Mechanical Design Engineer, Battery Systems

Pyka is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to lead the development of custom battery packs for electric agricultural and cargo aircraft. The role involves designing pack assemblies, collaborating with various teams, and contributing expertise in battery pack design. The ideal candidate should have excellent communication and project management skills, thrive in fast-paced environments, and be able to develop reliable and durable systems. Pyka is a company focused on autonomous electric aviation and aims to provide fast and environmentally friendly transportation. The role offers responsibility, competitive salary, and the opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking technology.

• Lead the internal development of custom battery packs for large electric agricultural and cargo aircraft
• Support ground equipment
• Own the design of unique pack assemblies from conceptualization to implementation in aircraft
• Collaborate closely with internal and external teams, including Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing and Flight Operations, and component vendors
• Demonstrate excellent communication and project management skills
• Contribute expertise in battery pack design
• Develop systems that are reliable, durable, and easy for operators to use
• Work in small teams and fast-paced environments
• Build battery packs and understand current processes
• Take over design responsibilities for next generation agricultural pack design
• Design ways to improve the robustness of in-house battery pack ATP test stand
• Begin conceptual design of a rapid cargo battery swapping machine
• Address known issues and design solutions for current generation charging infrastructure
• Design ground-based support equipment such as charging, swapping, and transportation systems
• Perform pack level interconnect and mechanical design
• Conduct cell and pack level battery testing
• Select, test, and validate critical electrical components
• Perform root cause analysis of field or manufacturing issues
• Create, revise control, and maintain detailed documentation sets

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field
• Experience in designing battery packs for electric aircraft or similar applications
• Strong communication and project management skills
• Ability to collaborate with internal and external teams
• Knowledge of battery pack design and development processes
• Familiarity with battery testing and validation
• Experience in selecting and testing electrical components
• Ability to analyze and solve field or manufacturing issues
• Proficiency in creating and maintaining detailed documentation sets
• Inquisitive attitude and willingness to research and try new things

• Competitive salary range of $110,000-$160,000 per year base salary + equity
• Employer-sponsored health, dental, and vision insurance
• Flexible spending account (FSA) with employer matching
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid time off, company holidays, and parental leave
• Free catered lunch and snacks