Sr. Staff Battery System Engineer

ALSO.; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 255,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Robust health coverage

Flexible time off

401(k) match

One Medical membership

Fertility and family building benefits

Job summary

An electric mobility company in California is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to lead battery pack design improvements and ensure compliance with safety standards. Candidates should have a Mechanical Engineering degree and 5-10+ years of experience in battery engineering. Responsibilities include managing global manufacturing processes and driving design changes based on testing results. The role offers a competitive salary and robust health coverage. Flexible time off and 401(k) match are also included.

Qualifications

• 5-10+ years in battery engineering focusing on cell selection and module hardware.
• Knowledge of battery safety standards like UN 38.3, UL 1642, SAE J2464.
• Proven ability in leading distinct projects in battery platform technologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead Battery pack design improvements and build prototypes.
• Ensure designs meet mechanical, environmental, and safety requirements.
• Act as primary technical liaison with engineering and manufacturers.

Skills

Mechanical Engineering

Battery engineering

First principles thinking

3D modeling and drafting

Technical mindset

Fast-paced work environment

Education

Mechanical Engineering degree

Tools

Catia V6

Ansys

Altair

Job description

About ALSO

We’re ALSO, an electric mobility company originally conceived as a part of Rivian. We’re a passionate team of builders, dreamers, doers and innovators, focused on creating entirely new (not to mention, innovative and delightful) vertically integrated, small EVs designed to meet the global mobility challenges of today and tomorrow. Our mission is to inspire everyone to ride ALSO—replacing many local car, truck and SUV miles with ones on vehicles that are more affordable, more enjoyable and 10‑50x more efficient.

What You Will Do

• Mechanical Design Improvements: Lead the Battery pack design improvements by building prototypes, DOE test plans inhouse and at CMs. Drive design for manufacturing improvements at component suppliers and FATP CMs.
• Validation & Compliance: Ensure designs meet strict mechanical (shock/vibe), environmental (thermal/humidity), and safety (propagation/crush) requirements. You will interpret test failures and drive design tweaks to ensure passing results.
• Global CM Management & Technical Liaison: Act as the primary technical liaison with engineering headquarters and Battery Contract Manufacturers. Rigorously review First Article Inspections (FAI) and analyze CPK/PPK data to ensure the manufacturing process is stable and components meet specifications. Lead onsite execution (2‑6 weeks/year travel) to resolve production bottlenecks.
• Quality and reliability focus: Define and scope lifecycle test needs associated with improving quality, and reliability components, assembly quality and reliability.

What You Will Bring

• Education: Must have a Mechanical Engineering degree with a strong engineering and physics fundamentals.
• Experience: 5‑10+ years in battery engineering with experience in cell selection, module hardware, and electrical interconnects. Proven ability to lead and execute distinct projects focused on advancing battery platform technologies.
• Testing Standards: Deep understanding of design requirements for meeting battery safety and reliability standards (e.g., UN 38.3, UL 1642, SAE J2464).
• Technical Mindset: Strong grasp of first principles thinking; you solve novel problems by looking at the physics, not just industry trends.
• Fast‑Paced: Comfortable working in a high‑velocity environment where priorities can shift rapidly.

Preferred Qualifications

• Expertise in 3D modeling and drafting in Catia V6. Structural and thermal simulation experience with Anys, Altair or similar CAE software.
• Familiarity with laser welding, wire bonding, and ultrasonic welding processes.
• Experience designing for high‑volume automated assembly lines.
• Knowledge of battery safety standards (e.g., UN 38.3, UL 1642/1973).

The salary for this position ranges from $150,000 – $255,000 per year, depending on experience and qualifications.

Why ALSO.

We’re passionate about helping the world find a better way to get there—wherever it is you’re headed. We’re located in the heart of Silicon Valley and have brought together a world‑class team from some of the biggest brands in the technology, automotive, cycling, outdoor recreation and retail spaces. Together we’re working hands‑on to imagine, design and build an entirely new solution to a global set of transportation challenges.

Perks And Benefits

• Robust health coverage. Excellent health, dental and vision insurance covered up to 100% by ALSO with FSA & HSA options.
• One Medical membership and dedicated insurance advocates.
• Rich fertility and family building benefits with Progyny.
• Flexible time off.
• 401(k) match.