New Product Development Engineer

Packet Digital; Fargo (ND); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Packet Digital is expanding its pouch-liIon cell capabilities and seeks a New Product Development Engineer to drive design and development of next-generation pouch-format Li-ion cells. You will work across early-stage design, prototyping, and pilot manufacturing to ensure performance, manufacturability, and safety requirements are met.

The ideal candidate has strong lithium-ion cell engineering, CAD-based mechanical design, and hands-on development in cell prototyping and validation, with

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• Working knowledge of pouch-cell lithium-ion design, including electrode structure, pouching processes, electrolyte selection, and tab design.
• Proficiency with CAD/3D modeling tools (SolidWorks, Creo, NX, etc.).
• Hands-on experience in cell prototyping, laboratory builds, or early-stage cell development.
• Ability to analyze cycling data, performance metrics, and failure modes to guide design improvements.
• Strong cross-functional communication skills and ability to work in R&D and pilot-line environment. Able to travel overseas for training and collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support the design of pouch lithium-ion cells, including electrode architecture, stack configuration, mechanical layout, tab design, and pouch dimensions.
• Develop detailed 2D and 3D models using CAD software for electrodes, cell stacks, tabs, and packaging.
• Participate in prototyping of pouch cells, including material selection, electrode design iteration, stacking/winding setup, electrolyte selection, pouch-forming considerations, and sealing strategies.
• Collaborate with process engineering teams to ensure cell designs align with manufacturing capabilities.
• Support pilot-line builds and analyze performance, yield, and manufacturability data to drive iterative design improvements.
• Generate engineering documentation including drawings, specifications, BOMs, test plans, and validation reports.
• Use test and cycling data to improve pouch-cell performance in terms of energy density, cycle life, impedance, thermal behavior, and safety.
• Participate in DFM, DFMEA, and engineering reviews to ensure design robustness and manufacturability.
• Ensure pouch-cell designs comply with relevant safety and DoD requirements (UN38.3, NAVSEA S9310, MIL-PRF-29595B, etc.).
• All other duties as assigned.

Skills

Pouch-cell design knowledge

CAD/3D modeling

Cell prototyping experience

Data analysis of cycling data

Cross-functional communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related

Master's degree in engineering (preferred)

Tools

SolidWorks

Creo

NX

Job description

New Product Development Engineer

Position Overview

Packet Digital is expanding its vertically integrated lithium-ion battery capabilities and seeking a New Product Development (NPD) Engineer to drive the design and development of next‑generation pouch‑format lithium‑ion cells. This engineer will work across early‑stage design, prototyping, and pilot manufacturing to ensure that new pouch‑cell architectures meet performance, manufacturability, and safety requirements. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in lithium‑ion cell engineering, CAD‑based mechanical design, and hands‑on development experience in cell prototyping and validation.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support the design of pouch lithium‑ion cells, including electrode architecture, stack configuration, mechanical layout, tab design, and pouch dimensions.
• Develop detailed 2D and 3D models using CAD software (SolidWorks, Creo, or similar) for electrodes, cell stacks, tabs, and packaging.
• Participate in prototyping of pouch cells, including material selection, electrode design iteration, stacking/winding setup, electrolyte selection, pouch‑forming considerations, and sealing strategies.
• Collaborate with process engineering teams to ensure cell designs align with manufacturing capabilities (mixing, coating, calendaring, slitting, stacking, welding, filling, formation).
• Support pilot‑line builds and analyze performance, yield, and manufacturability data to drive iterative design improvements.
• Generate engineering documentation including drawings, specifications, BOMs, test plans, and validation reports.
• Use test and cycling data to improve pouch‑cell performance in terms of energy density, cycle life, impedance, thermal behavior, and safety.
• Participate in DFM, DFMEA, and engineering reviews to ensure design robustness and manufacturability.
• Ensure pouch‑cell designs comply with relevant safety and DoD requirements (UN38.3, NAVSEA S9310, MIL‑PRF‑29595B, etc.). All other duties as assigned.
• All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

The successful candidate should possess the following qualifications: Required:

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• Working knowledge of pouch‑cell lithium‑ion design, including electrode structure, pouching processes, electrolyte selection, and tab design.
• Proficiency with CAD/3D modeling tools (SolidWorks, Creo, NX, etc.).
• Hands‑on experience in cell prototyping, laboratory builds, or early‑stage cell development.
• Ability to analyze cycling data, performance metrics, and failure modes to guide design improvements.
• Strong cross‑functional communication skills and ability to work in R&D and pilot‑line environment. Able to travel overseas for training and collaboration.

Preferred

• Master's degree in engineering or a related discipline.
• Industry experience specifically in pouch‑cell development or pouch‑cell manufacturing.
• Familiarity with pilot manufacturing lines (coating, calendaring, slitting, stacking, tab welding, filling, formation).
• Experience with mechanical, thermal, or electrochemical simulation tools.
• Knowledge of DFM, DFMEA, and design validation methodologies.
• Experience with DoD testing and safety standards for lithium‑ion systems.

Work Environment

This is a full‑time position based in our main office. We offer a collaborative and inclusive work environment with opportunities for growth and advancement.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Packet Digital is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment.