Company Description
SENTIENT INDUSTRIES, a start-up located in Austin, TX, accelerates mission critical technology for specialized commercial B2B, humanitarian, and national security defense applications. We develop innovative solutions that enhance operational effectiveness and reduce vulnerabilities in challenging environments.
With a focus in the defense, transportation and energy industries, the company offers exciting opportunities for growth and development. Sentient Industries supports a collaborative and dynamic work environment, encouraging employees to push boundaries and explore new ideas.
Role Description
We are seeking a Battery Cell Pack Manufacturing Engineer to establish and lead Sentient Industries in-house lithium-ion battery cell pack fabrication capability. This is a ground-floor opportunity to design the process, set up the equipment, author the documentation, build the cell packs, and create the quality systems that will support scaling. The ideal candidate has direct, hands-on experience building lithium-ion cell packs, not just working with finished packs, but understands what it takes to produce high-reliability cell packs for defense and aerospace applications. This is a full-time, on-site role located in Austin, TX.
Key Responsibilities
- Process Development: Define and document the end-to-end cell pack assembly process for NMC lithium-ion cylindrical cell packs, tab welding (resistance, laser, wire-bonding), shrink wrapping/ sealing.
- BMS Integration Support: Collaborate with electrical engineers on BMS integration, and cell pack-level electrical testing (cycling, capacity, internal impedance).
- Scale Planning: Support roadmap development for scaling from prototype/pilot production to higher-volume in-house or contract manufacturing.
- Equipment Selection & Qualification: Identify, procure, and validate semi-automated cell pack assembly equipment. Generate machine specifications and work with vendors.
- SOP & Work Instruction Authorship: Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures, Work Instructions, Process Flow documents, PFMEA, and Control Plans (APQP framework).
- Hands-On Cell Pack Fabrication: Perform and supervise hands-on lithium-ion cell pack builds in clean room / dry room environments; operate glove boxes for moisture-sensitive steps.
- Quality & Metrology: Establish quality control checkpoints and coordinate post-fabrication assessments.
- Safety & Compliance: Enforce PPE, 6S, and OSHA hazard communication standards for lithium-ion cell pack materials.
Required Qualifications
- B.S. Degree or Equivalent Experience in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, or related technical field.
- 3–5+ years of hands-on experience in battery cell pack fabrication, electrochemical device manufacturing, or a directly adjacent process.
- Direct experience operating cell pack assembly equipment: tab welders, automated QA/QC test equipment,
- Familiarity with lithium-ion cell packs.
- Experience authoring APQP documentation: Process Flow, PFMEA, Control Plans, SOPs.
- Working knowledge of Battery Management Systems (BMS) and cell pack integration.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality in a low-volume, high-reliability context.
- Strong working knowledge of UL/CE/UN lithium-ion regulations.
- Must be able to lift and maneuver up to 50 lbs.
Preferred Qualifications
- Background in defense, aerospace, or military battery manufacturing.
- Familiarity with AS9100D or ISO 9001 quality management systems.
- CAD experience (SolidWorks or equivalent) for tooling and fixture design.
- Knowledge of UN 3480/3481 transport regulations and hazmat handling for lithium-ion batteries.
- Veterans are encouraged to apply!