Welding Jobs in Richmond, CA

Job Title: Mechanical Engineer – Plastic Component Design (Battery Cell Engineering)

Job Description

This Mechanical Engineer role sits within a multidisciplinary Cell Engineering team that develops qualified battery cell designs for a utility-scale, multi-day energy storage system. You will lead the design and validation of plastic components for iron-air battery cells, with a strong focus on injection-molded parts. Working closely with manufacturing engineering, you will help define and support battery cell assembly processes and equipment, contributing directly to the scale-up of an innovative, sustainable energy storage technology.

Responsibilities

• Design molded plastic components for integration into iron-air battery cells, with an emphasis on injection-molded parts.
• Own the full lifecycle of plastic component development, including concept generation, engineering analysis, and detailed design.
• Lead analysis, prototyping, and failure analysis efforts for plastic components to improve performance and reliability.
• Fabricate first-of-a-kind plastic prototypes to perform mechanical fit checks and verification testing.
• Develop and execute validation test plans to confirm that designs meet critical functional, performance, and reliability requirements.
• Collaborate closely with Battery Module and Electrode teams to define, negotiate, and manage interface requirements.
• Produce and release detailed 2D part and assembly drawings, ensuring clear dimensional, functional, performance, and manufacturing specifications.
• Support the definition and optimization of battery cell assembly processes and equipment in partnership with manufacturing engineering.
• Gain hands-on experience with plastic joining methods, such as laser welding and hot-plate welding, and apply these techniques to component and assembly designs.
• Continuously refine designs based on test data, failure analysis, and feedback from cross-functional partners in a fast-paced environment.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• 5+ years of industry experience in mechanical engineering or a closely related discipline.
• Proficiency in CAD software, such as SolidWorks, to create 3D models and detailed engineering drawings.
• Ability to perform engineering analysis to drive data-informed design decisions.
• Experience with plastic component design, particularly for injection molding or similar manufacturing processes.
• Strong data analysis skills, especially for interpreting mechanical test results and translating findings into design improvements.
• Ability to work effectively and make sound engineering decisions in a fast-paced startup environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with additional plastic manufacturing processes such as blow molding or thermoforming.
• Hands-on exposure to plastic joining methods, including laser welding and hot-plate welding.
• Experience conducting validation and verification testing for mechanical components.
• Experience in failure analysis of mechanical or plastic components.
• Familiarity with defining and managing technical specifications, including dimensional, functional, performance, and manufacturing requirements.
• Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams such as module design, electrode design, and manufacturing engineering.

Work Environment

This role is based in a fast-paced, innovation-driven environment focused on scaling a multi-day energy storage system. You will work closely with a multidisciplinary Cell Engineering and Manufacturing Engineering team, combining design work in CAD tools such as SolidWorks with hands-on prototyping, testing, and validation. The position involves frequent interaction with test equipment for mechanical verification and validation, as well as collaboration with teams responsible for high-volume manufacturing lines and assembly processes. The culture emphasizes collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and a strong commitment to building reliable, cost-effective, and sustainable energy storage technology.

This is a Contract position based out of Berkeley, CA.

The pay range for this position is $70.00 - $90.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Berkeley,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on May 28, 2026.