Test Engineer-Fire Protection

Wärtsilä Energy Storage & Optimization (ES&O) is the leading global energy storage optimizer. Our mission is to deliver integrated energy solutions that build a resilient, intelligent, and flexible energy infrastructure - unlocking the way to an optimized renewable future. By integrating renewables, energy management technology, and storage with traditional energy resources, we reinvent clean energy production from the largest and most complex grids to the most remote and essential microgrids. We play a key role in Wärtsilä’s vision towards a 100% renewable energy future through flexibility, reliability, and integration and a more sustainable world for us all.

Wärtsilä’s Energy Storage Inc. is looking for a Test Engineer candidate in specialties such as fire protection engineering and/or mechanical engineering for the Energy Storage & Optimization business. This position is within the Hardware Engineering Team which is responsible for the development of Wartsila’s integrated battery energy storage systems products. The preferred location for this position is Wärtsilä’s facilities in Herndon, VA with a hybrid work schedule reporting to the Compliance Manager. If you like troubleshooting, instrumentation, data analysis, conducting and documenting testing related to the experiments this is the place to be!

The ideal candidate will be a self-starter that can work both independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team. The candidate should thrive in a fast paced, constantly changing environment while the industry and company go through substantial growth.

As a Test Engineer (Fire Protection), you will focus on these responsibilities:

1. Research & Development Testing
   • Lead testing of battery energy storage systems (BESS) to ensure compliance with industry standards such as NFPA 855, UL 9540A, UL 9540, etc. This involves designing and executing test plans, analyzing test results, and iterating on product designs to enhance safety and performance.
   • Travel to third-party testing laboratories to support and coordinate fire safety testing

2. Regulatory Compliance
   • Stay up to date with relevant codes, standards, and regulations to ensure that products comply with these requirements.
   • Assist with the development of Hazard Mitigation Analyses (HMA), Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), Emergency Response Plan, Decommissioning Plan, Community Risk Assessment
   • Collaborate with the design team on NFPA 69/68 modeling and analysis

3. System Design & Support
   • Provide guidance and support to other engineers on meeting compliance requirements including troubleshooting issues, interpreting test data, and recommending solutions to enhance system safety and reliability.

To be successful in this role, we expect you to have: 

• B.S. in Fire Protection Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field required; graduate degree preferred.
• 2+ years of applicable experience in fire protection engineering or research in lithium-ion battery energy storage system field is strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of equipment utilized for the prevention, detection, suppression, and mitigation of fire and explosion hazards including spark, thermal, and gas detection equipment, water suppression, isolation systems, and explosion venting.
• Working familiarity with NPFA 855, NFPA 68, NFPA 69, NFPA 70, NFPA 72, UL 9540 and UL 9540A required.
• Experience with multiple mechanical, electrical and controls systems preferred.
• Knowledge of heat flux, sprinkler, NFPA 68/69 modeling experience preferred.
• Knowledge of energy storage technology offerings and suppliers required.
• Familiarity with lithium-ion battery cell, module, unit and full system testing required.
• Experience with fire and explosion investigation is a plus.
• Ability to work on multiple projects at a time (i.e., will need the candidate to juggle R&D efforts and troubleshooting issues with any fire protection system for our product if needed).
• Maintain positive working relationships with customers, peers, subordinates, and vendors in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent communication skills
• Team player attitude internally and externally
• Willing to travel domestic and international 25% of the time.

Last application date: 24/09/2024 

Why you and us:

You will be a part of a global organization with local presence and work in an exciting and dynamic working environment with highly motivated and skilled co-workers. We offer interesting and challenging work tasks, as well as personal and professional development in a great team. If you feel excited by being a part of this working environment and think your personal skills and qualities match the job requirements, we look forward to receiving your job application. At Wärtsilä we value, respect and embrace all our differences, and are committed to diversity, inclusion and equal employment opportunities; everyone can be their true self and succeed based on their job-relevant merits and abilities.

We are not accepting unsolicited submissions from 3rd party recruitment agencies.

Successful applicant must be authorized to work in the USA without sponsorship. We look forward to hearing from you. Qualified candidates must apply online: https://www.wartsila.com/careers

Individuals hired for positions that require on-site customer interactions and/or in-person travel may be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or other country-specific vaccinations, unless otherwise prohibited by law. Wärtsilä North America values our employees. We offer a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package. Wärtsilä North America is an EOE/AA employer.

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