Experience
I have been fortunate to have three co-op placements that have developed my technical, professional and interpersonal skills!
I have been fortunate to have three co-op placements that have developed my technical, professional and interpersonal skills!
Duration: May 2023 - Aug. 2023,
Jan. 2024 - Apr. 2024
Duration: Sep. 2024 - Dec. 2024
MATLAB
Time-domain data analysis of model-in-loop and pack validation results
Debugging SOx algorithm scripts
GUI Creation w/ MATLAB App Designer
Cell Characterization
SOC-OCV
Capacity
HPPC
Battery Pack Test Procedures
WTLP
EPA
Charge/Discharge
Battery Modelling
Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy
System Identification
Root-Cause Analysis
Greenbelt Project
Standard Operating Procedures
Process Audits
Continuous Improvement
8D Problem Solving
IATF 16949
Post-processed and validated battery pack test data using SOx algorithms
Tracked all incoming battery pack test data and its post-processing progress
Checked all test data to ensure adherence to SOx test procedures
Organized and pre-processed cell data to be characterized into equivalent circuit models
Created and managed GUIs for battery data post-processing
Participated in weekly pack status meetings, updating the team on testing progress and results
Utilized root-cause analysis to solve ongoing quality issues
Provided onboarding to all new members of the quality team
Assisted with the setup of the new cell quality lab
Rewrote and updated operating procedure documentation
Designed a GUI in MATLAB App Designer to:
Automate the pre-processing procedures needed for cell ECM modelling
Convert .dat files from CAN files for battery pack testing to .mat files
Develop MATLAB script to auto-detect test data at different temperatures
Updated state estimation scripts in MATLAB for new test procedures, bug fixes and quality-of-life changes
Started the first revision of a master battery pack test tracking sheet in Excel, which used macros to track all test data that arrived, categorized the test type, and monitored whether it was post-processed, with the results included.
Updated all SOPs with a new format to conform to audit standards
Added new processes, pictures and items to all SOPs
Created onboarding slides that described the entire manufacturing process at the facility, and the use of each component in our battery modules
This position allowed me to learn the fundamentals of EV battery packs and battery management systems. Being able to constantly see test data allowed me to quickly gain intuition on what expected battery behaviour under certain conditions is like
My time here also boosted my MATLAB skills tremendously. I had to understand how to manipulate huge data sets (tests sometimes run for 24 hours!) for my use.
I also got a proper introduction into the complicated world of battery modelling: discovering the usage of Randles models to represent the behaviour of batteries was an eye-opening experience that sparked my interest in that area
I started at Nextstar Energy right when production initially started, and that put me right in the middle of the chaos, so I had to adapt as fast as possible
Every day, there was a new issue to solve, and new people to talk to, and this led to me developing efficient communication skills
The quality processes for battery cells are rigorous, and no mistake can be let through, and I saw the consequences when they did. This really puts into perspective the amount of stress manufacturers have to serve a good product.