Senior Battery Engineering Technician

Pivotal•Palo Alto, CA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Pivotal is seeking a hands-on Battery Engineering Technician to work with its battery team in a fast-paced eVTOL startup environment. The technician will collaborate closely with battery engineers to build, test, and characterize battery modules and packs, from prototype builds through validation. The role emphasizes attention to detail, safety, adaptability, and strong documentation practices. The position supports battery engineering, validation, and manufacturing programs through prototype assembly, test setup and execution, equipment operation, verification, failure identification, and continuous improvement. The technician will work cross-functionally with Battery Engineering, Quality, and Manufacturing, handle hazardous battery materials in compliance with applicable regulations, and help maintain a clean, safe, organized lab. The role also contributes to first-article builds, prototype iterations, and transition-to-production efforts. Applicants must be eligible for employment in the United States and willing to work onsite at Pivotal’s headquarters in Palo Alto, California. Compensation is $36–$50 per hour.

Requirements

At least 3 years of hands-on experience with batteries or high-voltage systems, including modules or packs, in an engineering or manufacturing environment.
Experience building battery prototypes at the module and/or pack level.
Proficiency with standard electronics test equipment, including multimeters, hi-pot testers, resistance meters, oscilloscopes, and AC/DC power supplies.
Experience with battery test and data-monitoring equipment, such as Arbin, BioLogic, Chroma, or similar cyclers.
Hands-on experience building fixtures, procuring parts, and preparing samples for testing.
Experience working safely with hazardous materials.
Strong mechanical aptitude and experience with precision assembly, fabrication, and hand and power tools.
Experience with PCB assembly and soldering.
Experience with additive and subtractive manufacturing, such as 3D printing and CNC.
Ability to read and interpret work instructions, wiring diagrams, and basic schematics.
Detail-oriented, with strong documentation habits and comfort working in a fast-paced, iterative environment.
Strong oral and written communication skills and a team-oriented attitude.
High school diploma or GED equivalent.
Eligibility for employment in the United States and willingness to work onsite at the headquarters in Palo Alto, California.

Nice To Haves

Formal safety training.
Experience with thermal runaway testing, abuse testing, or post-burn cleanup, including working in Tyvek suits.
Experience with DO-160G, DO-311A, or UN 38.3 certification testing.
Familiarity with aerospace or regulated environments, including ESD controls, traceability, controlled rework, and configuration management.
Experience with high-voltage systems in automotive, aviation, or energy storage applications.
Ability to use machine shop equipment such as mills, lathes, and laser, ultrasonic, or spot welding equipment.
Experience supporting prototype-to-production scaling and writing or improving work instructions.
IPC/WHMA-A-620 or IPC-A-610 certification.
Associate’s or technical degree in engineering or a related field.
Experience with data analysis tools and proficiency in Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

Design, assemble, and validate battery prototypes at module and pack level in support of engineering and validation programs.
Build and execute electrical, thermal, and thermal runaway test setups, including applying sensors and thermocouples to test articles.
Build test articles, fixtures, and jigs, and rework parts and assemblies as needed.
Build systems enclosures and secure harnesses for test stands and test assets.
Operate and maintain lab equipment, including ultrasonic and spot welders, power supplies, and pack cyclers such as Arbin, BioLogic, Chroma, or similar equipment.
Perform end-of-line testing using pack cyclers.
Execute verification using hi-pot testers, multimeters, continuity testers, oscilloscopes, and bench power supplies; interpret results and identify failure modes.
Document build processes, test data, travelers, and inspection results with attention to traceability.
Collaborate with Battery Engineering, Quality, and Manufacturing to resolve issues, implement engineering change orders, and improve build and test methods.
Handle, package, label, and dispose of hazardous battery materials in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
Discharge and dispose of batteries according to safety procedures.
Maintain a clean, safe, and organized lab and support bench-level 5S and lean improvements.
Participate in first-article builds, prototype iterations, and transition-to-production efforts.