Research Engineer Jobs in Ohio

INTRODUCTION

Honda Research Institute USA (HRI-US) is seeking a Battery Research Engineer to advance next-generation lithium-ion and solid-state battery technologies from early-stage concepts through practical implementation in a hands-on research role. The engineer will design and build experimental cells, characterize their electrochemical and materials properties, investigate degradation and failure mechanisms, and evaluate emerging battery concepts including advanced chemistries, cell architectures, operating strategies, and fabrication methods. The work spans laboratory-scale through pilot-scale and requires comfort with open-ended technical challenges and evolving research directions.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The position sits within a global R&D team and involves close collaboration with research partners, academic institutions, and cross-functional engineering groups.

The ideal candidate is deeply curious and motivated to explore emerging battery technologies through experimentation and analysis. They are comfortable working on open-ended problems where research directions may evolve as new results emerge. They combine strong hands-on laboratory skills with rigorous analytical thinking and are interested in bridging scientific understanding with practical engineering outcomes.

They must thrive in collaborative, research-focused environments and bring energy to cross-disciplinary problem solving, technical innovation, and the advancement of next-generation battery technologies.

Key Responsibilities

• Core Experimental Research:

  • Design, fabricate, and assemble battery cells and experimental test structures from laboratory scale through pilot scale.
  • Perform electrochemical characterization including CCCV cycling, rate capability testing, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and related diagnostic methods.
  • Disassemble and analyze cells to investigate degradation mechanisms and performance behavior.
  • Conduct materials and structural characterization using techniques such as SEM, TEM, EDS, XRD, X-ray imaging, ICP analysis, and related analytical methods.
  • Analyze experimental data and communicate findings through technical reports, presentations, and internal discussions.
  • Investigate relationships between materials, processing conditions, operating conditions, and electrochemical performance.

• Research Planning and Collaboration:

  • Develop and execute experimental plans to evaluate emerging battery concepts including advanced chemistries, solid-state systems, innovative cell architectures, and new fabrication methods.
  • Collaborate with global research teams, academic partners, and cross-functional engineering groups.
  • Contribute to invention disclosures, patents, technical publications, and internal technology strategy discussions.

• Laboratory and Infrastructure Development:

  • Support development and improvement of laboratory processes, experimental equipment, and testing methodologies.
  • Contribute to development of new experimental capabilities, automation approaches, and research workflows.
  • Maintain safe laboratory practices and contribute to the organization and operation of battery research facilities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• PhD in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Electrochemistry, Physics, or a related field.
• Or Master's in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Electrochemistry, Physics, or a related field + 3 years relevant work experience.
• Strong hands-on experience with batteries, electrochemical systems, materials characterization, or experimental laboratory research.
• Understanding of lithium-ion battery fundamentals and electrochemistry.
• Experience with experimental design, data collection, and technical analysis.
• Ability to work independently in a laboratory environment while collaborating effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong technical communication, documentation, and problem-solving skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience fabricating, assembling, or evaluating lithium-ion and solid-state battery cells, including pouch, coin, and cylindrical formats.
• Experience working in inert atmosphere gloveboxes for battery fabrication and materials handling.
• Familiarity with battery cyclers, potentiostats, environmental chambers, and related electrochemical testing equipment.
• Experience with characterization methods such as SEM, TEM, EDS, XRD, microCT, spectroscopy, or related analytical techniques.
• Knowledge of battery degradation mechanisms and failure analysis.
• Experience with data analysis and scripting tools such as Python, MATLAB, or JMP.
• Experience with computational modeling, simulation, or data-driven and machine learning approaches applied to battery research.
• Familiarity with test fixture design, instrumentation, laboratory automation, or custom experimental systems.
• Familiarity with battery manufacturing processes and scale-up considerations.
• Experience collaborating in multidisciplinary or international R&D environments.

LOCATION

Columbus, OH

DESIRED START DATE

9/7/2026

POSITION KEYWORDS

battery research, lithium-ion batteries, solid-state batteries, battery engineering, battery testing, battery characterization, electrochemistry

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