Sr. Manufacturing Engineer

Proterra offers a dynamic and supportive workplace where our employees can thrive personally and professionally. With cutting-edge facilities and groundbreaking projects, Proterra offers unique opportunities to grow, collaborate, and lead transformative change in the electrification of heavy-duty transportation and equipment.

Our commitment to innovation extends beyond our battery solutions to our people, where we create an environment where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to drive change for the earth. Here at Proterra we strive to foster a culture of inclusivity, valuing diverse perspectives and encouraging bold ideas, allowing our employees to bring their full selves to work. Our employees benefit from competitive total rewards packages, and opportunities to develop professionally.

Position Overview:

The Manufacturing Engineer will be responsible for developing, implementing, and optimizing automated processes for the assembly of battery modules and packs. This role ensures that automated production lines consistently deliver high-quality, cost-effective, and safe products while supporting continuous improvement, scalability, and operational excellence in a high-volume manufacturing environment.

About the Role – You will:

Process Engineering & Optimization

• Develop and validate automated processes for cell-to-module and module-to-pack assembly, including welding, fastening, sealing, potting, and end-of-line testing.
• Define, document, and maintain process parameters, standard work instructions, and validation protocols.
• Conduct PFMEA and implement poka-yoke/error-proofing systems to ensure process robustness.
• Perform capability studies (Cp/Cpk), MSA, and DOE to optimize line performance and reduce variation.

Automation & Equipment

• Work with automation engineers and vendors to specify, install, and validate robotic assembly systems, conveyors, torque tools, and inspection equipment.
• Support integration of MES, vision systems, leak tests, HiPot, and isolation resistance testers for real-time quality control.
• Lead troubleshooting and root cause analysis for equipment and process issues, driving permanent corrective actions.

Quality & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with automotive/energy industry standards (IATF 16949, ISO, UL, etc.).
• Partner with Quality to investigate nonconformities and drive corrective/preventive actions.
• Support validation and approval of new materials, tooling, and equipment for production readiness.

Continuous Improvement

• Apply Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles to improve OEE, yield, and throughput.
• Lead kaizen events focused on cycle time reduction, ergonomic optimization, and scrap reduction.
• Drive automation enhancements aligned with Industry 4.0, including data-driven process monitoring and predictive maintenance.

Collaboration & Training

• Work closely with Design Engineering to ensure DFM/DFA for cells, modules, and pack designs.
• Collaborate with Maintenance, Controls, and Production teams to maintain line reliability and uptime.
• Provide technical training to operators, technicians, and engineers on new processes and equipment.

Your Experience Includes:

• Bachelor’s degree Mechanical, Manufacturing, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering (Master’s preferred).
• 3–7 years of experience in automated high-volume manufacturing (battery, EV, automotive, or electronics strongly preferred).
• Strong knowledge of module and pack assembly processes: cell handling, welding (laser/ultrasonic), fastening, sealing, thermal management integration, and EOL testing.
• Hands-on experience with automated torque tools (e.g., Atlas Copco), robotics, PLCs, and vision inspection systems.
• Proficiency with CAD, MES systems, and statistical analysis tools (Minitab, JMP, etc.).
• Strong problem-solving, root cause analysis, and project management skills.

Designed and assembled in the United States, Proterra’s innovative battery platform offers industry-leading energy density, durability, performance and safety systems – enabling Proterra EV batteries to be the premium choice for commercial vehicles and industrial equipment.

Proterra’s battery technology offers industry-leading energy density, safety systems, and durability. Proudly designed in Silicon Valley and assembled in Greer, South Carolina, Proterra® batteries are the premier choice to electrify commercial vehicles ranging from buses and trucks to construction equipment and more. Proterra is building innovative battery technology to power a better, more sustainable world.

Location: Greer

Travel: 0-15%

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Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. There is no immigration sponsorship available for this role (ex: H1-B, OPT, CPT, TN or any other employment sponsorship).

Proterra is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, providing equal employment opportunities to all Employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, including, but not limited to, lactation or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law or ordinance. Proterra participates in the Electronic Employment Verification Program