Position Overview

This position as part of the Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (AME) organization will lead development of new manufacturing lines, including equipment and processes. 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 grow battery production capacity
• Collaborate with suppliers to develop new advanced equipment and methods
• Work cross functionally with internal and external teams to ensure equipment development launch success
• Lead development of battery module and battery pack assembly line equipment, automation and process projects
• Specify equipment and develop processes based on product design requirements and tolerances
• Become a subject matter expert in automation equipment, conveyance, adhesive dispensing, and automation process development
• Champion manufacturing equipment and processes from concept through equipment launch
• Develop equipment calibration and validation plans for prototype and production equipment
• Coordinate with launch team to guarantee automation cell readiness and start of production
• Conceive and implement new processes to allow Proterra to grow battery production capacity
• Lead DFM activities with design team to optimize assembly and manufacturing
• Lead cross functionally with internal and external teams to ensure battery factory launch success, providing light project management of development schedule
• Define and ensure that quality, takt and Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) metrics are defined and achieved in new manufacturing line layouts
• Create preliminary work instructions based on developed assembly processes
• Procure new manufacturing tools and accessories necessary for supporting a production line

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 Team’s work is guided by our team values:
  • Purpose: We work towards a sustainable future for all by leading battery technology development and enabling electrification in every sector of transportation.
  • Initiative: We encourage taking ownership to find creative solutions to challenges. We’re not afraid to fail.
  • Humility: We recognize when we’re not the expert, ask for help when needed, and change our minds when we get new information.
  • Critical Thinking: We are both creative and analytical. We break problems down to the fundamentals and question assumptions.
  • Intellectual Challenge: We are continuously learning and growing so that we can strategically tackle hard problems that push the industry forward.
  • Community & Diversity: We actively work to build a supportive space where people from diverse backgrounds can bring their whole selves to work, connect meaningfully, and grow both as individuals and as a group.
  • Kindness: We’re more productive when we treat each other with empathy and respect. We support each other and offer meaningful help.
  • Fun: We purposefully create outlets to take breaks and have fun. We believe we should be inspired by our jobs and each other.
• You will report to the Manufacturing Design Manager within the AME Organization and collaborate with other team members located at our headquarters in Burlingame, CA and other manufacturing facilities in Greenville, SC and Los Angeles, CA.

About You:

• Proactive and able to work with little supervision
• Able to adapt interpersonal styles and techniques to influence at all levels of the organization
• Customer-focused attitude
• Able to maintain strict confidentiality, establish trust and credibility, and act with complete integrity
• Detail-oriented, resourceful, and diligent
• Flexible and open to change
• Demonstrate sound judgment and problem-solving skills including challenging assumptions
• Able to prioritize tasks and manage multiple priorities simultaneously
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills
• Strong time management and organizational skills;
• Ability to travel as needed to Proterra and project-related partner sites

Your Experience Includes:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or similar technical field.
• 5-8 years experience in a manufacturing engineering role or similar technical role; developing new automation cells or equipment to support manufacturing production
• Demonstrated experience in specifying/launching multiple pieces of manufacturing equipment from design concept to factory launch
• Experience managing external vendors in complex equipment development
• Hands on experience in high or low volume manufacturing environments
• Working understanding of manufacturing engineering metrics and concepts (Cycle time, quality control, efficiency, equipment selection, return on investment, etc)
• Experience with failure analysis of electronic automation equipment modules
• Experience managing a project with cost, safety, performance, and schedule metrics
• Providing DFM for new hardware design
• 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
• Launching new portions of manufacturing lines/processes

You Might Also Have:

• Subject matter expertise in electromechanical assembly
• Project Management experience
• CAD/Catia Experience
• Programming experience

Job Details:

Department: Advanced Manufacturing Engineering

• Base Location: Burlingame, CA
• Common Travel Locations: City of Industry, CA; Greenville, SC; Vendor Sites
• Travel: 0-20%
• Compensation: $123,192 - $136,880/yr