Staff Equipment Design Engineer, Battery Engineering

Staff Equipment Design Engineer, Battery Engineering

Job Category: Engineering

Requisition Number: STAFF004003

This position as part of the Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (AME) organization will assist in the development of new manufacturing automation equipment through the design of machines, fixtures, and tools. This highly collaborative position is a key part of the Battery Technology organization. You will work with other leaders, engineers, and technicians to establish Proterra as a world-class manufacturer of battery-based energy storage.

About the Role – You will:

• Design and implement custom fixtures, machines, and tooling to be used in the manufacturing of Proterra Battery Based Energy Storage
• Create BOMs, Drawings, and Documentation for various designs using CAD and other software
• Manage internal manufacturing design projects to ensure project meets schedule, requirements, and performance
• Participate in the automation design cycle from conception to implementation including concept generation, detail mechanical design, controls hardware design, machine controls/sequence planning, assembly, testing, etc.
• Collaborate with manufacturing controls engineers to develop automated equipment through the selection of sensors, motors, actuators and other electromechanical hardware.
• Work alongside Manufacturing Engineers to develop manufacturing processes through the design of novel automated machines, semi-automated machines, and manual machines fixtures
• Work with technicians to build and implement new equipment, fixtures, and tooling
• Collaborate with suppliers to develop new advanced equipment and methods
• Work cross functionally with internal and external teams to ensure equipment implementation is successful
• Perform tolerance analysis on production parts and tooling to ensure functionality of designs
• Assist with creation of mechanical design standards for automation equipment and fixture design. Apply lessons learned from projects to further improve the standard.
• Participate in design reviews with external automation vendors
• Help manage an approved component list for equipment
• Provide DFM feedback to product design as it relates to tooling design for automation and assembly

About Our Group:

• The Advanced Manufacturing Engineering group seeks to develop innovative new manufacturing processes and automation tools to establish Proterra as a world leader in battery pack manufacturing. It is comprised of several different teams focused on different aspects of battery manufacturing, including process development and automated manufacturing equipment design.
• 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 Engineering Manager, Manufacturing Technology within the AME Organization and collaborate with other team members located at our headquarters in Burlingame, CA and our manufacturing facility near Greenville, SC.

About You:

• Self-starting individual with the ability to adapt interpersonal styles and techniques to influence at all levels of the organization
• Customer-focused attitude, with high level of professionalism and discretion.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality, establish trust and credibility, and act with complete integrity.
• Detail-oriented, resourceful and diligent.
• Flexible and open to change
• Strong time management and organizational skills; proactive and the ability to work with little supervision.
• Sound judgment and problem-solving skills; challenge assumptions not supported by engineering analysis
• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills
• Ability to travel as needed to Proterra and project-related partner sites

Your Experience Includes:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or similar technical field.
• 8+ years of experience in an engineering role or similar technical role; designing equipment and/or fixtures for a production environment
• Experience with automation equipment design
• Hands-on experience in high or low volume manufacturing environments
• Experience using CAD to design parts and assemblies
• Experience creating 2D Drawings to ensure parts are made to specification.
• Experience organizing CAD of large assemblies
• Experience managing a project with cost, safety, performance, and schedule metrics
• Knowledge of pneumatic components and control methods
• Knowledge of machine safety standards (ANSI/RIA15.06, OSHA)
• Knowledge of automation controls and components

You Might Also Have:

• Knowledge of electric vehicle battery pack manufacturing
• 6 Axis Robotic workcell and EOAT Design experience
• 3D modeling experience using Catia, Solidworks, or other CAD platforms
• PLM Experience
• Controls experience programming PLCs, Robots, and microcontrollers
• Knowledge of electrical hardware needed to create automation workcells

Department: Advanced Manufacturing Engineering

• Travel: 10-20%
• Compensation: $183,600 - $204,000

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities