Principal AME Equipment Engineer, Battery

Were looking for an experienced Principal Advanced Manufacturing Engineering Equipment Engineer to lead the design concept specifications development project management installation and capability of the battery and module manufacturing equipment. This role is critical for establishing and scaling our in-house battery production improving safety efficiency quality and innovation from concept to high volume mass production. If you have a deep understanding of battery manufacturing processes and a history of delivering complex high volume equipment solutions in a fast-paced environment we want to hear from you.

• Strategic Equipment Leadership: Define and implement the long-term equipment strategy for battery cell and pack manufacturing aligning with product roadmaps production targets and cost goals of the company.
• Full Lifecycle Management: Lead the entire equipment lifecycle: concept specification vendor selection design review installation commissioning ramp-up and continuous improvement.
• New Facility and Line Setup: Lead the planning layout and installation of new battery manufacturing lines within existing or new facilities. This includes space optimization utility requirements and ensuring seamless integration of equipment.
• Technical Expertise: Act as the technical expert for battery manufacturing equipment including:
• Vendor Management & Collaboration: Partner with equipment suppliers leading technical discussions negotiating specifications and ensuring on-time delivery and performance.
• DFM/DFA Integration: Collaborate with battery design and product engineering teams to optimize designs for manufacturability (DFM) and assembly (DFA) on automated equipment.
• Process Optimization: Drive continuous improvement for equipment performance uptime yield and cycle time through data analysis root cause analysis and robust solutions.
• Safety & Compliance: Ensure all equipment designs and installations meet safety standards environmental compliance and relevant industry regulations.
• Team Development: Mentor and guide less experienced engineers fostering technical excellence and continuous learning.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Work with R&D Quality Operations Supply Chain and Facilities teams for successful project execution and integration of new equipment.

Who You Are:

• 13 years of experience in advanced manufacturing engineering with at least 8 years focused on battery manufacturing equipment in automotive EV or a related high-volume manufacturing industry (e.g. consumer electronics energy storage).
• Proven experience with factory layout planning utility integration and scaling manufacturing lines within new or expanding facilities.
• Bachelors or Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering Electrical Engineering Mechatronics Industrial Engineering or a related technical field.
• Deep expertise in various cell module & battery manufacturing processes (e.g. cell testing assembly welding laser cleaning foaming and module/pack assembly).
• Proven history of bringing new complex manufacturing equipment online from concept to high-volume production.
• Strong understanding of automation principles robotics machine vision and control systems in manufacturing.
• Experience with equipment specification procurement vendor qualification and contract negotiation.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g. SolidWorks 3DX AutoCAD) for reviewing equipment designs and layouts.
• Ability to perform root cause analysis and implement effective corrective actions for equipment issues.
• Self-starter with a sense of urgency and ability to thrive in a fast-paced ambiguous startup environment.
• Team and result oriented.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required for vendor visits installations and support.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with large-scale battery production.
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Project management certification (e.g. PMP).
• Experience with battery cell chemistry and electrochemical principles.
• Previous experience working in a startup environment.

California Pay Range

$160000 - $190000 USD