Job Title: Staff Mechanical Engineer
Location: San Diego, CA – Bay Park area
Position Type: Full-time
Experience Level: 15+ years relevant work experience with B.S.
Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401k, paid vacation, and a great team environment

JOB SUMMARY
Lead various hardware and systems projects from concept, design, fabrication, to testing on a wide range of device-level components and manufacturing hardware with project and milestone guidance from senior management. Substantial contributions to intellectual property ideation and writing are expected. Ability to work hands on with technical team, lead DFMEAs, and coordinate with third-party vendors is critical. Creative problem solving, good attention to detail, and excellent working knowledge of design for manufacturing principles and SolidWorks are required.

DESCRIPTION
Become a critical member of our fast-growing team working to develop a breakthrough battery technology to change the way batteries are made and used worldwide to enable a greener future. In this position, you will be a key part of our core team, at the forefront of taking next-generation chemistries and packaging them into advanced battery cells.

We are looking for a full-time Staff Mechanical Engineer with excellent attention to detail and creative problem solving to join our team in the Bay Park area of San Diego, CA. The ideal candidate can be given a design concept and work hands-on as well as lead a technical team of engineers to deliver final hardware systems. Major tasks may include the design of battery cells, battery manufacturing systems, and larger equipment sets with various electrical, pneumatic, and mechanical systems controls. This is a dynamic work environment with several parallel projects with various and aggressive timelines.

An ideal candidate would have excellent working knowledge with SolidWorks, design for manufacturing principles, is creative and hands-on, able to quickly identify failure modes in designs and pivot to alternatives, lead and iterate on FMEAs, collaborate with vendors as necessary, and guide projects from start to completion. Knowledge of LabView, data acquisition units, electrical system is also highly desired.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work hands-on to drive the design, development, and building of hardware components, sub-systems, and equipment sets from concept through implementation
• Provide technical leadership through DFMEAs with stakeholders, documentation and organization, and mentorship of other employees
• Cultivate a culture of rigorous design validation through specification definition, selection, testing, analysis, and final verification
• Effectively transfer products to manufacturing team, including root cause testing of production failures and resolution of issues
• Design equipment for mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic controls
• Effectively communicate ideas, concepts, designs, and results with the team
• Contribute substantially to intellectual property ideation and writing of patent applications
• Work independently and efficiently to reach goals with target timelines
• Other tasks as deemed required by the company
• Deliver epic High Fives

REQIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or equivalent
• 15+ years relevant mechanical engineering experience
• Expertise using SolidWorks CAD modeling and analysis software to create 3D models and 2D engineering drawings, including mastery of GD&T methodology
• Ability to translate product requirements into system requirements, turning subjective goals into clear and quantitative requirements
• Experienced in using and designing for multiple manufacturing techniques such as machining, sheet metal, deep drawing, component stamping, welding techniques
• Strong working knowledge of various standard materials and equipment to guide rapid component and materials selection.
• Demonstrated knowledge of DFM, GD&T, FEA, CAD, and drawing standards
• Experience in using and managing documents within PDM software
• Understanding and experience in applying mechanical engineering fundamentals: properties of materials, solid mechanics, design failure risk analysis, mechanical testing, and technical documentation
• Strong background in product design lifecycle and overall product technical transfer to manufacturing
• Experience as a leader in a highly-focused team environment on a large development projects
• Considerable demonstrated experience in bringing design ideas to concept prototyping
• Ability to prioritize, multi-task, and succeed in an environment with competing demands
• Hands-on experience with assembly and basic machining abilities (ex. drill press, sanding)An aptitude for learning new things and a keen eye for improving processes
• Ability to lift 35 lbs.

At the time of posting, the expected starting salary range for this role is $160,000.00 – $200,000.00 annually. This is a salary exempt position. The actual pay depends on multiple individualized factors, including education, job-related knowledge, experience, and skills, which will be assessed during the interview process. The comprehensive compensation package for this position may also include other elements, such as health benefits, 401k, and company stock options. The base pay range and package is subject to change and may be modified in the future.

ABOUT SOUTH 8 TECHNOLOGIES
South 8 Technologies, Inc. is a fast-growing and well-funded group backed by leading global organizations. We have developed a breakthrough new Liquefied Gas Electrolyte chemistry for next-generation lithium batteries. Our patented technology enables a substantial increase in energy, improved safety, and an exceptionally wide operating temperature. Leveraging conventional materials and manufacturing, South 8 Technologies offers a unique solution for a variety of e-mobility, energy storage, and industrial applications.

South 8 Technologies, Inc. was founded in 2015 and spun out of UC San Diego’s Jacobs School of Engineering. We are a diverse team, which values integrity and hard work in an environment that encourages creative thinking, collaboration, and honest feedback. Become a critical member of our team and grow alongside us as we transform the energy landscape.

JOB APPLICATION
Candidates may apply by sending resume to careers@south8technologies.com.
Candidates only – we will not respond to inquiries from third-party recruiters.
South 8 Technologies is an equal opportunity employer.