Failure Analysis Engineer

We are looking for a driven Failure Analysis Engineer to join us in our mission to contribute to a greener future. The role is a part of our passionate Quality Control team based in Västerås, Sweden. By joining us, you will be a key player and have an active role in battery cell investigations, develop key failure analysis competences and contribute towards building one of the first large scale European battery factories.
About the job
As Failure Analysis Engineer, you will engage in (participate or lead) cell failure analyses and hands-on investigation activities related to battery cell production and test performance. The investigations you will be involved in could cover a broad range of issues, including cell chemistry, manufacturing variability, mechanical performance, contaminant identification, and analysis of test and field failures. In this role, we expect you to have a Gemba mindset and a hands-on approach to your tasks. You enjoy working in the laboratory and on the factory floor, as well as can effectively collaborate across group boundaries to pull in technical input and resources as required to find answers and solutions to problems.
About the team
Together with two further engineers you will be part of the Failure Analysis team within our wider Quality Control team at Northvolt Labs. Our QC team, currently composed of 25 dedicated laboratory technicians, analytical chemists and engineers, is working on all aspects of cell production investigations and quality inspections. You will have access to a fully equipped laboratory with high-end analytical instruments that cover both chemical and mechanical analyses. You will play a key role in building up cell failure analysis expertise within the team and the wider company.
Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Rapid response (hours, not days) to and investigation of various new or unsolved defect types in battery cells and components
Using standard methodologies or non-standard techniques (as appropriate), investigate issues and concerns within cells from hands-on manual cell disassembly’s to analyzing components and parts with analytical methods/techniques available in the laboratory
Trigger and drive the exchange of technical expertise across departments depending on the matter of interest to achieve data driven, scientific results as input for root cause investigations. You do not have to be an expert in everything, but you do need to be an expert in identifying the subject matter, finding the specific expert(s) for that field, and finding answers
Data driven approach with an analytical mindset, ability to deal with different levels of complexity (obvious cases vs. deep dives). Insist on answers and solutions that can be substantiated by data and/or engineering tests, avoiding the trap of finding a root cause driven by timelines instead of science
Strive to bring in more cell-inexperienced personnel occasionally during hands-on investigations to increase the overall cell knowledge within Northvolt. You should bring good people skills to the job, and are eager to learn and train others

Every FA engineer brings a unique skillset and knowledge base to the game, but all members must hone skill with at least all of the following equipment, techniques, and test methods: optical microscopy, photo-documentation and report generation, manual disassembly and manipulation using pipe cutters/cell cutters/manual disassembly tools/picks/probes, multimeters, Dremel tool, soldering iron, hipot testing, and use of the Hioki-brand electrical test systems.
Personal success factors:
Promoting and requiring facts and data to drive decision making in the organisation
Strong communication skills with all the key stakeholders and experts in a wide variety of technical disciplines
Proactive, strong-minded, quick thinker and assertive
Passionate and purpose driven
Has a can-do attitude and an entrepreneurial spirit
When the answer is No, figures out how to get to Yes

Northvolt is an equal opportunity employer. We're a diverse group of individuals, united by a common mission, who recognise that while our actions as individuals have a role to play in driving Northvolt towards its goals, we always seek to move forward as a team. We offer you an open and welcoming atmosphere where we win as a team – and fail as a team. Northvolt is growing at the speed of light and we are a strong believer in internal career development. For us it’s important to look at your skills and potential, please refrain form including your picture and age with your application to help us with this.
Apply with CV in English or your complete LinkedIn profile.
Full time employment, fixed salary. Planned starting date is ASAP.