Role: Battery Process Engineer
Location: Mountain View, CA (Onsite)
Contract
Job Summary
The Battery Cell Process Engineer (Pilot Line / Prototyping) will be supporting the
fabrication and prototyping of next-generation battery technology for high-energy
applications. The vendor will support senior process and cell design engineers by
operating and maintaining lab-scale pilot line equipment, building pouch cells
systematically, optimizing cell assembly parameters, and ensuring high manufacturing
quality and repeatability across experimental builds.
Services and Deliverables
Support end-to-end lab-scale pouch cell fabrication, including slurry mixing,
electrode coating, calendering, slitting/die cutting, precision stacking, tab
welding, pouch sealing, electrolyte filling, and formation.
Operate, calibrate, and maintain pilot line equipment, tooling, dry rooms, and
glove boxes to maintain baseline process capability.
Execute Design of Experiments (DOEs) for process optimization, identifying
critical process parameters (CPPs) to improve cell yield, uniformity, and energy
density.
Perform in-line quality inspections (e.g., thickness uniformity, loading density,
alignment checks, seal integrity) and log fabrication metrics into tracking
databases.
Troubleshoot fabrication defects (e.g., coating pinholes, delamination, stacking
misalignment, poor wetting) and work with senior engineers to implement
corrective actions.
Document Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), assembly traveler logs, and
safety protocols for new chemistries and form factors.
Minimum Qualifications (Reference only)
Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical
Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
1+ years of practical experience operating lab-scale pilot line equipment for
pouch cell fabrication.
Hands-on laboratory or cleanroom/dry room experience handling battery
materials, chemicals, and mechanical assembly tools.
Direct experience or coursework involving lithium-ion cell manufacturing
processes (e.g., slurry preparation, slot-die/doctor-blade coating, calendering,
stacking, electrolyte filling, etc.) Strong documentation skills, attention to detail in handling delicate pouch cell
components, and adherence to lab safety/hazardous materials handling
protocols.
Preferred Qualifications (Reference only)
Working knowledge of pouch cell fabrication equipment, including tab welding,
and electrolyte filling/sealing equipment.
Familiarity with statistical process control (SPC), yield analysis, and basic data
analysis tools (e.g., Python, MATLAB, JMP, Excel).
Understanding of how upstream process variations impact downstream cell
quality and electrochemical performance.