Principal Mechanical Engineer

Natron is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead the mechanical design and development of our high-power battery systems for data center UPS, material handling, EV charging, and other applications. The occupant of this position will work within the Product Development engineering organization to solve technical challenges including the conception and creation of new designs that maximize electrical, thermal, and mechanical performance while maintaining manufacturability. He or she will also execute prototyping projects including building and testing battery packs and racks. This person is a passionate, creative, goal-oriented engineer who is comfortable with developing new concepts and designs. They are capable of providing guidance and mentorship to less experienced team members. This position requires extensive hands-on work and a do-whatever-it-takes attitude to get the job done. Position level and compensation commensurate with experience and background, and the position has the flexibility to grow into a management/senior management role.

Responsibilities:

• Ownership of mechanical designs for Natron's product line, from initial prototype to final release, with continued support in production. Design space may span from battery cells and modules to packs and racks.
• Lead and perform physical layout of mechanical and electrical components within battery packs and racks.
• Translate industry and customer application requirements into the mechanical elements of product design specifications.
• Work with the Systems Engineering team for integration of PCBAs, connectors and wire harnesses into the product.
• Document product designs with engineering models and drawings, assembly processes with SOPs and MIs, and mechanical analyses.
• Work with Operations and Manufacturing Teams to meet cost targets and DFM through optimized designs.
• Participate in the mechanical FMEA for product designs.
• Hands-on verification and refinement of the design through prototyping and testing.
• Experience with designs going into commercial production.
• Provide guidance and support to less experienced mechanical engineers.
• Work with mechanical engineering team to establish standard processes. Improve the processes as needed for optimization and increased efficiency.
• Expert knowledge of system analysis, tolerancing, familiar with machining, sheet metal, 3D printing, finishing techniques.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Experience and Skills:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in mechanical engineering or a related field.
• At least 5 years of engineering experience in the mechanical design of battery packs, systems or other energy generation /storage products preferred; experience in high voltage (300 to 800+ volts) rack-mounted products is a plus.
• Proven ability to convert product requirements into product designs along with conceiving, designing, and prototyping new designs.
• Familiarity or experience with the fabrication of sheet metal and injection moldable plastic components.
• Experience working with suppliers and manufacturing engineers to determine manufacturing feasibility of new designs is a plus.
• Fluency in CAD modeling software (e.g., SolidWorks).
• Experience with thermal design considerations a plus.
• Experience developing with GD&T drafting standards.
• Familiarity with development phases and engineering change processes.
• Experience with designs going into commercial production.
• Demonstrated experience working successfully with project teams, across an engineering organization, and with internal stakeholders.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced and dynamic development environment.

Logistics:

• Employee must work on-site in Santa Clara, CA.
• Compensation is competitive with other SF Bay Area senior level Engineering positions

About Us:

Natron Energy is the future of industrial power. Natron Energy delivers battery technology breakthroughs that enable the world's fastest growing industries: data centers, vehicle electrification, renewable energy, and materials handling. By offering high power, long lasting, safe battery systems, Natron solves problems for data services, electric vehicle fast charging, and other power services providers. Natron's products are based on a new sodium-ion technology that makes them totally stable, with no risk of fire as in lithium-ion batteries. Natron recently launched its first product in the data center market and is now ramping up production 100x over the next two years. Natron recently closed its Series AA funding round and is backed by nine leading venture and strategic investors.

Natron Energy is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Note: Natron Energy's workplace is fully compliant with national and local COVID-19 health orders and best practices. This includes strict practicing of social distancing and PPE including masks at all times in the workplace. As of Sept 2022, Natron has instituted a COVID vaccine policy for its employees.