Powertrain/Battery Management Engineer

Role Purpose  

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 

Key responsibilities of the role 

• 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.

• 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. 

Skills & Education 

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

• 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. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Fluent English - written and verbal

• Full driver's license