XL Batteries – Prototype Engineer - Co-op
NOTE: This opportunity is exclusively for participants of the NEU co-op program
About Us
XL Batteries is a Massachusetts-based scientific research company developing next generation battery technology for grid-level energy storage. We are a growing, highly collaborative team currently conducting chemical synthesis and battery engineering research and development in our laboratory in Marlborough, MA. Our mission is to enable large scale energy storage, ultimately to unlock the potential of intermittent renewable generation such as solar and wind.
XL Batteries is an equal opportunity employer. We offer competitive salary and benefits, including healthcare, dental, vision, and a retirement plan.
About Our Location
Marlborough, MA is a beautiful small city in central Massachusetts, surrounded by quaint Massachusetts towns and within day-trip distance of the Berkshires. For those who prefer a more urban lifestyle, we are located directly off I-495 within easy commuting distance of Boston and Cambridge (30-40 minutes), Worcester (25 minutes), Nashua, NH (45 minutes) and Providence, RI (50 minutes).
About You
We are seeking talented engineers, machinists and makers with a proven track record who are looking to develop an industry-leading storage technology and identify, frame, and solve complex, challenging research problems by leveraging their skills to make idea reality. We are looking for teammates who are collaborative and creative.
Each team member has an opportunity to truly impact XL Batteries, and with that mentality we need team members that are excited to work in a fast paced startup environment that is ever changing, where no job is too big or too small, and where we strive to constantly learn and grow.
Role Description
XL Batteries is developing a new generation of flow battery for grid-scale energy storage. We are currently seeking creative, forward-thinking individuals to help improve our existing battery and stack design. Team members in this role will work under the supervision of Engineers and Scientists to enhance the performance and durability of our battery system and stack architecture through rapid prototyping of new designs. A deep understanding of flow battery or fuel cell design is not required. An appetite for and ability to solve manufacturing challenges as they arise is required. Applicants must show the ability to quickly and efficiently design, fabricate, test, iterate and improve upon new designs and fabrication methods. Experience fabricating in a professional or advanced hobbyist environment is a must - bringing design from paper to prototype is key to this role. We are seeking passionate creators with creativity, devotion, and vision.
Responsibilities
- Work safely in a prototyping machine shop.
- Operate prototyping equipment safely and efficiently (3D printers, CNC routers, laser cutters, basic workshop power tools, etc.)
- Rapidly prototype various cell designs and components for flow battery cells and stacks.
- Think critically about how to improve the design with an eye to fast reproduction and iteration, performance and durability.
- Record appropriate data, analyze, and report the results.
- Consistently reproduce manufacturing SOPs to specifications
- Capably convert technical goals into effective work plans by generating and owning self generated Objectives and Key Results (OKRs).
- Maintain a clean and safe work area.
Requirements
- M.S. in Mechanical, Electrical Engineering or related fields or BA/BS in same with production experience.
- Experience with battery operation fundamentals a plus but not required.
- Hands on experience with 3D prototyping technologies (e.g., CNC, 3D printers), including programming of same.
- Highly motivated and self-driven individual with the ability to work independently and multi-task.
- A “maker’s mindset”: comfortable bringing ideas quickly from paper to prototype.
- Comfortable machining different types of materials.
- Strong written and oral communication skills required.
- Must be comfortable lifting heavy objects.
- Must have legal authorization to work in the United States.
- This is a full-time in-person position.