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Proterra · 6 hours ago

Sr. Manufacturing Engineer

Greer, South Carolina, United States

Full-time

Onsite

Mid, Senior Level

3+ years exp

Proterra is a company focused on electrification in heavy-duty transportation and equipment, offering a dynamic workplace for growth and collaboration. The Manufacturing Engineer will develop and optimize automated processes for battery assembly, ensuring high-quality production while driving continuous improvement and operational excellence.

AutomotiveBatteryEnergy StorageManufacturing

No H1B

Responsibilities

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

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

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

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

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

Qualification

Automated high-volume manufacturingProcess EngineeringLean ManufacturingSix SigmaRoboticsStatistical analysis toolsCADRoot cause analysisProblem-solvingProject management

Required

Bachelor's degree Mechanical, Manufacturing, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering

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