Job Title: Mechanical Engineer - Plastic Component Design (Battery Cell Engineering)
Job Description
This Mechanical Engineer role sits within a multidisciplinary Cell Engineering team that develops qualified battery cell designs for a utility-scale, multi-day energy storage system. You will lead the design and validation of plastic components for iron-air battery cells, with a strong focus on injection-molded parts. Working closely with manufacturing engineering, you will help define and support battery cell assembly processes and equipment, contributing directly to the scale-up of an innovative, sustainable energy storage technology.
Responsibilities
Design molded plastic components for integration into iron-air battery cells, with an emphasis on injection-molded parts.
Own the full lifecycle of plastic component development, including concept generation, engineering analysis, and detailed design.
Lead analysis, prototyping, and failure analysis efforts for plastic components to improve performance and reliability.
Fabricate first-of-a-kind plastic proto@types to perform mechanical fit checks and verification testing.
Develop and execute validation test plans to confirm that designs meet critical functional, performance, and reliability requirements.
Collaborate closely with Battery Module and Electrode teams to define, negotiate, and manage interface requirements.
Produce and release detailed 2D part and assembly drawings, ensuring clear dimensional, functional, performance, and manufacturing specifications.
Support the definition and optimization of battery cell assembly processes and equipment in partnership with manufacturing engineering.
Gain hands-on experience with plastic joining methods, such as laser welding and hot-plate welding, and apply these techniques to component and assembly designs.
Continuously refine designs based on test data, failure analysis, and feedback from cross-functional partners in a fast-paced environment.
Essential Skills
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
5+ years of industry experience in mechanical engineering or a closely related discipline.
Proficiency in CAD software, such as SolidWorks, to create 3D models and detailed engineering drawings.
Ability to perform engineering analysis to drive data-informed design decisions.
Experience with plastic component design, particularly for injection molding or similar manufacturing processes.
Strong data analysis skills, especially for interpreting mechanical test results and translating findings into design improvements.
Ability to work effectively and make sound engineering decisions in a fast-paced startup environment.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience with additional plastic manufacturing processes such as blow molding or thermoforming.
Hands-on exposure to plastic joining methods, including laser welding and hot-plate welding.
Experience conducting validation and verification testing for mechanical components.
Experience in failure analysis of mechanical or plastic components.
Familiarity with defining and managing technical specifications, including dimensional, functional, performance, and manufacturing requirements.
Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams such as module design, electrode design, and manufacturing engineering.
Work Environment
This role is based in a fast-paced, innovation-driven environment focused on scaling a multi-day energy storage system. You will work closely with a multidisciplinary Cell Engineering and Manufacturing Engineering team, combining design work in CAD tools such as SolidWorks with hands-on prototyping, testing, and validation. The position involves frequent interaction with test equipment for mechanical verification and validation, as well as collaboration with teams responsible for high-volume manufacturing lines and assembly processes. The culture emphasizes collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and a strong commitment to building reliable, cost-effective, and sustainable energy storage technology.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Berkeley, CA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $70.00 - $90.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: - Medical, dental & vision - Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital - 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available - Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) - Short and long-term disability - Health Spending Account (HSA) - Transportation benefits - Employee Assistance Program - Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Berkeley,CA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on May 28, 2026.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
