Staff Manufacturing Engineer, Battery Engineering

Proterra offers a dynamic and supportive workplace where our employees can thrive personally and professionally. With cutting-edge facilities and groundbreaking projects Proterra offers unique opportunities to grow collaborate and lead transformative change in the electrification of heavy-duty transportation and equipment.

Our commitment to innovation extends beyond our battery solutions to our people where we create an environment where everyone feels valued supported and empowered to drive change for the earth. Here at Proterra we strive to foster a culture of inclusivity valuing diverse perspectives and encouraging bold ideas allowing our employees to bring their full selves to work. Our employees benefit from competitive total rewards packages and opportunities to develop professionally.

Position Overview
This position as part of the Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (AME) organization will lead the development of new equipment and processes for future battery designs. You are a subject matter expert in design for manufacturability to ensure our battery designs are optimized for high volume highly automated manufacturing. 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:

• Conceive design and implement new processes & equipment to allow Proterra to develop new products and prepare them for a high-volume production launch
• Lead DFM activities with Proterras battery design engineering team to optimize assembly and manufacturing of upcoming new products
• Lead development of battery module and battery pack assembly processes
• Design and procure fixtures tools and equipment accounting for product tolerances and assembly methods
• Collaborate with equipment and machine suppliers to design and test new advanced equipment and methods
• Specify equipment and develop processes based on product design requirements and tolerances
• Become a subject matter expert battery DFM and process optimization
• Develop equipment and process validation plans to ensure processes are fully validated prior to launching in a high-volume manufacturing environment
• Generate reports detailing process capability through statistical analysis such as MSA Gauge R&R process capability metrics cpk cp ect.
• Detail Design of Experiment studies to optimize process parameters and variables for various manufacturing processes including adhesive dispense fluid injection electrical connections ect.
• Create preliminary work instructions based on developed assembly processes
• Project manage large CAPEX automation and equipment projects with external vendors for pilot equipment in our R&D Facility in Burlingame CA
• Procure new manufacturing tools and accessories necessary for supporting a prototype manufacturing development of new products.

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 Teams work is guided by our team values:
  • INNOVATION: We think of new ideas and take bold action to bring them to life.
  • ADAPTABILITY: We react quickly to our ever-changing environment.
  • CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT: We strive to make our products services and processes better.
  • TEAMWORK & COLLABORATION: We work together to solve problems with camaraderie.
  • INCLUSION: We create welcoming spaces where everyone can bring their whole selves to a diverse work community.
  • SUSTAINABILITY: We change the world through environmentally responsible practices.
  • KINDNESS: We are honest caring and respectful with each other.
• You will report to the Sr Manager Advanced Manufacturing Engineering within the Battery Engineering Organization and collaborate with other team members located at our R&D headquarters in Burlingame CA and manufacturing facilities in Greer 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.
• Track record of strong technical leadership skills showcasing ability to own critical projects to completion
• 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
• Possession of robust mechanical engineering fundamentals

Your Experience Includes:

• Bachelors degree in Engineering or similar technical field.
• 8-12 years experience in a manufacturing engineering role or similar technical role; developing and launching new processes and equipment for new products
• Demonstrated experience in specifying/launching multiple pieces of manufacturing equipment from concept to launch
• Substantial knowledge of manufacturing processes and tolerances including CNC machining 3D Printing Casting and Forming Joining Methods
• Experience designing custom equipment and assembly fixtures/jigs for new products and processes
• Knowledge of automation components including actuators sensors cameras motors conveyors gantries and robots.
• Experience managing external vendors in complex equipment development
• Hands on experience in high or low volume manufacturing environments
• Understanding of manufacturing engineering metrics and concepts (Cycle time quality control efficiency equipment selection return on investment etc)
• Experience managing a project with cost safety performance and schedule metrics
• Extensive experience providing DFM for new hardware design
• Track record of building working relationships with cross functional teams ensuring timely communication and problem-solving actions
• Demonstrated ability to keep projects on track and ensure the timely launch of your projects

You Might Also Have:

• Knowledge of electric vehicle battery pack manufacturing
• 6 Axis Robotic workcell development and EOAT Design experience
• Project Management experience
• 3D modeling experience using Catia Solidworks or other CAD platforms
• PLM Experience
• Controls experience programming PLCs Robots and microcontrollers

Location: Burlingame CA
Common Travel Locations: Greenville SC; Vendor Sites
Travel: 0-20%

Compensation: $160000 - 195000

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. There is no immigration sponsorship available for this role (ex: H1-B OPT CPT TN or any other employment sponsorship).

Proterra is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer providing equal employment opportunities to all Employees and applicants for employment without regard to race color creed religion sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin disability age genetic information veteran status pregnancy childbirth or related medical conditions including but not limited to lactation or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal state or local law or ordinance. Proterra participates in the Electronic Employment Verification Program (E-Verify).

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Required Experience:

Staff IC