert

A key attraction of this role is that you will typically have the opportunity to take responsibility for a technical investigation from beginning to end, from initially collecting evidence on site through to technical examination, determining the cause of the incident, preparing the final report and ultimately giving expert evidence in Court.

There is a practical element to the role. Investigations may require the careful and systematic examination or controlled dismantling of damaged battery systems and components to identify the evidence required to determine the cause of failure. Where necessary, you may devise and undertake specialist tests or work with external laboratories and other technical specialists.

The Role of a Battery Expert Will Include

• Conducting site-based investigations to record, preserve and gather available physical evidence.
• Examining battery cells, modules, packs, charging equipment and associated electrical and electronic systems.
• Investigating battery failure mechanisms and determining the cause and sequence of battery-related incidents.
• Liaising with emergency services, manufacturers, suppliers, technical specialists and other relevant parties.
• Consulting relevant technical standards, regulations, test protocols and published scientific literature.
• Meeting with experts appointed by other involved parties as part of the litigation process.
• Providing expert witness evidence in Court when required.

Their Requirements for a Battery Expert

The Battery Expert position is a technically demanding and challenging role requiring a detailed understanding of battery technology, battery safety and battery failure mechanisms, together with the ability to investigate complex incidents systematically and from first principles.

Ideally you will:

• Have attained a good honours degree in electrochemistry, chemistry, chemical engineering, electrical engineering or another closely related scientific or engineering discipline.
• Ideally hold a relevant postgraduate qualification involving electrochemistry, battery science, energy storage, materials science or a closely related field.
• Have gained several years of relevant postgraduate experience involving battery technology.
• Have strong technical knowledge of lithium-ion battery technology, cell chemistry, construction, degradation and failure mechanisms.
• Have experience in battery testing, characterisation, failure analysis, safety assessment, product development or incident investigation.
• Understand thermal runaway and propagation mechanisms within cells, modules and battery packs.
• Understand the interaction between battery cells, modules, packs, battery management systems and charging systems.
• Have an aptitude and enthusiasm for technical problem solving and root-cause investigation.
• Be practical, meticulous and able to work in a systematic manner.
• Be self-motivated and able to work effectively under pressure.
• Be prepared to work flexible and occasionally unpredictable hours, as and where the work demands.
• Be prepared to provide expert witness evidence in Court when required.
• Professional chartership or professional registration through a relevant scientific or engineering institution, would be highly advantageous.

Package

• Company car.
• Where appropriate, a relocation package is available.
• London Office appointments have London weighting.
• Highly competitive starting salary.
• Unparalleled prospects.
• Five weeks holiday.
• Contributory pension scheme.
• Medical insurance.
• Life assurance.
• Permanent health insurance.

Charles Francis Cooper celebrates and supports diversity and is committed to ensuring equal opportunities for both employees and applicants.

(Charles Francis Cooper are acting as an employment agency)

Keywords

Battery Expert, Battery Engineer, Battery Scientist, Lithium-ion, Lithium Ion Battery, Battery Failure Investigation, Battery Failure Analysis, Forensic Investigation, Electrochemistry, Electrochemist, Battery Safety, Thermal Runaway, Battery Fire, Energy Storage, BESS, EV Battery, Battery Cell, Battery Pack, Battery Module, Battery Management System, BMS, Root Cause Analysis, Failure Investigation, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, CChem, CEng, CSci