Senior Technologist

BAT is evolving at pace into a global multi-category business. With products like VELO, VUSE and GLO we are on a mission to decrease the health impact of our industry. To achieve our ambition, we are looking for colleagues who are ready to Be The Change. Come, join us on this journey!

British American Tobacco UK has an exciting opportunity for a SENIOR TECHNOLOGIST in Southampton. The Power Centre of Excellence (CoE) team is an integral part of BAT's Hardware, Software and Power (HSP) division, dedicated to advancing battery technologies within BAT's New Category device portfolio. The team's responsibilities encompass the entire battery R&D processes, including battery design, manufacturer selection, validation testing, device integration, and post market support. Additionally, the team is tasked with developing new technical solutions for future products and conducting failure analysis to ensure battery optimal performance and reliability.

The Power CoE team is seeking a skilled technical specialist with expertise in cell design & verification testing, cell selections, strong data analysis and problem-solving skills. The candidate will work primarily in BAT's Southampton battery test lab, supporting battery development and device validation activities within New Categories. A key responsibility of this role will be thorough testing of emerging battery technologies and chemistries to assess their performance and suitability for inclusion in BAT's future device portfolio.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• In-house cell verification and validation testing for multiple projects following specific test protocols, including current and new battery formats, chemistries, or device operating principles.
• Analysing and reporting results in the designated format.
• Providing laboratory support, equipment maintenance, cross-functional testing and administrative documentation management.
• Supporting specification of battery requirements from detailed project briefs.
• Collaboration with battery manufacturers in terms of data verification and alignment.
• Supporting root cause investigations of battery End-of-Life.
• Supporting cross-functional testing using specialised equipment in battery lab.

What are we looking for?

• Minimum Bachelor's degree or higher qualification in any of the following fields: materials science, chemistry, physics, chemical engineering or similar.
• Experience in battery testing and validation activities.
• Charge/Discharge testing and environmental testing of electrochemical cells and battery packs.
• Detailed cell and battery pack characterisation.
• Experience in materials characterisation techniques, battery test equipment, X-ray diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Computer Tomography (CT) etc.
• Ability to follow test protocols and report technical results in a clear and concise format.
• Knowledgeable of consumer electronic device validation and product safety requirements.

Nice to Have:

• Experience in electrochemical test methods and their development.
• Experience with Li-ion battery safety testing.
• Experience with Li-ion battery cell tear-down activities.
• Experience with device and battery reliability testing.
• Experience of battery integration into consumer electronic products.
• Capable of data analysis and characterisation using software, MatLab and Python.
• Basic knowledge and understanding of battery manufacturing processes.

What we offer you?

• We offer a market leading annual performance bonus (subject to eligibility).
• Our range of benefits varies by country and includes diverse health plans, initiatives for work-life balance, transportation support, and a flexible holiday plan with additional incentives.
• Your journey with us isn't limited by boundaries; it's propelled by your aspirations. Join us at BAT and become a part of an environment that thrives on internal advancement, where your career progression isn't just a statement – it's a reality we're eager to build together. Seize the opportunity and own your development; your next chapter starts here.
• You'll have access to online learning platforms and personalized growth programs to nurture your leadership skills.
• We prioritise continuous improvement within a transformative environment, preparing for ongoing changes.

WHY JOIN BAT?

We're one of the few companies named as a Global Top Employer by the Top Employers Institute – certified in offering excellent employee conditions. At BAT, we champion collaboration, inclusion, and partnership as the bedrock of our values. We wish to foster an environment where every individual can thrive, irrespective of factors such as gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership status, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, disability, age, skills, experience, education, socio-economic and professional background, as well as diverse perspectives and thinking styles. We recognise that our strength lies in embracing talent from all walks of life, empowering us to develop our culture of inclusivity and better achieve our business objectives.

We view career breaks not as obstacles but as opportunities and encourage everyone, without hesitation, to apply. Through our Global Returners program, we provide support to professionals seeking to re-enter the workforce after an extended absence, be it for family care, parental leave, national service, sabbatical, or starting their own venture. Come bring your difference and see what is possible for you at BAT. Learn more about our culture and our award winning employee experience.

We take pride in being a Disability Confident Employer. If you need any reasonable adjustments or accommodations to be made during the recruitment process to support you performing at your best, please inform the recruitment partner who will be in touch should your profile be selected for the role you applied for. We are wholeheartedly committed to optimising your prospects of success by making suitable arrangements so that you may showcase your full potential.