Sustaining Mechanical Engineer, Test Infrastructure

About the role

Location: Berkeley, CA (onsite 5x per week). Duration: Contract-to-Hire; long-term need. Start Date: ASAP. Interview Process: Two steps – 30‑minute initial phone screen with hiring manager, followed by a technical interview with an engineer. Why it’s open: The Test Infrastructure team has built six test stands since January and continues to iterate quickly; additional engineering capacity is needed to maintain uptime, troubleshoot recurring issues, and support Test Operations. Mission: Maintain, troubleshoot, and improve the mechanical systems used for cell‑, module‑, auxiliary‑, and pack‑level battery testing. Serve as the primary mechanical resource when test‑stand issues arise—performing root‑cause analysis, guiding technicians, reviewing hardware against SolidWorks models, and keeping designs and documentation current.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot mechanical issues across test stands and restore operation quickly.
• Perform root‑cause analysis on recurring problems, including electrolyte leaks.
• Support fluidic, thermal, air‑handling, exhaust, and hydrogen‑management systems.
• Work with Test Engineers to translate test requirements into functional test hardware.
• Provide hands‑on technical guidance to Test Operations and technicians.
• Review physical builds against SolidWorks models and engineering requirements.
• Select and integrate airflow, humidity, temperature, pressure, and other sensors with PLC‑based systems.
• Perform fluid‑flow and pressure‑drop calculations.
• Update CAD models, BOMs, work instructions, RCAs, and technical documentation after changes.
• Collaborate with Mechanical, Electrical, Controls, Chemical, and Test Engineering teams.
• Improve test‑stand safety, reliability, stability, and uptime.

Requirements

• BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• 5+ years of mechanical design, sustaining engineering, or test‑equipment experience.
• Strong SolidWorks experience.
• Experience with fluidic and air‑handling systems.
• Ability to perform fluid‑flow and pressure‑drop calculations.
• Experience selecting and integrating electronic sensors with PLC or control systems.
• Strong troubleshooting and root‑cause‑analysis skills.
• Experience supporting equipment in a manufacturing, testing, or production environment.
• Understanding of safety in high‑power, chemical, hydrogen, or hazardous‑gas environments.
• Ability to work independently and remain available when test‑stand issues arise.
• Strong technician‑facing communication and cross‑functional collaboration skills.

Qualifications

• Nice‑to‑haves: Battery or energy‑storage experience.
• Experience handling high‑pH electrolytes or corrosive fluids.
• Hydrogen‑management and safe exhaust‑ventilation experience.
• Familiarity with PLC‑controlled electromechanical systems.
• Experience supporting HVAC, thermal‑management, pumps, manifolds, or power‑electronics test systems.

Skills

hydrogen, solidworks, cad models, air, infrastructure, battery, management, hvac, automotive electrical systems

Schedule

Onsite 5 days per week (Berkeley, CA).