Job Title: Battery Manufacturing EngineerJob Description
This role focuses on leading the production preparation and new model launch of electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturing equipment within a high-growth, long-term program. You will take ownership of procuring, validating, installing, and launching complex battery manufacturing systems while applying lean manufacturing principles and advanced engineering practices. The position requires close collaboration with cross-functional and international teams, strong project leadership, and a commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
Responsibilities
Lead the procurement, validation, installation, pre-production trials, and launch of EV battery manufacturing equipment from concept through mass production readiness.
Create and maintain detailed project schedules and exercise budgetary control for assigned areas, ensuring projects stay on time and within financial targets.
Develop battery manufacturing process plans and machine specifications that incorporate Toyota Production System concepts, internal standards, industry best practices, and continuous improvement principles.
Apply knowledge of electrical, mechanical, and civil design and relevant standards to establish engineering criteria and provide design feedback on system sizing, routing, materials selection, component selection, installation methods, and other design decisions.
Prepare clear explanatory documents and technical drawings that communicate job scope, execution plans, progress status, key issues, and option analyses to stakeholders such as machine vendors, general contractors, service providers, internal owner groups, and all levels of leadership.
Collaborate across functional, organizational, and international boundaries to drive project progress and achieve shared goals for battery manufacturing implementation.
Plan and monitor the installation of battery manufacturing equipment, identify field issues, and work closely with construction coordinators and machine builders to develop and implement effective countermeasures.
Contribute to a strong safety culture by exemplifying safe work behaviors, complying with construction safety requirements, and proactively identifying and correcting unsafe conditions.
Demonstrate quality-first leadership by planning and coordinating pre-production and mass production trials at both machine vendors and the installation site, ensuring equipment meets design, performance, and product quality criteria.
Directly support the success and development of fellow team members through mentorship, knowledge sharing, and authorship of technical standards and work instructions.
Participate in a structured mentor program to continue growing as an engineer and to learn from more experienced colleagues.
Use project management tools and methods to track key performance indicators (KPIs), report progress, and drive continuous improvement in equipment launch activities.
Apply lean manufacturing, process engineering, and continuous improvement techniques to optimize manufacturing processes and enhance productivity, quality, and safety.
Utilize engineering tools such as SolidWorks or similar platforms, as well as control system knowledge, to support process and equipment design, modification, and improvement.
Support production preparation and new model launch activities at the Liberty, North Carolina facility and at supplier sites, including domestic and international travel as required.
Essential Skills
Bachelor's degree or higher in Engineering or a similar technical field.
At least 5 years of equivalent work experience in an engineering role.
3+ years of experience (5 years preferred) in production preparation of battery, electronics, or chemical manufacturing equipment, including procurement, validation, installation, pre-production trials, and launch.
Experience creating process plans and machine specifications using lean manufacturing principles (preferred).
3+ years of experience (5 years preferred) leading capital projects, including creating and maintaining detailed schedules, budgetary control, and KPI-based progress reporting.
Experience with AutoCAD, CATIA, Creo, or similar tools, including the ability to read, interpret, and modify 2D and 3D technical drawings (preferred).
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel at an intermediate or higher level.
Proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint at an intermediate or higher level.
Demonstrated experience in manufacturing engineering, including process engineering, production preparation, and new model launch.
Strong project management skills, including launch support and coordination of multiple stakeholders.
Experience with continuous improvement, lean manufacturing, and process improvement methodologies.
Familiarity with control systems and engineering tools such as SolidWorks or similar platforms.
Ability to travel for business, both domestic and international, up to approximately 25%.
Ability to work weekends and during planned plant shutdowns, such as July and December, to support installation and launch activities.
Strong communication skills with the ability to create clear technical documentation and present information to diverse audiences.
Ability to collaborate effectively across functional, company, and international boundaries.
Commitment to safety and quality, with the ability to identify and correct unsafe conditions and drive quality-first behaviors.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Advanced engineering degree beyond a Bachelor's degree.
Experience in Toyota Production Engineering, including work with North American manufacturing companies or related organizations.
Experience directing structured trials of manufacturing equipment to assess and achieve compliance with design, performance, and product quality criteria.
Experience with battery manufacturing processes such as electrochemistry, slot die coating, roll-to-roll processing, laser cutting equipment, and vision inspection systems.
Experience with industrial controls and industrial networks, including PLC logic programming, particularly Mitsubishi and/or Omron PLCs.
Experience with manufacturing execution systems (MES), including investigating and troubleshooting issues.
Completion of TBP (Toyota Business Practice) through Panel.
Japanese language ability.
Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop other engineers through technical guidance and standardization.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to perform option analysis and recommend data-driven solutions.
Experience working within a structured, long-term project environment with capital-intensive equipment.
Familiarity with lean manufacturing concepts within the @context of the Toyota Production System.
Work Environment
This position is based at a battery manufacturing facility in Liberty, North Carolina, within a dedicated Battery Manufacturing Engineering Implementation Group. The role centers on EV battery production equipment and involves hands-on work with advanced manufacturing technologies, including battery processing equipment, industrial controls, PLCs, and manufacturing execution systems. You will work in a project-driven environment with long-term, stable programs and significant capital investment, where planning horizons extend 5-10 years. Travel is an integral part of the role, with up to approximately 25% domestic and international travel to locations such as Canada, Japan, and Mexico to support vendor trials, equipment buyoffs, and launch activities. The position requires flexibility to support overtime (with additional compensation) and to work during weekends and scheduled plant shutdowns, particularly around July and December, to align with installation and launch schedules. The culture emphasizes safety, with a strong belief that zero incidents is possible, and expects consistent adherence to construction and site safety requirements. The environment is collaborative and cross-functional, offering participation in mentor programs and significant opportunities for professional growth. Consultants benefit from long-term, open-ended contract arrangements, annual renewals, and a history of stable engagement even during challenging economic conditions. The role typically includes a competitive package of paid time off and holidays, along with overtime compensation and coordinated travel arrangements, contributing to a supportive work-life balance and an attractive engineering career path.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Liberty, NC.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $65.00/hr.
Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.
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 Liberty,NC.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Sep 10, 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 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.
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