This position is responsible for supporting the development and implementation of battery management systems, charge controllers, and vehicle controllers on Komatsu mining machines.
Decarbonization is one of the key strategic pillars to both Komatsu and our customers, with a Komatsu objective of 50/50/50% reduction in scope 1-3 emissions by 2030 and net zero by 2050. With the increase in battery technologies being developed on Komatsu machines, battery management systems are a key factor to optimizing the system performance on the machines.
Key Job Responsibilities
• Designs the battery management system applied to equipment for the mining industry. Machines range from smaller Komatsu load haul dumps (LHD) to very large electric drive dump trucks (EDT).
• Analyzes current battery management systems used on target machines.
• Collects internal customer performance requirements and specifies the BMS requirements, along with testing necessary to ensure the released designs meet that performance.
• Interfaces with internal customers and component suppliers to develop the system.
• Provides technical support for the battery management system for lithium batteries and the electrical interfaces to the target machines and chargers.
• Works with internal product engineering, supply chain, and quality department to ensure that designs are cost effective and to provide technical support to ensure the manufacturing process results in a quality product for the customer.
• Performs, generates, and documents software functional tests.
• Researches and specifies hardware components such as PLC’s and controllers.
• Provides technical support for field engineers/technicians.
• Qualifications/Requirements
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical engineering is required. Extensive equivalent knowledge of mining applications, equipment and technology can be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in mining or other similar heavy industries, as it relates to the types of equipment used in the industry.
• Firm grasp of electric vehicle industry practices in connection with market trends, new products and services.
• Working knowledge of full electric and hybrid vehicle battery systems. Familiarity with the basic working components.
• Knowledge of key decarbonization technologies (i.e. battery, hydrogen, power electronics, static charging, dynamic power transfer, software systems).
• Experience designing, writing embedded software and selecting BMS electrical and electronic components for electric vehicle energy storage systems.
• Familiarity with battery modeling and control algorithms.
• Proficient in traditional programming languages (C/C++, Python) required
• Strong communication and presentation skills with the ability to present complex concepts.
• Proficient with MS Office software.
• Broad knowledge of the mining business on a global basis.
• Simulink and/or LabVIEW experience a plus.
• Experience in the use of computer-aided design (CAD) tools including 3D modeling.
• Experience with interpreting and implementing global software and control standards such as SAE, ISO, and IEC.
• Travel requirements: Occasional domestic/international travel 6-8 times per year for 1 week per trip on average. Travel includes collaboration with customers, key technology partners and other Komatsu locations.