Sr. Manufacturing Engineer

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:

The Manufacturing Engineer will be responsible for developing implementing and optimizing automated processes for the assembly of battery modules and packs. This role ensures that automated production lines consistently deliver high-quality cost-effective and safe products while supporting continuous improvement scalability and operational excellence in a high-volume manufacturing environment.

About the Role You will:

Process Engineering & Optimization

• Develop and validate automated processes for cell-to-module and module-to-pack assembly including welding fastening sealing potting and end-of-line testing.
• Define document and maintain process parameters standard work instructions and validation protocols.
• Conduct PFMEA and implement poka-yoke/error-proofing systems to ensure process robustness.
• Perform capability studies (Cp/Cpk) MSA and DOE to optimize line performance and reduce variation.

Automation & Equipment

• Work with automation engineers and vendors to specify install and validate robotic assembly systems conveyors torque tools and inspection equipment.
• Support integration of MES vision systems leak tests HiPot and isolation resistance testers for real-time quality control.
• Lead troubleshooting and root cause analysis for equipment and process issues driving permanent corrective actions.

Quality & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with automotive/energy industry standards (IATF 16949 ISO UL etc.).
• Partner with Quality to investigate nonconformities and drive corrective/preventive actions.
• Support validation and approval of new materials tooling and equipment for production readiness.

Continuous Improvement

• Apply Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles to improve OEE yield and throughput.
• Lead kaizen events focused on cycle time reduction ergonomic optimization and scrap reduction.
• Drive automation enhancements aligned with Industry 4.0 including data-driven process monitoring and predictive maintenance.

Collaboration & Training

• Work closely with Design Engineering to ensure DFM/DFA for cells modules and pack designs.
• Collaborate with Maintenance Controls and Production teams to maintain line reliability and uptime.
• Provide technical training to operators technicians and engineers on new processes and equipment.

Your Experience Includes:

• Bachelors degree Mechanical Manufacturing Electrical or Industrial Engineering (Masters preferred).
• 37 years of experience in automated high-volume manufacturing (battery EV automotive or electronics strongly preferred).
• Strong knowledge of module and pack assembly processes: cell handling welding (laser/ultrasonic) fastening sealing thermal management integration and EOL testing.
• Hands-on experience with automated torque tools (e.g. Atlas Copco) robotics PLCs and vision inspection systems.
• Proficiency with CAD MES systems and statistical analysis tools (Minitab JMP etc.).
• Strong problem-solving root cause analysis and project management skills.

Designed and assembled in the United States Proterras innovative battery platform offers industry-leading energy density durability performance and safety systems enabling Proterra EV batteries to be the premium choice for commercial vehicles and industrial equipment.

Proterras battery technology offers industry-leading energy density safety systems and durability. Proudly designed in Silicon Valley and assembled in Greer South Carolina Proterra batteries are the premier choice to electrify commercial vehicles ranging from buses and trucks to construction equipment and more. Proterra is building innovative battery technology to power a better more sustainable world.

Location: Greer

Travel: 0-15%

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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

Required Experience:

Senior IC