What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Technical Specialist – Embedded Cybersecurity & Diagnostics position at A123 Systems LLC?
A123 Systems, LLC is a leading developer and manufacturer of advanced lithium-ion battery technologies and energy storage systems. Our solutions serve a wide range of applications, from traditional automotive batteries to utility-scale and commercial & industrial (C&I) energy storage. Committed to safety, longevity, and energy efficiency, A123 delivers high-performance battery technology solutions with a strong commitment to grow and serve our customers, industry requirements with the goal to make the Air Cleaner.
Job Overview
We are seeking an experienced Diagnostics & Cybersecurity Expert to interface with automotive OEMs and subject matter experts (SMEs) to define systems and software-specific requirements. Additionally, this role will support residential, commercial, and industrial projects related to communications and cybersecurity across the company's Energy Storage product portfolio.
The ideal candidate will possess deep technical expertise in communications, diagnostics and cybersecurity, along with a strong understanding of testing methodologies to assist software developers in validating feature implementations.
Key Responsibilities
Collaborate with OEMs and internal teams to define systems and software requirements for automotive diagnostics and cybersecurity.
Support residential, commercial, and industrial projects within the Energy Storage sector, ensuring robust communications and cybersecurity strategies.
Ensure alignment of diagnostics strategies with industry standards and OEM-specific protocols.
Assist software developers in testing and validating diagnostics & cybersecurity features, ensuring compliance with best practices.
Conduct hands-on testing using industry-standard tools such as CANalyzer, CANoe, DBC File Editor, PDX/ODX Editor, CDD File Editor, and Diva diagnostic testing tool, as well as any other relevant software.
Support cybersecurity risk assessments for energy storage solutions, ensuring compliance with communication security protocols.
Establish secure data transmission methodologies for connected systems in both automotive and energy storage applications.
Work cross-functionally with engineering teams to optimize system architecture for scalability and cybersecurity hardening.
Ensure compliance with automotive cybersecurity standards (such as ISO/SAE 21434) and energy storage security protocols.
Stay up to date with emerging cybersecurity threats across both automotive and energy storage industries, proactively contributing to risk mitigation strategies.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Automotive Engineering, or related fields.
8 years of experience in automotive diagnostics and cybersecurity, preferably within OEM or Tier 1 supplier environments.
Strong expertise in automotive communication protocols (CAN, LIN, Ethernet, FlexRay).
Proficiency in standard testing tools, including CANalyzer, CANoe, DBC File Editor, PDX/ODX, and CDD File Editor.
In-depth knowledge of automotive cybersecurity principles, including secure communication, key management, cryptographic protocols, and threat modeling.
Experience with embedded systems development, diagnostics messaging, and cybersecurity hardening techniques.
Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with OEMs, SMEs, and internal engineering teams.
Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities to identify vulnerabilities and optimize diagnostic implementations.
Fluency in both English and Chinese to facilitate communication with the corporate office in China.
Preferred Qualifications:
Familiarity with AUTOSAR Diagnostics Stack and cybersecurity integration.
Knowledge of ISO/SAE 21434 automotive cybersecurity standards and energy storage communication protocols.
Hands-on expertise in penetration testing and secure system architectures for connected environments.
Prior experience supporting vehicle-level validation and energy storage cybersecurity assessments.