
Senior Battery Engineering Technician
Pivotal
🇺🇸 United States
On-site
Senior
3 months ago
$36 – $50 / hour
- Chroma
- 5S
- Lean
- soldering
- CNC
- Configuration Management
- welding
- triage
- Pension
3 months ago
About the Role
We are looking for a highly motivated and hands-on Battery Engineering Technician to join our battery team in a fast-paced eVTOL startup environment. You will work closely with battery engineers to build, test, and characterize battery modules and packs — from prototype builds through validation. This role requires strong attention to detail, a safety-first mindset, and the ability to adapt quickly to shifting priorities.
Responsibilities
- Design, assemble, and validate battery prototypes at module and pack level — supporting engineering and validation programs.
- Build and execute test setups for electrical, thermal, and thermal runaway (TR) testing, including applying sensors and thermocouples to test articles.
- Build test articles, fixtures, and jigs; rework parts and assemblies as needed.
- Build systems enclosures and securing harnesses for test stands and test assets.
- Operate and maintain lab equipment including ultrasonic/spot welders, power supplies, and pack cyclers (Arbin, BioLogic, Chroma, or similar).
- Perform EOL testing using pack cyclers.
- Execute verification using hi-pot testers, multimeters (DMM), continuity testers, oscilloscopes, and bench power supplies; interpret results and identify failure modes.
- Document build processes, test data, travelers, and inspection results with strong attention to traceability.
- Collaborate daily with Battery Engineering, Quality, and Manufacturing to resolve issues, implement ECOs, and improve build/test methods.
- Handle, package, label, and dispose of hazardous battery materials in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
- Discharge and dispose of batteries following safety procedures.
- Maintain a clean, safe, and organized lab environment; support 5S/lean improvements at the bench level.
- Participate in first-article builds, prototype iterations, and transition-to-production efforts.
Qualifications
- 3+ years of hands-on experience in battery or high-voltage systems (modules or packs) in an engineering or manufacturing environment.
- Experience building battery prototypes at the module and/or pack level.
- Proficient in standard electronics test equipment: multimeters, hi-pot testers, resistance meters, oscilloscopes, and AC/DC power supplies.
- Experience with battery test/data monitoring equipment (Arbin, BioLogic, Chroma, or similar cyclers).
- Hands-on experience building fixtures, procuring parts, and preparing samples for test.
- Experience working safely with hazardous materials; formal safety training is a plus.
- Strong mechanical aptitude with experience in precision assembly, fabrication, and use of hand and power tools.
- Experience with PCB assembly and soldering.
- Experience with additive and subtractive manufacturing (3D printing, CNC).
- Strong ability to read and interpret work instructions, wiring diagrams, and basic schematics.
- Detail-oriented with strong documentation habits and comfort working in a fast-paced, iterative environment.
- Strong oral and written communication skills; team-oriented attitude.
- High school diploma or GED equivalent.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with thermal runaway testing, abuse testing, or post-burn cleanup (including working in Tyvek suits).
- Experience with DO-160G, DO-311A, or UN 38.3 certification testing.
- Familiarity with aerospace/regulated environments: ESD controls, traceability, controlled rework, configuration management.
- Experience with high-voltage systems in automotive, aviation, or energy storage applications.
- Ability to use machine shop equipment: mill, lathe, welding (laser, ultrasonic, spot).
- Experience supporting prototype-to-production scaling and writing/improving work instructions.
- IPC/WHMA-A-620 or IPC-A-610 certification (plus).
- Associate’s or technical degree in engineering or related field (desired but not required).
- Experience with data analysis tools; proficiency in Microsoft Office.
What Success Looks Like (First 60–90 Days)
- Independently builds and tests battery assemblies to standards with minimal rework.
- Executes electrical and thermal tests reliably, documents results, and flags trends early.
- Partners with battery engineers to quickly triage failures and improve build/test methods.
- Maintains a clean, safe lab environment and contributes at least one measurable improvement (time reduction, defect reduction, or test repeatability).
- Demonstrates a mentality of continuous learning and willingness to acquire new skillsets.
Attributes aligned with Core Values
- Safety Above All: Demonstrates a proactive safety mindset by embedding safety into daily work, identifying and mitigating risks, encouraging open dialogue about safety concerns, and continuously improving practices and protocols.
- Customer Focus: Puts customers at the center of every action by understanding their challenges, delivering meaningful value, and supporting their success.
- Work Better Together: Seeks and values diverse perspectives, builds cross-functional relationships, and fosters trust through empathetic, fact-based communication and commitment to shared decisions.
- Be the Pilot: Drives results with clarity and purpose by focusing on what matters most, adapting to change, taking initiative, and owning outcomes.
- Embrace the Unknown: Navigates ambiguity with resilience and bold thinking, challenges the status quo, and combines innovative ideas with practical approaches to overcome obstacles and drive progress.
- Respect for People: Fosters a high-performance culture grounded in respect, professionalism, and support by balancing high expectations with a healthy, collaborative environment and being a trusted, dependable teammate.
Senior Battery Engineering Technician · Pivotal