Systems Engineer -High Speed Manufacturing (Battery Technology)

Volkswagen Group of America; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 121,000 - 177,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is on the lookout for a passionate Systems Engineer to join their innovative team in San Jose. This role is pivotal in driving the transformation towards electric mobility by developing and validating manufacturing equipment for solid-state lithium-metal batteries. You'll lead complex engineering projects, ensuring seamless integration of processes and systems across multiple functions. If you're ready to embrace new challenges and contribute to a sustainable future, this is the perfect opportunity for you. Join a dynamic environment where your expertise will help shape the future of battery technology and make a real impact.

Benefits

Annual performance bonus

Healthcare benefits

401(k) with company match

Defined contribution retirement program

Tuition reimbursement

Company lease car program

Paid time off

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of experience in manufacturing with proven project management skills.
• Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Engineering are required.

Responsibilities

• Lead pilot-scale to high-volume battery assembly equipment programs.
• Manage external integrators and suppliers ensuring timely delivery.

Skills

Analytical Thinking

Project Management

Communication Skills

Attention to Detail

Flexibility

Problem Solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Master’s degree in Engineering

Tools

CAD

PLC programming tools

MS Project

Job description

Qualifications:

• 5-7 years of experience, with 5 years in manufacturing

Education:

Required: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Manufacturing, Control, or related fields).

Required: Master’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Manufacturing, Control, or related fields).

Required Skills:

• Shares a real passion for our mission and vision of a carbonless future.
• Strong analytical and conceptual thinking – using logic and reason, creative and strategic.
• Proven ability to lead complex engineering projects, including scope definition, budgeting, resource planning, and cross-functional leadership.
• Communication skills – interpersonal, ability to manage relationships internally (within team, with other teams) and externally (suppliers, teams of partnering companies).
• Highly organized with meticulous attention to detail, capable of producing clear technical documentation and presentations. Proficiency in standard engineering and project management software (e.g., CAD, PLC programming tools, MS Project, etc.). Ability to successfully manage projects and meet deadlines amidst changing requirements and priorities.
• Proven ability to integrate people, processes, and systems across multiple functions (Engineering, Operations, Quality, etc.).
• Embrace new challenges, learn new techniques, and surpass internal goals.
• Demonstrate flexibility and resourcefulness allowing smooth adaptation to a constantly evolving environment and work priorities.

Specialized Skills

Required:

• Proven track record in manufacturing scale-up and ability to transfer complex technologies from research to commercialization.
• Experience with a variety of automation systems, high-speed manufacturing machinery, industrial sensors, vision, and metrology systems.
• Proven project management skills with experience in scheduling, budgeting, resource allocation, and cross-department coordination.
• Knowledge of industry standards and regulatory requirements related to battery manufacturing.

Desired:

• Work knowledge or experience of lithium-ion, solid-state battery, or fuel cell manufacturing.

Flexibility:

• Ability to maintain flexible work hours to account for time zone differences with Europe when necessary.
• Overtime may be required to meet ramp-up deadlines.
• 10% Travel.

In San Jose, California, the salary range for this role is $121,400 – $176,300, depending on education and experience.

Benefits for this position include:

• Eligibility for annual performance bonus
• Healthcare benefits
• 401(k), with company match
• Defined contribution retirement program.
• Tuition reimbursement
• Company lease car program
• Paid time off

Volkswagen Group of America is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome and encourage applicants from all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on race, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, color, gender identity/expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable laws.

We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform crucial job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

#LI-JC1

#LI-ONSITE

VW. Two letters. Endless opportunities. A bright future.

Innovation. Sophistication. Optimization. This is our Passion.

Worldwide, the Volkswagen Group has a long tradition of innovations. The Volkswagen Group with its headquarters in Wolfsburg, is one of the world’s leading automobile manufacturers and the largest carmaker in Europe. The Group comprises diverse brands in several European countries: e.g. Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Audi, SEAT, ŠKODA, Bentley, Lamborghini, Porsche, Ducati, Scania or MAN. Here in the US, we are blending German engineering with American ingenuity.

With our battery activities, we are ready to challenge the status quo. Our mission is to power the transformation towards electric mobility and renewable energy by building a local battery industry. And we believe that it is time for a new generation of batteries: Safer, more sustainable, and more resilient. Batteries with positive power. Batteries for generations to come. We are shaping the battery's future. And just as it needs a lot of different expertise to scale big projects, the battery future will be built by people with a wide range of skills and experience. We are chemists, project managers, battery experts, procurement specialists, IT professionals, sustainability experts, and more. Regardless of your background, if you are up for the challenge, join our mission and be part of the change.

Systems Engineer, salary grade 8, reports to Head of Operations, Battery Accessories, and is located in San Jose, California, with a role classification of Fully On-Site.

Role Summary:

To achieve these ambitious goals, we are seeking a dedicated Systems Engineer. This is a senior level Member of Technical Staff to our Operations Department. This individual will be responsible for conceptualizing, developing, and validating manufacturing equipment and process technology to enable scale manufacturing of our solid-state lithium-metal batteries. Experience working with electrochemical energy storage devices such as lithium-based batteries, fuel cells, or similar technologies is highly desired.

Role Responsibilities:

• Lead pilot-scale through high-volume/automated battery cell assembly equipment programs.
• Serve as SME in equipment design for high-speed manufacturing systems, working closely with cross-functional teams (e.g., Manufacturing, Quality).
• Develop a strong partnership with product design & R&D teams to drive DFM/DFA, process control & simplicity considerations to enable high volume & cost.
• Lead PFMEA and OEE considerations early in product development to minimize risk and optimize production efficiency.
• Manage external integrators and suppliers from RFP/RFQ through FAT/SAT, ensuring on-time, on-budget delivery and successful hand off to manufacturing.
• Develop and document machine specifications, interfaces, and concept designs in collaboration with the automation, controls, and production teams.
• Manage technical risks, document mitigation plans, and lead design validation throughout the entire project lifecycle.
• Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance equipment performance and reliability, using data-driven metrics (e.g., OEE) to track progress.
• Analyze performance data and generate reports to support decision-making and continuous improvement efforts.