Sr Staff Mechanical Design Engineer, Battery Engineering

Position Overview

This engineering position will focus on developing the mechanical designs for new battery pack architectures and detailed part designs from concept to production.

About the Role – You will:

• Be integral to the architectural development of Proterra’s next battery design


• Design a plurality of battery components needed for cell to pack designs


• Have full design responsibility, from initial concept to production launch


• 3D CAD Design and 2D Drawings including GD&T for complex parts and assemblies


• Design for high volume assembly and vertical integration


• Conduct basic analysis and testing, assist in defining complex validation plans


• Lead design reviews and execute Engineering Change Orders (ECOs)


• Support with supply chain and interface directly with vendors for DFM


• Assist in developing supporting documentation (DFMEA, 8D, compliance, etc.)


• Support and root cause failures from engineering builds, production launch, and field


• Work effectively cross functionally (program management, quality, supply chain, test)


• Provides technical mentorship and guidance within a growing team

 About Our Group:

• Through developing industry leading battery packs, the Product Development Team helps Proterra meet our ambitious cost and energy density goals.


• This role is part of the larger Battery Technology Team. The Battery Technology Team’s work is guided by our team values:




• Purpose: We work towards a sustainable future for all by leading battery technology development and enabling electrification in every sector of transportation.


• Initiative: We encourage taking ownership to find creative solutions to challenges. We’re not afraid to fail.


• Humility: We recognize when we’re not the expert, ask for help when needed, and change our minds when we get new information.


• Critical Thinking: We are both creative and analytical. We break problems down to the fundamentals and question assumptions.


• Intellectual Challenge: We are continuously learning and growing so that we can strategically tackle hard problems that push the industry forward.


• Community & Diversity: We actively work to build a supportive space where people from diverse backgrounds can bring their whole selves to work, connect meaningfully, and grow both as individuals and as a group.


• Kindness: We’re more productive when we treat each other with empathy and respect. We support each other and offer meaningful help.


• Fun: We purposefully create outlets to take breaks and have fun. We believe we should be inspired by our jobs and each other.




• You will report to the Battery Pack Engineering Manager and collaborate with other Engineering team members located at our R&D headquarters in Burlingame, CA and manufacturing facility near Greer, SC.

About You:

• Proactive and able to work without supervision


• Creative and confident in bringing new ideas to the team


• Invests in their team, advocating for team and their growth


• Able to adapt interpersonal styles and techniques to influence at all levels of the organization

• Customer-focused attitude


• Able to maintain strict confidentiality, establish trust and credibility, and act with complete integrity


• Detail-oriented, resourceful, and diligent


• Flexible and open to change


• Demonstrate sound judgment and problem-solving skills including challenging assumptions


• Able to prioritize tasks and manage multiple priorities simultaneously


• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills

Qualifications:

• 8+ years' experience with 4+ years of full- time design in battery design, including one or more of the following: enclosure or module structures, cell interconnects, high voltage or low voltage connections, coolant systems, adhesives and sealants, coatings


• BS in Engineering or equivalent experience 


• Design of high-volume production components for battery packs


• Design for high volume assembly, both manual and automated


• Proficient in 3D CAD, 2D Drawings (including GD&T); 3DX or CATIA V5 Preferred


• Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for single and multibody assemblies preferred

• Knowledge in full product development cycle


• Solid people, communication, and presentation skills


• Ability to effectively communicate product architectures, design proposals and negotiate options at management levels.

• Methodical and diligent thinker, with a high attention for detail and a desire to work with a strong sense of quality and craft.

Travel: 0 - 20%

Compensation: $197,064 - $218,960/yr