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Battery Safety Scientist/Engineer - Job Opportunity at CSIRO

Melbourne, Australia
Full-time
Mid-level
Posted: July 1, 2025
On-site
AUD 114,000 - 123,000 per year plus up to 15.4% superannuation

Benefits

Competitive superannuation contribution of up to 15.4% providing enhanced retirement security beyond standard Australian requirements
Flexible working arrangements offering multiple options for how, when and where work is performed, supporting work-life integration
Access to cutting-edge research facilities and equipment in battery safety testing representing significant investment in professional development
Opportunity to work with internationally recognized fire safety and battery technology experts providing unparalleled mentorship
Involvement in establishing new national capability positioning for career advancement in emerging technology sector
Diversity and inclusion initiatives ensuring supportive work environment and equal opportunities for advancement

Key Responsibilities

Lead the establishment and implementation of standards-based safety and abuse testing protocols for Lithium-ion batteries, directly contributing to Australia's energy storage safety infrastructure
Commission and operationalize critical battery abuse testing equipment while developing comprehensive testing protocols that will define industry standards
Generate and analyze comprehensive safety and reliability data for both internal research initiatives and external commercial clients, driving revenue and research impact
Architect test protocols within CSIRO's Laboratory Information Management System ensuring scalable and repeatable processes for national testing capability
Develop certification documentation and compliance templates that satisfy Australian safety regulations, establishing CSIRO as the national authority in battery safety
Design and implement safe working processes and procedures for high-risk battery testing environments, ensuring operational safety and regulatory compliance
Drive ISO 17025 accreditation processes working directly with laboratory management to establish internationally recognized testing standards
Maintain strategic oversight of emerging battery safety trends and regulatory requirements, positioning CSIRO at the forefront of industry developments

Requirements

Education

Engineering degree plus a Master of Science (MSc) or Master of Engineering (MEng) qualifications in a relevant discipline area, such as Materials Science, Materials, Mechanical or Mechatronic Engineering, Chemistry or other related area

Experience

Demonstrated laboratory skills using testing equipment in electrical, mechanical or fire safety engineering or similar

Required Skills

Understanding of international safety and abuse testing standards as they apply to battery sizes in consumer equipment Knowledge of battery test standards/protocols Detail-oriented, organised, fast learner Good communication skills Work well in a team environment Demonstrated experience in the contributing to the evaluation of risks and safe working practices for the testing of equipment under abuse / failure conditions High level written and oral communication skills with the ability to represent the research team effectively internally and externally, including the presentation of research outcomes at national and international conferences
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The global battery safety testing market is experiencing unprecedented growth driven by the rapid expansion of electric vehicles, energy storage systems, and portable electronics, with regulatory bodies worldwide implementing stricter safety standards for lithium-ion batteries following high-profile safety incidents. This trend is creating substantial demand for specialized battery safety testing facilities and expertise, particularly in markets like Australia where government initiatives are accelerating clean energy adoption. Fire safety regulations for battery systems are becoming increasingly stringent across international markets, with new standards being developed specifically for large-scale energy storage installations and electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Organizations that establish early capabilities in battery safety testing are positioning themselves as essential partners for manufacturers seeking compliance with evolving regulatory frameworks. The convergence of materials science, fire safety engineering, and electrochemical testing is creating a new specialized field that combines traditional safety testing with advanced battery technologies. This interdisciplinary approach is becoming critical as battery technologies evolve beyond conventional lithium-ion chemistries to include solid-state, lithium-metal, and other emerging technologies that require specialized safety assessment protocols.

Salary Evaluation

The offered salary range of AUD 114,000-123,000 plus superannuation is competitive for mid-level specialized scientific roles in Australia, particularly considering the niche expertise required and the opportunity to establish new national capabilities. This compensation package, including the substantial superannuation contribution, positions the role attractively within the Australian research and development sector, though it may be slightly below what specialized battery safety experts could command in private industry consulting roles.

Role Significance

The position involves working within CSIRO's established fire safety team while collaborating across multiple research groups, suggesting a matrix organizational structure where the role holder will likely lead a small specialized team of 2-4 direct reports while interfacing with larger research teams of 10-20 professionals across different battery technology and fire safety disciplines.
This role represents a senior specialist position with significant autonomy and responsibility for establishing new national capabilities, indicating a mid-to-senior level appointment with substantial technical leadership responsibilities. The role holder will be instrumental in defining testing protocols and safety standards that could influence national and international battery safety practices, suggesting high organizational impact and visibility.

Key Projects

Establishment of Australia's premier battery safety testing facility with capabilities for cells and small battery packs, representing a multi-million dollar national infrastructure investment Development of comprehensive testing protocols for emerging battery chemistries beyond conventional lithium-ion, including solid-state and next-generation technologies Creation of certification frameworks that will define Australian standards for battery safety across consumer electronics, automotive, and grid storage applications Collaborative research projects with international partners to harmonize battery safety testing standards across global markets

Success Factors

Deep technical expertise in both electrochemical systems and fire safety engineering principles, enabling comprehensive understanding of failure modes and safety mitigation strategies across diverse battery technologies and applications Strong project management and facility establishment capabilities, as success will depend on efficiently commissioning complex testing equipment and establishing operational protocols within tight timelines and budget constraints Excellent stakeholder management skills to effectively interface with internal research teams, external commercial clients, regulatory bodies, and international standards organizations while representing CSIRO's interests and capabilities Continuous learning mindset and adaptability to rapidly evolving battery technologies and safety standards, as the field is experiencing rapid technological advancement and regulatory changes that require constant skill and knowledge updates

Market Demand

Demand for battery safety expertise is exceptionally high and growing rapidly as the global transition to electrification accelerates across transportation, grid storage, and consumer electronics sectors. The specialized combination of fire safety engineering and battery technology knowledge represents a critical skill gap in the market, with very few professionals possessing the specific expertise required for this emerging field.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Comprehensive understanding of international battery safety standards (IEC 62133, UN38.3, UL standards) is absolutely essential as these frameworks define the testing protocols and certification requirements that will determine the validity and international recognition of all testing activities performed in this role Hands-on laboratory experience with complex testing equipment is crucial because this role requires direct commissioning and operation of sophisticated battery abuse testing systems, where equipment malfunction or improper operation could result in dangerous situations and compromised data quality Risk assessment and safety protocol development expertise is vital given that battery abuse testing inherently involves creating controlled failure conditions that can result in fire, explosion, or toxic gas release, requiring meticulous safety planning and emergency response procedures

Beneficial Skills

Project management certification and experience would significantly enhance effectiveness in establishing new facility capabilities and managing complex equipment commissioning timelines and budgets International standards committee participation or similar regulatory involvement would provide valuable networks and insights into emerging requirements and best practices in the rapidly evolving battery safety landscape Programming and data analysis skills using tools like Python or MATLAB would enable more sophisticated analysis of complex testing data and development of automated testing protocols that improve efficiency and consistency

Unique Aspects

Opportunity to establish Australia's first comprehensive battery safety testing capability, providing the chance to define national standards and protocols that will influence the industry for decades to come
Direct involvement in bridging the critical gap between battery technology advancement and safety assurance, addressing one of the most significant barriers to widespread adoption of clean energy technologies
Access to CSIRO's extensive network of international research collaborations and industry partnerships, enabling exposure to global best practices and emerging technologies in battery safety
Integration of fire safety engineering principles with advanced electrochemical testing, representing a unique interdisciplinary approach that few other organizations worldwide can offer
Contribution to Australia's strategic energy security and clean technology competitiveness through development of domestic battery safety assessment capabilities

Career Growth

Career progression to senior leadership roles typically occurs within 3-5 years in this rapidly expanding field, with the specialized nature of battery safety expertise and the high demand for experienced professionals creating accelerated advancement opportunities compared to traditional research career paths.

Potential Next Roles

Principal Battery Safety Scientist leading expanded national testing capabilities and international standards development initiatives Research Group Leader managing multiple battery safety research streams and larger interdisciplinary teams Chief Technology Officer roles in battery manufacturing or energy storage companies seeking deep safety expertise Independent consulting practice specializing in battery safety assessment for major international manufacturers and regulatory bodies

Company Overview

CSIRO

CSIRO stands as Australia's national science agency with a distinguished history of breakthrough research and technology development across multiple sectors, representing one of the most prestigious research institutions in the Asia-Pacific region. The organization has established itself as a critical bridge between fundamental research and commercial application, with a strong track record of translating scientific discoveries into practical solutions that address national and global challenges.

CSIRO maintains an exceptional international reputation as a leading government research organization, consistently ranking among the top national research institutions globally for research impact and industry collaboration. The organization's involvement in battery safety testing represents a strategic expansion into a critical emerging technology area, leveraging decades of expertise in materials science and fire safety to address one of the most pressing challenges in the clean energy transition.
The Clayton, Victoria location positions this role at the heart of Australia's advanced manufacturing and research precinct, providing access to complementary expertise at nearby universities and research institutions while serving as a hub for collaboration with Asia-Pacific partners in battery technology development and safety standards harmonization.
CSIRO fosters a collaborative, values-driven research environment that emphasizes scientific excellence, innovation, and practical impact, with strong support for professional development and international collaboration. The organization's commitment to diversity and inclusion, combined with flexible working arrangements, creates an environment where scientific professionals can pursue cutting-edge research while maintaining work-life balance and contributing to meaningful societal outcomes.
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