Senior Manufacturing Design Engineer

Job Title: Senior Manufacturing Design Engineer

Location: Burlingame CA

Department: Manufacturing Engineering

Reports to: Equipment Design Engineering Manager

Position Type: Full Time

About the Company

Peak Energy is the first American venture to advance globally proven Sodium-Ion battery systems as the storage standard for the new era of renewable energy on a resilient grid. Sodium-Ion is cheap, readily available and safe, making it the leading contender in a rapidly evolving market. Our leadership team is powered by decades of expertise in scaling gigawatt-level innovation at world-class companies such as Tesla, Northvolt, SunPower, Fluence, and Enovix. We are backed by strategic investment and product partners such as TDK Ventures and Eclipse Ventures.

About the Job:

Peak Energy are seeking a talented and detail-oriented Manufacturing Equipment Design Engineer to join our engineering team. In this role, you will be responsible for designing, developing, and optimizing manufacturing equipment and tooling to ensure efficient production processes. This position will focus on equipment design, supporting the introduction of new machinery, automation systems, and production line enhancements. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure that equipment designs meet production requirements, safety standards, and operational efficiency goals.

Responsibilities:

• Equipment Design:

• Design manufacturing equipment, machinery, and tooling using 3D CAD packages.

• Create detailed 2D and 3D models of equipment components, assemblies, and systems to ensure functionality and manufacturability.

• Customize and modify existing equipment designs to meet production needs and improve efficiency.

• Select appropriate materials, actuators, sensors, and other components for equipment designs, ensuring durability and performance.

• Assembly & Testing:

• Lead the manufacture and assembly of equipment, working closely with machine shops and vendors to fabricate parts and source components.

• Test equipment to validate performance, safety, and functionality, making design modifications as needed.

• Conduct troubleshooting and performance testing on existing and newly commissioned equipment to ensure optimal performance in a production environment.

• Automation Integration:

• Work with electrical and controls engineers to integrate motors, PLCs, sensors, and control systems into mechanical designs.

• Develop machines that support automation efforts, such as robotic handling, automated inspection systems, or material handling.

• Optimize designs for automation by incorporating best practices for machine control, motion systems, and feedback mechanisms.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Strong understanding of mechanical design principles, drafting standards, materials, stress analysis, and engineering hand calculations.

• 5+ years of experience in machine design, with a focus on manufacturing or industrial applications.

• Proficiency with CAE software (e.g. NX, Catia, ANSYS, SolidWorks, etc.) for mechanical design, detailing, and simulation.

• Experience designing custom mechanical systems, tooling, and equipment for manufacturing processes.

• Familiarity with manufacturing processes such as CNC machining, sheet metal fabrication, welding, and assembly.

• Experience with precision design, including tolerances, fits, and finishes for machine components.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with pneumatic, hydraulic, and robotic systems.

• Knowledge of machine safety standards and regulations.

• Experience in a highly regulated industry (e.g., automotive, aerospace, medical devices).

• Hands-on equipment assembly, installation, and commissioning experience.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this role is $125k- $185k, with actual pay varying based on work location, experience, and skills. Our competitive benefits package includes flexible time off, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, a strong 401(k) plan, and equity opportunities. Join us to thrive in a supportive environment while making a meaningful impact in the energy sector.