Palo Alto, CA General Engineering Battery Engineering Technician (contract) General Engineering Battery Engineering Technician (contract)

Pivotal; Palo Alto, Northern (CA, KY); On-site; USD 45,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401k plan

Job summary

Pivotal is seeking a hands-on Battery Engineering Technician to join our battery team in Palo Alto. You will build, test, and characterize cells, modules, and packs—from prototype builds through validation—with a strong safety-first mindset and attention to detail.

You will operate cyclers, power supplies, welders, and test equipment, document results with traceability, and collaborate with engineers to drive improvements in a fast-paced, on-site environment.

Qualifications

• 3+ years hands-on experience with battery cells, modules, or packs in an engineering or manufacturing environment.
• Proficient with electronics test equipment: cyclers, hi-pot testers, DMMs, oscilloscopes, and AC/DC power supplies.
• Experience building fixtures and preparing test samples; strong mechanical aptitude with hand and power tools.
• Familiarity with welding (laser, ultrasonic, or spot) and basic machine shop equipment.
• Strong documentation habits, communication skills, and team-oriented attitude.
• High school diploma or GED equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Build and validate battery prototypes from cell through pack level; rework parts and assemblies as needed.
• Set up and execute electrical, thermal, and thermal runaway (TR) tests, including sensor and thermocouple installation on test articles.
• Operate lab equipment: cyclers (Arbin, BioLogic, Chroma), power supplies, ultrasonic/spot welders, hi-pot testers, DMMs, and oscilloscopes.
• Build test fixtures, jigs, enclosures, and harnesses for test stands.
• Document build processes, test data, travelers, and inspection results with strong traceability.
• Handle, store, and dispose of hazardous battery materials per federal, state, and local regulations.
• Maintain a clean, safe lab; collaborate with Engineering and Quality to resolve issues and drive continuous improvement.

Skills

Battery cells/modules/pack

Test data documentation

Safety-first mindset

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Arbin cyclers

BioLogic cyclers

Chroma cyclers

Hi-pot testers

DMMs

Oscilloscopes

Power supplies

Job description

Pivotal is the leader in the emerging market of electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft. We design, develop, and manufacture light eVTOL aircraft and are renowned for the BlackFly aircraft the world's first light eVTOL to fly manned missions and enter the consumer market.

Efficient, compact, and simple, Pivotal aircraft are designed for a wide range of consumer, public service, and defense applications. Our distinctive tilt-aircraft architecture and scalable platform have been flying for over 10 years. Last year we announced our next-generation aircraft, the Helix, which is rapidly progressing toward general release and scalable production in 2026.

Mobility is one of the most highly-valued areas of modern technology investments. This is the right company, in the right space, the right strategy, at the right time. If you are ready for adventure, we invite you to join our amazing team and grow with us.

About the job:

We are looking for a hands-on Battery Engineering Technician to join our battery team in a fast-paced eVTOL startup environment. You will work closely with battery engineers to build, test, and characterize cells, modules, and packs — from prototype builds through validation. Strong attention to detail, a safety-first mindset, and adaptability are essential.

Responsibilities

• Build and validate battery prototypes from cell through pack level; rework parts and assemblies as needed.
• Set up and execute electrical, thermal, and thermal runaway (TR) tests, including sensor and thermocouple installation on test articles.
• Operate lab equipment: cyclers (Arbin, BioLogic, Chroma), power supplies, ultrasonic/spot welders, hi-pot testers, DMMs, and oscilloscopes.
• Build test fixtures, jigs, enclosures, and harnesses for test stands.
• Document build processes, test data, travelers, and inspection results with strong traceability.
• Handle, store, and dispose of hazardous battery materials per federal, state, and local regulations.
• Maintain a clean, safe lab; collaborate with Engineering and Quality to resolve issues and drive continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of hands-on experience with battery cells, modules, or packs in an engineering or manufacturing environment.
• Proficient with electronics test equipment: cyclers, hi-pot testers, DMMs, oscilloscopes, and AC/DC power supplies.
• Experience building fixtures and preparing test samples; strong mechanical aptitude with hand and power tools.
• Familiarity with welding (laser, ultrasonic, or spot) and basic machine shop equipment.
• Strong documentation habits, communication skills, and team-oriented attitude.
• High school diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with thermal runaway or abuse testing (including post-burn cleanup in Tyvek suits).
• Experience with high-voltage battery packs and safety protocols.
• Familiarity with DO-160G, DO-311A, or UN 38.3 certification testing.
• Experience in aerospace/regulated environments: ESD controls, traceability, controlled rework.
• PCB assembly, soldering, or 3D printing/CNC experience.
• Experience working safely with hazardous materials.
• Associate’s or technical degree in engineering (desired but not required).

What Success Looks Like (First 60–90 Days)

• Independently builds and tests battery assemblies with minimal rework.
• Executes electrical and thermal tests reliably, documents results, and flags issues early.
• Partners with engineers to triage failures and contributes at least one measurable process improvement.

Attributes aligned with Core Values

• Demonstrates a proactive safety mindset by embedding safety into daily operations, identifying and mitigating risks through assessments and training, encouraging open dialogue on safety concerns, and continuously improving protocols to ensure a safe work environment.
• Puts customers at the center of every action by deeply understanding their challenges, delivering exceptional value, and striving to exceed expectations to support their success as our core purpose.
• Actively seeks and values diverse stakeholder perspectives, builds cross-functional relationships, and fosters trust through empathetic, fact-based communication—committing to shared decisions for the greater good.
• Drives results with clarity and purpose by focusing on what matters most, adapting to change, taking initiative, and owning outcomes while aligning actions with a clear understanding of success at every level.
• Navigates ambiguity with resilience and bold thinking, challenges the status quo, and combines innovative ideas with practical best practices to overcome obstacles and drive progress.
• Fosters a high-performance culture grounded in respect, professionalism, and support—balancing high expectations with a healthy, collaborative environment and being a trusted, dependable teammate.

$33 - $41 an hour

Applicants must be eligible for employment in the United States and willing to work onsite at our HQ office in Palo Alto, CA.

Pivotal offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and 401k plans.

Pivotal is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Pivotal does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.