The Opportunity The Innovative Cell Senior Engineer is responsible for identifying, evaluating, developing and industrialising next-generation lithium-ion and emerging battery cell technologies to support Jaguar Land Rover's electrification strategy. The role will work closely with global engineering teams, cell suppliers, research institutions, and manufacturing partners to deliver competitive battery cell solutions in terms of energy density, safety, cost, sustainability, and performance. The successful candidate will lead technical activities related to advanced cell technology scouting, cell validation, supplier development, and integration of innovative cell technologies into future JLR electric vehicle programs. Key Accountabilities and Responsibilities Technology Strategy & Roadmap Support the development and execution of JLR's battery cell technology roadmap. Monitor industry trends and emerging technologies, including: o High-Nickel Lithium-Ion Cells o Silicon-rich Anodes o Solid-State Batteries o Lithium Metal Technologies o Sodium-Ion Batteries o Advanced Electrolytes and Separator Technologies Conduct competitive benchmarking of battery cell technologies and market intelligence analysis. Identify opportunities to improve battery performance, cost, sustainability and manufacturability. Cell Development & Validation Support technical evaluation of innovative battery cell concepts and lead prototypes activity. Support definition of cell validation plans, test requirements and acceptance criteria and monitor validation process. Collecting electrochemical performance, aging behavior, safety characteristics and reliability data, and supporting the analysis with lead engineer. Drive root cause analysis and problem-solving activities for cell-related issues. Support cell characterization activities including: o Electrical performance testing o Abuse and safety testing o Lifetime and durability assessment o Fast charging capability evaluation o Thermal behavior analysis Supplier & Partner Management Collaborate with global battery cell suppliers to develop next-generation cell solutions. Assess supplier technical capabilities and manufacturing readiness. Support sourcing and technical selection activities for advanced battery cells. Support technical discussions, design reviews and development milestones with suppliers. Establish partnerships with universities, research institutes and technology companies. Data Analysis & Technical Reporting Analyze large datasets from laboratory and vehicle testing. Generate technical reports and recommendations for management reviews. Present project status, technical risks and mitigation plans to stakeholders. Maintain technical documentation and engineering records according to JLR processes. Safety, Quality & Compliance Ensure all activities comply with JLR engineering standards and quality requirements. Support DFMEA, PFMEA, DVP&R and related engineering quality processes. Ensure compliance with relevant battery regulations and standards. Promote a strong culture of safety, quality and continuous improvement. Key Interactions Cross-Functional Communication within JLR: o TGL o Battery Pack Design Team (Mechanical, Thermal, BMS) o Cell Technical Specialists o Battery Ageing Modelling Team o Powerpack Team o Battery and Cell Validation Team (DV/PV/Certification) o Co-ordinated technical activities with external parties, such as suppliers and engineering service providers. o Purchasing Team o Cost Engineering Team Knowledge, Skills and Experience • Master’s degree+ in electrochemical cell research and development. • Automotive lithium cell design and integration experience at least 3 years. • Robust knowledge of cell’s attributes in thermal, electrical and mechanical, cell level and material level characterization. • Comprehensive understanding of cell chemistries materials, including key trends and developments. • Robust knowledge of incoming material quality check and control, electrode manufacturing, cell assembly and formation & electrification processes. • Demonstrate extensive knowledge for cell testing & validation for different applications. • Demonstrate experience in structed problem solving regarding cell attributes and testing failure. • Knowledge of cell roadmap across the worldwide supply base to allow credible and competitive concepts and strategies to be followed. • knowledge in cell FMA/FMEA. • Experience of product development; Familiar with APQP and PCDS for product development process to support programme delivery • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with strong influencing and engagement skills • Excellent Oral and written English. The following skills and experience are a bonus: • Experience developing innovative cell technology such as semi-solid battery. • Knowledge/experience of technical project management methodology. Personal Profile Essential: • Demonstrates our Creators' Code behaviours of Customer Love, Unity, Integrity, Growth and Impact. • An individual who is results driven with the ability to deliver technical excellence in highly demanding environment. • Ability to look across the short, medium and long term to enable the development of credible and competitive future concepts and strategies. • Confident and able to deal with internal / external senior leadership and supplier partners as required. • A passion for continuous technical improvement. • Ability to follow accurate and robust working practices. • An individual with the ability to prioritise their workload. • A good communicator with the ability to communicate complex ideas. • An effective team player who supports team members. • An individual with passion for a customer first mindset. Desirable: • Desire to continuously improve processes or design. An individual with the ability to challenge existing thinking in a positive way whilst building credibility and trust through experience and personal style.