Manufacturing Engineer

Job Purpose

Packet Digital is establishing a new Lithium-ion battery manufacturing facility in Fargo, ND, and is seeking a Cell Assembly Manufacturing Engineer to join our team. In this role, you will be instrumental in developing and optimizing the manufacturing processes for battery cell production. Your responsibilities will include designing, coordinating, and refining production procedures for key processes such as Die cutting, stacking, electrode tab welding, pouch sealing, X-ray, and electrolyte filling.

Description of Duties & Tasks

Essential duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Execute tasks related to pouch cell assembly manufacturing, including Die cutting, stacking, electrode tab welding, pouch sealing, X-ray, and electrolyte filling for battery cell production.
• Attend training on certain manufacturing processes, equipment operations, document learnings, and train other team members.
• Collaborate in multi-equipment planning, from concept development through mass production, to ensure efficient production ramp-up.
• Serve as the primary technical point of contact, participating in design reviews and overseeing Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) and Site Acceptance Tests (SAT) with equipment suppliers.
• Oversee the installation and commissioning of manufacturing equipment, ensuring smooth handover to the production team.
• Manage post-handover tasks such as process optimization, ergonomic improvements, change requests, and cost reduction efforts.
• Lead troubleshooting and collaborate with equipment suppliers to address production issues related to cell assembly manufacturing.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives for manufacturing processes.
• Analyze and address equipment failures, sharing lessons learned with the team.
• Develop and implement training plans for battery cell production.
• Provide technical support to cross-functional teams as required.

Knowledge & Skills

Required

• Strong knowledge of dry pouch cell manufacturing equipment design and production processes.
• Familiarity with key manufacturing processes including Die cutting, stacking, electrode tab welding, pouch sealing, X-ray, and electrolyte filling.
• Familiarity with manufacturing feasibility studies, method plan validation, design principles, measurement validation, P-FMEA, and MES.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Knowledge in managing supplier-customer relationships.
• Previous experience in the early phases of battery cell production plant setup is an asset.
• Results-driven with a proactive, action-oriented approach.
• Strong integrity and adherence to company values and compliance standards.
• Ability to travel overseas working with equipment suppliers and for training purposes.

Work Experience & Education

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Electrical, Mechanical, Materials, Chemical, Electrochemical Engineering, or a related field with working experience in Lithium-ion battery production.

Benefits

• Paid time off starting at 130 hours per year, 8 holidays paid
• Medical, dental, and vision for employees
• 401K
• Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates relocating from outside the region