Transitioning into the battery industry

Renewable energy solutions are on the rise around the world, with huge amounts of investment and research going towards storage capacity for new energy sources.

Increased demand for storage solutions in the battery industry is driven by domestic electricity generation, alongside electric vehicles becoming increasingly common. EV sales have grown 71% YoY in Q3 2022!  

The industry is constantly looking to advance technology in the sector to help create more sustainable, lower-cost battery solutions. Increasing energy storage capacity has quickly become a key goal for governments currently looking to achieve climate targets and increase investment in green energy.  

Job Opportunities 

The battery industry is a rapidly growing field. There are now many exciting job opportunities for those interested in working with cutting-edge technology and developing solutions for energy storage systems.

A wide range of career paths are available within the battery industry, from manufacturing and testing to research and development.  

Key roles in the battery industry 

Manufacturing Technician 

Manufacturing technicians are responsible for assembling and testing batteries at various stages of the production process. They may work with automated equipment and machines to produce high volumes of batteries or may be involved in more specialized, hand-crafted production methods.  

Key transferrable skills 

Battery manufacturing technicians should have strong attention to detail and be comfortable working on complex tasks in a hands-on manner. 

Quality Control Technician 

Quality control technicians are responsible for testing and inspecting batteries to ensure they meet the required specifications and performance standards. They may use various specialised equipment to measure batteries’ electrical and physical properties. 

Key transferrable skills 

Quality control technicians should have strong analytical skills, able to identify and troubleshoot issues that may arise during the testing process. 

Research and Development Engineer 

Research and development (R&D) engineers are responsible for designing and developing new battery technologies and improving existing ones. They may work on projects related to improving the energy density, life cycle, or safety of batteries, or be involved in developing new  materials and manufacturing processes.  

Key transferrable skills 

R&D engineers should have a strong background in engineering, chemistry, or materials science, and be able to think creatively and critically to solve complex problems. 

Sales Engineer 

Sales engineers are responsible for promoting and selling battery products to customers in various industries. They often work with clients to understand their energy storage needs and recommend appropriate battery systems, or they may be involved in developing and implementing sales strategies to drive success in the emerging global battery market.  

Key transferrable skills 

Sales engineers should have strong communication skills and be able to effectively communicate product benefits and technical capabilities to a wide range of internal and external stakeholders. 

Project Manager 

Project managers are responsible for overseeing the planning, execution, and delivery of battery-related projects. They may work on projects related to the design and construction of batteries for homes, corporations, and vehicles. They might also be involved in managing research and development projects.  

Key transferrable skills 

Project managers should have strong leadership and organisational skills and be able to effectively manage budgets, schedules, and resources. 

Supply Chain Manager 

Battery supply chain managers are responsible for coordinating the supply of materials and components needed for battery production. They may work with suppliers to secure critical materials and negotiate contracts, or they may be involved in managing the transportation and storage of batteries.  

Key transferrable skills 

Battery supply chain managers should have strong analytical and problem-solving skills and be able to effectively manage complex logistics networks. 

Business Development Manager 

Business development managers are responsible for identifying and pursuing new opportunities for growth in the battery industry. Working with clients to understand their energy storage needs and develop customised solutions are key responsibilities of business development employees, as well as identifying and pursuing partnerships with other corporations or organisations.  

Key transferrable skills 

Business development managers should have strong communication and negotiation skills and be able to effectively identify and pursue new business opportunities. 

The future of the battery industry 

There is a big push globally to embrace battery technology, with the EU setting up the European Battery Alliance (EBA) in 2017. The EBA aims to provide citizens of the EU with the benefits of a battery industry worth an estimated €250 billion by 2025 in Europe alone.

In 2021, the global battery industry was valued at around $111 billion, with projections aiming to reach $423 billion by 2030.

The battery market is expanding in connection to a wide range of industries, including

• energy storage and clean energy production
• mining for critical materials
• battery manufacturing
• advancements in transportation, including the manufacture and procurement of supplies for electric vehicles

These projections rely on the battery industry expanding quickly, and companies that can find the right staff with the right skills will quickly become leaders in the global battery market.  

Transitioning into renewables jobs in different sectors  

It’s not just battery jobs that provide an opportunity to transition from a traditional oil and gas job into a renewable energy career.

You may also be interested in transitioning into carbon capture or hydrogen jobs. 

Looking to get started in a battery industry job? 

Finding the perfect battery industry job is more than doing a search on the internet.

At Airswift, we’re proud to offer support and job advice to our candidates and connect them to the best roles in the industry. 

Why not look at our latest jobs and kick-start your career in the battery industry?