Lead Engineering Technician, Battery Engineering

Proterra

Proterra

Burlingame, CA, USA

USD 55-70 / hour

Posted on Jun 6, 2026

Position Overview:

This position as part of the Battery Technology Team (BTT) that operates within the Volvo Group under the broader Powertrain Technologies organization. will be responsible for supporting the design and development of novel manufacturing equipment and processes to develop new battery pack designs. The Advanced Manufacturing Engineering Technician is responsible for working with engineering teams to develop and tune processes. They will also build new equipment and fixtures to specifications. The role will include collaboration with both internal and external partners, taking a hands-on role ensuring that the factory can achieve the required capacity of batteries to be used by Proterra’s customers.

About the Role – You will:

  • Lead technician work and operations relating to building and troubleshooting new equipment and manufacturing fixtures, setting up prototype builds, and testing new manufacturing processes.
  • Maintain and uphold high safety standards
  • Support the Advanced Manufacturing Engineering team in building complex mechanical and electrical assemblies
  • Support the development of processes and equipment to allow Proterra to build prototypes and prepare battery pack design for production launch
  • Fabricate and/or modify existing prototype components/fixtures
  • Execute Process Studies to help engineers determine best process parameters for a given manufacturing process
  • Work from engineering drawings and specifications to create fixtures and equipment
  • Provide feedback and suggestions to new and/or improved equipment and processes
  • Keep the lab space clean, organized, and equipped with supplies or machines
  • Other duties as assigned by management

About Our Group:

  • The Battery Technology Team seeks to develop innovative new manufacturing processes and automation tools to establish Volvo Group as a world leader in battery pack manufacturing. It is comprised of several different teams focused on different aspects of battery manufacturing, including process development and automated manufacturing equipment design.
  • This role is part of the larger Battery Technology Team. The Battery Technology Team’s work is guided by our team values:
    • INNOVATION: We think of new ideas and take bold action to bring them to life.
    • ADAPTABILITY: We react quickly to our ever-changing environment.
    • CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT: We strive to make our products, services, and processes better.
    • TEAMWORK & COLLABORATION: We work together to solve problems with camaraderie.
    • INCLUSION: We create welcoming spaces where everyone can bring their whole selves to a diverse work community.
    • SUSTAINABILITY: We change the world through environmentally responsible practices.
    • KINDNESS: We are honest, caring, and respectful with each other.
  • You will report to the Sr Manager, Advanced Manufacturing Engineering within the Battery Engineering Organization and collaborate with other team members located at our R&D headquarters in Burlingame, CA and manufacturing facilities in Greer, SC.

About You:

  • Self-starting individual with the ability to adapt interpersonal styles and techniques to influence at all levels of the organization
  • Customer-focused attitude, with high level of professionalism and discretion.
  • Ability to maintain strict confidentiality, establish trust and credibility, and act with complete integrity.
  • Detail-oriented, resourceful and diligent.
  • Flexible and open to change
  • Strong time management and organizational skills; proactive and the ability to work with little supervision.
  • Sound judgment and problem-solving skills; challenge assumptions not supported by engineering analysis
  • Ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
  • Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills
  • Ability to travel as needed to Proterra and project-related partner sites
  • Ability to travel as needed to Proterra and project-related partner sites

Your Experience Includes:

  • Associate degree in related field or equivalent relevant experience such as:
    • Car mechanic
    • Manufacturing line associate
    • Troubleshooting mechanical/electrical systems
    • Other technical troubleshooting, test or manufacturing environments
  • Experience managing shop operations such as checking in on other technicians' progress, reporting out status updates to management, organizing materials and tools to increase productivity
  • Demonstrated understanding of schematics, assembly drawings, and mechanical drawings
  • Demonstrated knowledge of basic workshop etiquette, provide verbal and written communication across all teams
  • Working knowledge of computers and Microsoft Office products
  • Proficiency with mechanical fabrication tools such as drill presses, saws, mills, hand tools, etc
  • Physical Demands:
    • May work various shifts as needed; may be requested to travel to different locations.
    • Lifting up to 25 pounds and occasionally 50 pounds.
    • Able to walk, stand, crouch, bench, kneel, lift, carry and reach as needed in large and tight spaces.
    • Good eye/hand coordination and ability to identify color variations, depth perceptions and close or distance visual items.
    • Manual dexterity with occasional repetitive finger motion.
  • Environmental Demands:
    • Ability to work in manufacturing environment with extreme heat and cold conditions.
    • Wear protective clothing or respiratory protective equipment.
    • Works with irritant chemicals, gases, etc.

You Might Also Have:

  • Experience as an engineering technician or process
  • Experience with relevant technologies such as sensors, electronics, controls, pneumatics, valves, and mechanisms
  • Electrical and mechanical assembly experience: crimping, cabinet builds, cable routing, soldering
  • Machining and fabrication experience with manual milling machines, welding of steel assemblies

Job Details:

Department: Advanced Manufacturing Engineering

  • Base Location: Burlingame, CA
  • Common Travel Locations: Greenville, SC; Vendor Sites
  • Travel: 0-20%
  • Compensation: $55/hr - $70/hr
See more open positions at Proterra