Sr Vibration Test Engineer, Battery Systems

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
This position as part of the Test Engineering organization will provide comprehensive safety and reliability engineering support to Proterra’s Battery Engineering team and Proterra Technology Lab. You will be responsible for the planning, setup, and execution of mechanical vibration and shock testing of high voltage battery platforms, documentation of tests and failure analysis resulting from those tests.

About the Role – You will:

• Execute and manage mechanical vibration and shock reliability tests on all battery pack products from early prototypes to pre-production designs.
• Provide clear and concise documentation related to tests, including reports on parts under test and their status.
• Capture identified failures in detail and work with engineering to facilitate resolution.
• Support the design, implementation, and documentation of new vibration test fixtures.
• Utilize and create software tools to continuously improve data logging, communicate with test articles, and data post-processing.
• Work with technicians and vendors to support vibration system preventive maintenance, repairs, and sensor calibration.
• Troubleshoot and debug issues with shaker tables including the armature, pneumatic leveling system, amplifier, sensor control system, amplifier, and hydraulic power unit.
• Prioritize and complete tasks to meet deadlines.
• Provide design input to improve product reliability when necessary.
• Interact with a wide variety of individuals and teams to communicate results.
• Create work instructions and best practices for other engineers and technicians to follow.
• Create and maintain test procedures and reports in cloud-bases systems such as Jira, Confluence, and Jama.

About You:

• Self-starter 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 with strong record-keeping and organizational skills
• Flexible and open to change.
• Strong time management and organizational skills.
• Sound judgment and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
• Comfortable in a test lab environment with a hands-on approach to problem solving.

Your Experience Includes:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of vibration testing experience in the automotive or transportation industries. Understanding of high voltage battery systems or powertrains is a plus.
• Familiarity with SAE J2380, IEC 68-2-64, and UL 2580
• Experience in supporting Highly Accelerated Life Testing (HALT)
• Experience with data acquisition systems, digital and analog interfaces for PCs, test systems, etc.
• Experience with programming languages such as LabVIEW, python, MATLAB, C, VBA, etc.
• Experience in an R&D testing environment.
• Experience with test instrumentation (i.e., temperature, flow, pressure, current, voltage).
• Experience with testing electro-mechanical systems and electronic circuit components.
• Proficient with the high voltage products, automotive CAN communication networks, and Requirements Management systems.

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: Burlingame, CA

Travel: 0–10%

Compensation: $145,000 - $180,000 annually

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 (E-Verify).