Battery Engineer

Job Title: Battery Engineer

Job Description

This Battery Engineer role focuses on leading the procurement, validation, installation, pre‑production trials, and launch of electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturing equipment. You will design and optimize battery manufacturing processes, drive capital projects from concept through launch, and ensure that safety, quality, and continuous improvement remain at the core of all activities. The position offers the opportunity to work with advanced manufacturing technologies, collaborate across global and cross‑functional teams, and contribute directly to the long‑term growth of a large, stable automotive organization.

Responsibilities

• Lead the procurement, validation, installation, pre‑production trials, and launch of EV battery manufacturing equipment from concept through mass production readiness.
• Create and maintain detailed project schedules and exercise budgetary control for your assigned area, including KPI‑based progress reporting.
• Develop battery manufacturing process plans and machine specifications that incorporate lean manufacturing principles, the Toyota Production System, internal standards, industry standards, and continuous improvement practices.
• Apply knowledge of electrical, mechanical, and civil design, as well as applicable standards, to define engineering criteria and provide design feedback on sizing, routing, material selection, component selection, installation methods, and related design choices.
• Prepare clear explanatory documents, presentations, and drawings that communicate job scope, execution plans, progress status, key issues, and option analyses to stakeholders including machine vendors, general contractors, service providers, internal owner groups, and all levels of leadership.
• Collaborate across functional teams, companies, and international boundaries to drive project progress and achieve equipment and process launch goals.
• Plan and monitor the installation of battery manufacturing equipment, identify field issues, and work closely with construction coordinators and machine builders to develop and implement countermeasures.
• Contribute to a strong safety culture by modeling safe work behaviors, strictly following construction safety requirements, and proactively identifying and correcting unsafe conditions.
• Demonstrate quality‑first leadership by planning and coordinating pre‑production and mass production trials at machine vendors and at the installation site to ensure compliance with design, performance, and product quality criteria.
• Provide direct mentorship to fellow team members, support their technical development, and author technical standards and work instructions to capture best practices.
• Participate actively in a formal mentor program to grow as an engineer and to learn from more experienced colleagues.
• Use calendaring, laser cutting, and laser welding expertise to support process development for foil, paper, steel, and other materials used in battery manufacturing.
• Engage in continuous improvement and process engineering activities to enhance throughput, quality, and equipment reliability in manufacturing and production environments.
• Prepare and deliver technical reports and presentations using tools such as Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint to communicate data‑driven recommendations and project status.
• Support business travel requirements, including domestic and occasional international trips, to vendor sites, manufacturing plants, and project locations as needed for equipment trials and installations.
• Work occasional weekends and plant shutdown periods (such as July and December) to support critical installation, trial, and launch activities.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Engineering or a similar technical field.
• At least 5 years of equivalent work experience in an engineering role.
• Experience with production preparation of battery, electronics, or chemical manufacturing equipment, including procurement, validation, installation, pre‑production trials, and launch (minimum 3 years required, 5 years preferred).
• Experience creating process plans and machine specifications using lean manufacturing principles.
• Experience leading capital projects, including creating and maintaining detailed schedules, budgetary control, and KPI‑based progress reporting (minimum 3 years required, 5 years preferred).
• Experience with AutoCAD, CATIA, Creo, or similar CAD tools, including the ability to read, interpret, and modify 2D and 3D technical drawings.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint at an intermediate or higher level.
• Ability to travel for business, both domestically and internationally, up to approximately 25%.
• Ability to work weekends and plant shutdown periods such as July and December when required by project schedules.
• Understanding of calendaring machines used with foil, paper, and steel.
• Hands‑on experience in assembly operations in a manufacturing context.
• Exposure to manufacturing or production environments, with a solid understanding of shop‑floor operations.
• Experience in laser cutting and laser welding for foil and metal sheets.
• Basic knowledge of battery systems and battery‑related processes.
• More than entry‑level experience; this role is not suitable for fresh graduates.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Advanced engineering degree beyond a Bachelor's, such as a Master's degree.
• Experience in Toyota Production Engineering, including work with North American manufacturing centers or related organizations.
• Experience directing structured trials of manufacturing equipment to verify compliance with design intent, performance targets, and product quality criteria.
• Experience with battery manufacturing processes such as electrochemistry, slot‑die coating, roll‑to‑roll processing, laser cutting equipment, and vision inspection systems.
• Experience with industrial controls and industrial networks, including PLC logic programming, particularly Mitsubishi and/or Omron PLCs.
• Experience with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), including investigating and troubleshooting controls and MES issues.
• Completion of TBP (Toyota Business Practice) through panel or similar structured problem‑solving programs.
• Japanese language ability for enhanced collaboration with international stakeholders.
• Experience with calendaring processes and rolling machines used in manufacturing.
• Hands‑on expertise in laser cutting and/or laser welding beyond basic familiarity.
• Experience with battery electrode processes.
• More than 10 years of manufacturing experience for candidates with deep process or equipment expertise.
• Strong background in process engineering and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Ability to work effectively in cross‑functional and cross‑cultural teams and to communicate clearly with technical and non‑technical stakeholders.

Work Environment

The role is based in a high‑volume manufacturing and production environment focused on EV battery technologies and advanced manufacturing equipment. You will work closely with calendaring machines, laser cutting and welding equipment, battery electrode processes, and other specialized machinery, supported by CAD tools such as AutoCAD, CATIA, or Creo, and productivity tools such as Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint. The position involves approximately 25% travel within the United States, with the possibility of international travel when project needs arise, primarily to equipment vendors, manufacturing plants, and project sites. Overtime of around 25% can be expected, including some weekends and plant shutdown periods (for example, July and December) to support equipment installation, trials, and launches. The interview process typically includes a 60‑minute STAR‑based video interview conducted via Microsoft Teams. The organization emphasizes a strong safety culture under the principle that zero incidents are possible, and expects consistent adherence to construction and plant safety requirements. Consultants benefit from long‑term, open‑ended contract opportunities with a high degree of stability, planned projects extending 5 to 10 years, and a culture that supports continuous learning and professional growth. Work schedules are managed with a focus on flexibility and work‑life balance where possible, and the environment offers structured mentorship, opportunities for conversion to full‑time roles, and a robust support structure for travel and project logistics, including paid time off, holidays, and overtime compensation.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Liberty, NC.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $70.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Liberty,NC.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 30, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.