Staff Engineer, Pilot Manufacturing Systems & Equipment

Sila; Alameda (CA); On-site; USD 151,000 - 191,000; Full time

Job summary

Sila, a battery materials innovator in Alameda, CA, is hiring a hands-on engineer to lead our pilot manufacturing line. You will architect, design, and commission first-of-a-kind equipment translating core chemistry into scalable manufacturing technologies.

You will collaborate with scientists, process engineers, and external integrators to de-risk operations, improve throughput, and ensure safety. The role requires strong CAD skills and a track record with turnkey equipment vendors.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of work experience in a manufacturing environment (or fewer for candidates with an advanced degree).
• BS in mechanical engineering (preferred) or a similar engineering field.
• Strong equipment design principles with advanced proficiency in 3D CAD modeling, drawing standards (GD&T), tolerance stack-up analysis, and mechanical component sizing (actuators, pumps, gearboxes, vacuum/pressure vessels).
• Demonstrated technical understanding of complex production equipment and processes. Ability to independently troubleshoot, problem solve, analyze data and manage controls charts (SPC). Experience with leveraging statistical software to analyze experimental data, identify trends, and drive data-backed decisions.
• Proven track record of managing turn-key equipment builders and custom automation vendors from initial scope through FAT, SAT, and commissioning.
• Can effectively manage multiple responsibilities, is self-motivated and can work autonomously with minimal guidance; comfortable with ambiguity and proactive about creating workflows and manufacturing process structure.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day technical support for manufacturing equipment and processes on our pilot manufacturing line. Embrace firefighting, analyzing, and addressing each day's operational challenges enthusiastically and rigorously.
• Continuously improve and sustain the pilot manufacturing line by executing on projects that improve process throughput, equipment reliability, performance, and safety.
• Spearhead the scaling of core synthesis, coating, thermal, and material handling processes from bench/lab scale to pilot and high-volume manufacturing lines.
• Develop equipment concepts, 3D CAD models, detailed drawings (GD& are, sizing calculations, and functional specifications for custom automated equipment.
• Act as the technical lead for contract manufacturing transfers; ensure all critical-to-quality (CTQ) process parameters are systematically mapped to vendor equipment specifications, tooling capabilities, and automation architectures.

Skills

3D CAD modeling

GD&T

Tolerance stack-up analysis

Mechanical sizing

SPC

Data analysis

Vendor management

Autonomous work

Education

BS in mechanical engineering (preferred)

Job description

Sila, a battery materials innovator in Alameda, CA, is hiring a hands-on engineer to lead our pilot manufacturing line. You will architect, design, and commission first-of-a-kind equipment translating core chemistry into scalable manufacturing technologies.

You will collaborate with scientists, process engineers, and external integrators to de-risk operations, improve throughput, and ensure safety. The role requires strong CAD skills and a track record with turnkey equipment vendors.