Powertrain/Battery Management Engineer

As a Powertrain / Battery Management Engineer at Manna, you will lead the design, testing, and optimisation of our drone power systems — with a strong focus on battery management, energy modelling, and performance efficiency. Reporting to the Head of Electronics. You’ll play a critical role in transitioning to new battery chemistries and ensuring safe, reliable, and scalable powertrain performance across all operational regions

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• Manage all UAV battery-related activities across multiple geographies and environments (UAE, USA, Finland, Ireland)
  
• Design and maintain battery ground tests and commissioning systems, ensuring repeatability and safety.
  
• Conduct energy modelling and simulation (MATLAB/Simulink) to optimize energy use to maximise flight time and range.
  
• Provide technical leadership in areas of cell balancing & management, thermal management, SOH/lifetime optimisation, powertrain efficiency, and EMI/EMC compliance.
  
• Support the transition to a new safer, higher energy-density chemistries, including planning and executing comprehensive test campaigns.
  
• Collaborate with the Electronic Engineering team on development and integration of Battery Management Systems (BMS) across multiple UAV platforms.
  

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• Build battery commissioning and validation processes for production readiness.
  
• Define best practices for safe charging, discharging, and lifetime management of battery packs.
  
• Manage and develop strategic partnerships with key vendors to ensure supply chain reliability and technical quality at scale.
  
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Electronic, Mechanical, and Manufacturing teams to enhance powertrain integration.
  

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• Bachelor's or master's degree in electrical, Power, or Mechatronic Engineering (or related field).
  

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• Strong knowledge and proven track record of battery chemistry and battery management systems (BMS) — including SOC/SOH monitoring, cell balancing, voltage/current protection, and thermal control.
  

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• Hands-on experience with Lithium-ion chemistries (NMC, LCO, LiPo).
  

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• Proficiency in performing and automating battery test procedures (capacity, energy, SOC/SOH, internal resistance (AC/DC), thermal).
  

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• Expertise in energy modelling using MATLAB/Simulink or equivalent simulation tools.
  

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• Familiarity with smart charging infrastructure, swappable packs, and power distribution systems.
  

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• Experience with thermal management, EMI control, and inrush protection design principles. xcfaprz
  

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• Strong problem-solving, data analysis, and cross-functional communication skills.
  

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• Team player, experience working in a fast-paced environment
  

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• Fluent English - written and verbal
  

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• Full driver's license