Company Description
SGS is the global leader and innovator in inspection, verification, testing and certification services. Founded in 1878, SGS is recognized as the global benchmark in quality and integrity. With over 97,000 employees in 130 countries and operating a network of more than 2,400 offices and laboratories, we provide services to almost every industry by assuring quality and safety of products and services.
Trusted all over the world, SGS is a market leader because we put 100% passion, pride and innovation into everything we do. We encourage new ideas. We welcome people who challenge the way we do things. And we will be 100% committed to helping you reach your full potential.
Job Description
Role Summary
The Test Technician — Battery & Energy Storage is responsible for performing regulatory compliance testing and evaluation on lithium-ion cells, modules, packs, EV traction batteries, and stationary/motive battery energy storage systems (BESS) to U.S., Canadian, and International product safety standards, writing reports, and communicating with clients.
Responsibilities
- Execute battery and BESS compliance testing to standards including UL 1973, UL 2580, UL 9540, UL 9540A, IEC 62133-2, IEC 62619, and related abuse/safety test protocols (thermal runaway, propagation, short circuit, overcharge, crush, nail penetration).
- Prepare and review Test Report Forms (TRFs) in CB Scheme / IEC format, ensuring clause-by-clause traceability between test data, standard requirements, and verdicts.
- Conduct risk assessments and FMEAs for battery and power electronics systems, identifying failure modes, hazard severity, and mitigations consistent with functional safety expectations.
- Support UL 9540A large-scale and unit-level fire testing programs, including data acquisition setup, gas/smoke sampling coordination, and hazard mitigation analysis.
- Set up and operate standard test equipment; use hand tools to build and calibrate test fixtures; prepare test samples.
- Obtain and record test data in accordance with applicable standards; perform basic analysis of test data and routine calculations.
- Interface directly with client engineering teams to resolve non-conformances, clarify sample construction, and explain program flags or deviations.
- Maintain program documentation for active certifications, including test plans, sample tracking, and follow-up/field evaluation requirements.
- Maintain equipment and facilities; may draft technical reports and perform other work as required.
This position outline is a general guideline and does not represent all-encompassing details. The position assumes the incumbent has both the mental and physical requirements to carry out the above-defined duties.
Qualifications
- Associate’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Electronics Engineering, or equivalent education or practical experience.
- 2–5 years of hands-on experience in battery/energy storage testing, electrochemical safety testing, power electronics compliance, or a related lab/technical field.
- Understanding of battery chemistry fundamentals, including Li-ion failure mechanisms, thermal runaway propagation, and cell-to-pack safety architecture.
- Experience with test instrumentation: data acquisition systems, thermocouples, cycling equipment, environmental chambers, and high-voltage safety practices.
- Ability to work safely around high-energy electrical systems and thermal-event test setups (PPE, arc-flash awareness).
- Must have a valid unrestricted driver's license and safe driving record.
- Ability to travel up to 25% as business needs dictate.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written; strong technical writing for risk assessments, and client correspondence.
- Self-motivated, able to work independently in a fast-paced, multi-tasking environment with strong organization and time-management skills.
- Microsoft Office software experience required.
- Must be customer-focused and quality-driven.
- Preferred: exposure to UL 61800-5-1 or UL 62368-1; FMEA methodology (AIAG-VDA or similar); scripting/automation (Python, MATLAB) for test data reduction; prior work on IECEx or ATEX programs.
- Preferred: Working familiarity with at least two of: UL 1973, UL 2580, UL 9540, UL 9540A, IEC 62133, IEC 62619, IEC 62620, UN 38.3.
Additional Information
Compensation
The expected salary for this position is $27.00 to 30.00 per hour This range represents the minimum and maximum base salary we reasonably expect to pay for this role. Actual compensation within the range will depend on skills, experience, and qualifications.
Our Benefits
We care about your total well-being and will support you with the following, subject to your location and role.
- Health: Medical, dental and vision insurance, life insurance, employee assistance programs.
- Wealth: In addition to base pay, we offer 401(k) with company match (immediate vesting upon enrollment).
- Happiness:
- Professional Growth: Online training courses, virtual and classroom development experiences, tuition reimbursement program
- Work-Life Balance: Paid-time off and family leave
In compliance with applicable state and local pay transparency laws, we provide clear and equitable compensation information for all applicants.
Position anticipated to close August 31, 2026.
Additional information
SGS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and as such we recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristics protected by law.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required.
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts the company’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
If you are applying for a position within the United States and you have difficulty completing the on-line employment application because of a disability, please call 201-508-3149 for assistance and leave a message. You will receive a callback. Please note, this phone number is not for general employment information but is only for individuals who are experiencing difficulty applying for a position due to a disability.