Senior Battery Engineering Technician
Pivotal - Autonomy Engineer Ii - Robotics
Palo Alto
Pivotal is the leader in the emerging market of electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft. We design, develop, and manufacture light eVTOL aircraft and are renowned for the BlackFly aircraft the world's first light eVTOL to fly manned missions and enter the consumer market. Efficient, compact, and simple, Pivotal aircraft are designed for a wide range of consumer, public service, and defense applications. Our distinctive tilt-aircraft architecture and scalable platform have been flying for over 10 years. Last year we announced our next-generation aircraft, the Helix, which is rapidly progressing toward general release and scalable production in 2026. Mobility is one of the most highly-valued areas of modern technology investments. This is the right company, in the right space, the right strategy, at the right time. If you are ready for adventure, we invite you to join our amazing team and grow with us.
Pivotal is the leader in the emerging market of electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft. We design, develop, and manufacture light eVTOL aircraft and are renowned for the BlackFly aircraft the world's first light eVTOL to fly manned missions and enter the consumer market. Efficient, compact, and simple, Pivotal aircraft are designed for a wide range of consumer, public service, and defense applications. Our distinctive tilt-aircraft architecture and scalable platform have been flying for over 10 years. Last year we announced our next-generation aircraft, the Helix, which is rapidly progressing toward general release and scalable production in 2026. Mobility is one of the most highly-valued areas of modern technology investments. This is the right company, in the right space, the right strategy, at the right time. If you are ready for adventure, we invite you to join our amazing team and grow with us.
About the Role We are looking for a highly motivated and hands-on Battery Engineering Technician to join our battery team in a fast-paced eVTOL startup environment. You will work closely with battery engineers to build, test, and characterize battery modules and packs — from prototype builds through validation. This role requires strong attention to detail, a safety-first mindset, and the ability to adapt quickly to shifting priorities.
About the Role We are looking for a highly motivated and hands-on Battery Engineering Technician to join our battery team in a fast-paced eVTOL startup environment. You will work closely with battery engineers to build, test, and characterize battery modules and packs — from prototype builds through validation. This role requires strong attention to detail, a safety-first mindset, and the ability to adapt quickly to shifting priorities.
Applicants must be eligible for employment in the United States and willing to work onsite at our HQ office in Palo Alto, CA. Pivotal offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and 401k plans. Pivotal is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Pivotal does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.
About the Role
We are looking for a highly motivated and hands-on Battery Engineering Technician to join our battery team in a fast-paced eVTOL startup environment. You will work closely with battery engineers to build, test, and characterize battery modules and packs — from prototype builds through validation. This role requires strong attention to detail, a safety-first mindset, and the ability to adapt quickly to shifting priorities.
About the Role
We are looking for a highly motivated and hands-on Battery Engineering Technician to join our battery team in a fast-paced eVTOL startup environment. You will work closely with battery engineers to build, test, and characterize battery modules and packs — from prototype builds through validation. This role requires strong attention to detail, a safety-first mindset, and the ability to adapt quickly to shifting priorities.
Responsibilities
- Design, assemble, and validate battery prototypes at module and pack level — supporting engineering and validation programs.
- Build and execute test setups for electrical, thermal, and thermal runaway (TR) testing, including applying sensors and thermocouples to test articles.
- Build test articles, fixtures, and jigs; rework parts and assemblies as needed.
- Build systems enclosures and securing harnesses for test stands and test assets.
- Operate and maintain lab equipment including ultrasonic/spot welders, power supplies, and pack cyclers (Arbin, BioLogic, Chroma, or similar).
- Perform EOL testing using pack cyclers.
- Execute verification using hi-pot testers, multimeters (DMM), continuity testers, oscilloscopes, and bench power supplies; interpret results and identify failure modes.
- Document build processes, test data, travelers, and inspection results with strong attention to traceability.
- Collaborate daily with Battery Engineering, Quality, and Manufacturing to resolve issues, implement ECOs, and improve build/test methods.
- Handle, package, label, and dispose of hazardous battery materials in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
- Discharge and dispose of batteries following safety procedures.
- Maintain a clean, safe, and organized lab environment; support 5S/lean improvements at the bench level.
- Participate in first-article builds, prototype iterations, and transition-to-production efforts.
Qualifications
- 3+ years of hands-on experience in battery or high-voltage systems (modules or packs) in an engineering or manufacturing environment.
- Experience building battery prototypes at the module and/or pack level.
- Proficient in standard electronics test equipment: multimeters, hi-pot testers, resistance meters, oscilloscopes, and AC/DC power supplies.
- Experience with battery test/data monitoring equipment (Arbin, BioLogic, Chroma, or similar cyclers).
- Hands-on experience building fixtures, procuring parts, and preparing samples for test.
- Experience working safely with hazardous materials; formal safety training is a plus.
- Strong mechanical aptitude with experience in precision assembly, fabrication, and use of hand and power tools.
- Experience with PCB assembly and soldering.
- Experience with additive and subtractive manufacturing (3D printing, CNC).
- Strong 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; team-oriented attitude.
- High school diploma or GED equivalent.
Preferred Qualifications
- 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/regulated environments: ESD controls, traceability, controlled rework, configuration management.
- Experience with high-voltage systems in automotive, aviation, or energy storage applications.
- Ability to use machine shop equipment: mill, lathe, welding (laser, ultrasonic, spot).
- Experience supporting prototype-to-production scaling and writing/improving work instructions.
- IPC/WHMA-A-620 or IPC-A-610 certification (plus).
- Associate’s or technical degree in engineering or related field (desired but not required).
- Experience with data analysis tools; proficiency in Microsoft Office.
What Success Looks Like (First 60–90 Days)
- Independently builds and tests battery assemblies to standards with minimal rework.
- Executes electrical and thermal tests reliably, documents results, and flags trends early.
- Partners with battery engineers to quickly triage failures and improve build/test methods.
- Maintains a clean, safe lab environment and contributes at least one measurable improvement (time reduction, defect reduction, or test repeatability).
- Demonstrates a mentality of continuous learning and willingness to acquire new skillsets.
Attributes aligned with Core Values
- Safety Above All: Demonstrates a proactive safety mindset by embedding safety into daily work, identifying and mitigating risks, encouraging open dialogue about safety concerns, and continuously improving practices and protocols.
- Customer Focus: Puts customers at the center of every action by understanding their challenges, delivering meaningful value, and supporting their success.
- Work Better Together: Seeks and values diverse perspectives, builds cross-functional relationships, and fosters trust through empathetic, fact-based communication and commitment to shared decisions.
- Be the Pilot: Drives results with clarity and purpose by focusing on what matters most, adapting to change, taking initiative, and owning outcomes.
- Embrace the Unknown: Navigates ambiguity with resilience and bold thinking, challenges the status quo, and combines innovative ideas with practical approaches to overcome obstacles and drive progress.
- Respect for People: Fosters a high-performance culture grounded in respect, professionalism, and support by balancing high expectations with a healthy, collaborative environment and being a trusted, dependable teammate.
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