Staff Engineer, Manufacturing

Sila•Alameda, CA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Sila is a next-generation battery materials company working to advance clean energy through the development and manufacture of battery materials that increase energy density while reducing battery size and weight. The Staff Engineer, Manufacturing will apply extensive hands-on expertise in manufacturing equipment and processes to solve interdisciplinary challenges on Sila’s pilot manufacturing line and help lead pilot-line operations. The role works closely with process and equipment engineers, technicians, scientists, and external equipment integrators. The engineer will architect, design, and commission first-of-a-kind manufacturing systems, translating process chemistry and pilot processes into commercial-ready technologies. The role also develops scalable equipment roadmaps, de-risks unit operations, and establishes manufacturing platforms that support commercialization of Sila’s battery materials. The starting base pay range is $151,000–$191,000; actual pay depends on factors including education, experience, and skills. Base pay is part of a Total Rewards package that may include benefits, perks, equity, and bonuses.

Requirements

At least 7 years of work experience in a manufacturing environment, or fewer years for candidates with an advanced degree.
Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a similar engineering field; mechanical engineering is preferred.
Strong equipment design principles and advanced proficiency in 3D CAD modeling, drawing standards (GD&T), tolerance stack-up analysis, and mechanical component sizing, including actuators, pumps, gearboxes, and vacuum or pressure vessels.
Demonstrated technical understanding of complex production equipment and processes.
Ability to troubleshoot independently, solve problems, analyze data, and manage statistical process control (SPC) charts.
Experience using statistical software to analyze experimental data, identify trends, and support data-backed decisions.
Proven track record managing turnkey equipment builders and custom automation vendors from initial scope through FAT, SAT, and commissioning.
Ability to manage multiple responsibilities, work autonomously with minimal guidance, and remain self-motivated.
Comfort with ambiguity and a proactive approach to creating workflows and manufacturing process structure.
Ability to pass a respirator fit test and periodically wear respiratory protection.
Ability to wear personal protective equipment, including a lab coat, gloves, safety glasses, and steel-toe safety shoes.
Ability to move items weighing up to 50 pounds with lift equipment and carts.
Ability to move long distances, such as between buildings.

Responsibilities

Provide day-to-day technical support for manufacturing equipment and processes on the pilot manufacturing line.
Analyze and address daily operational challenges on the pilot line.
Execute projects to improve and sustain process throughput, equipment reliability, performance, and safety.
Scale core synthesis, coating, thermal, and material-handling processes from bench or laboratory scale to pilot and high-volume manufacturing lines.
Develop equipment concepts, 3D CAD models, detailed drawings using GD&T, sizing calculations, and functional specifications for custom automated equipment.
Lead contract manufacturing transfers and ensure critical-to-quality process parameters are mapped to vendor equipment specifications, tooling capabilities, and automation architectures.
Lead projects and help lead operations for the pilot manufacturing line.
Collaborate with scientists, process engineers, and external equipment integrators to develop scalable equipment roadmaps, de-risk unit operations, and establish manufacturing platforms.