Staff Manufacturing Controls Engineer, Battery Engineering

Position Overview

This position as part of the Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (AME) organization will lead automation controls efforts for manufacturing equipment used by Proterra's Battery Manufacturing lines. 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:

• Develop and implement manufacturing equipment and processes ranging from whole production lines to individual automation cells by working with both internal design resources and external automation vendors.

• Act as the subject matter expert for automation controls at Proterra to streamline future engineering efforts.

• Drive the development of automation control standards and programming practices used by a growing team of automation controls engineers and across the larger organization.

• Guide application of Proterra standards by external automation vendors through specification, design review, and approval.

• Create and execute controls related test plans for new automated process equipment for deployment into production.

• Support automation vendors all the way through installation and commissioning to start of production and initial ramp.

• Architect, write, and debug PLCs using Ladder and/or Structured Text with an emphasis on generating code that is organized, structured, documented, maintainable and reusable.

• Design automation network architecture and equipment interfaces that prioritizes security and streamlines data communication between manufacturing equipment and supervisory level systems, such as the factory Manufacturing Execution System MES.

• Develop and debug HMI and SCADA screens for manufacturing production lines and automation work cells.

• Implement control reliable safety systems, complying to governing safety standards like ISO 13849-1, NFPA 79, and ANSI/RIA R15.06, for safeguarding robots, gantries, conveyors, and other high volume manufacturing equipment.

• Support optimization of automated processes to reduce cycle time, maximize availability, and improve yield.

• Create training plans and troubleshooting documentation for maintenance and production teams who will be the end user and supporter of the equipment after launch.

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 within the AME Organization and collaborate with other team members located at our headquarters in Burlingame, CA and our manufacturing facility in Greer, SC.

About You:

• Self-starter with the ability to adapt interpersonal styles and techniques to influence at all levels of the organization.

• Customer-focused attitude, with high level of professionalism and discretion.

• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality, establish trust and credibility, and act with complete integrity.

• Detail-oriented, resourceful, and diligent.

• Flexible and open to change.

• Strong time management and organizational skills.

• Sound judgment and problem-solving skills.

• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.

• Ability to travel as needed to Proterra and project-related sites.

Your Experience Includes:

• BS in Electrical Engineering or equivalent (Controls Engineering, Mechatronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering) or equivalent relevant experience.

• Experience leading large complex automation projects that require the full set of skills, including electrical design, software development, and deployment/commissioning.

• Experience in developing automation controls standards.

• Experience in PLC programming, Allen-Bradley and Beckhoff PLCs preferred.

• Experience in designing automation network architectures and interfaces with supervisory systems.

• Experience in developing HMIs and SCADA systems, Induction Ignition

• Perspective module preferred.

• Experience integrating robotic work cells, Fanuc Robots preferred.

You Might Also Have:

• Knowledge of Safety standards (ISO 13849-1, NFPA 79, ANSI/RIA R15.06, OSHA).

• Knowledge of Electrical Standards for industrial machinery ((NFPA 70, NFPA 79, UL508A).

• Hands on experience in high or low volume manufacturing environments, including conveyance, vision, and dispense systems.

• Familiarity with Manufacturing Execution Systems and data historians.

Job Details:

Department: Advanced Manufacturing Engineering

• Base Location: Burlingame, CA

• Common Travel Locations: Greer, SC; Vendor Sites

• Travel: 0-20%

• Compensation: $170,000 - $190,000 annually