Principal AME Equipment Engineer, Battery

Principal AME Equipment Engineer, Battery

Garden Grove, CA

Harbinger is an American commercial electric vehicle (EV) company on a mission to transform an industry starving for innovation. Harbinger's best-in-class team of EV, battery, and drivetrain experts have pooled their deep experience to bring a first-of-its-kind EV platform to support the growing demand for medium-duty EVs and Hybrids. Harbinger:
Familiar Form, Revolutionary Foundation.

We're looking for an experienced Principal Advanced Manufacturing Engineering Equipment Engineer to lead the design concept, specifications, development, project management, installation and capability of the battery and module manufacturing equipment. This role is critical for establishing and scaling our in-house battery production, improving safety, efficiency, quality, and innovation from concept to high volume mass production. If you have a deep understanding of battery manufacturing processes and a history of delivering complex high volume equipment solutions in a fast-paced environment, we want to hear from you.

• Strategic Equipment Leadership:
  Define and implement the long-term equipment strategy for battery cell and pack manufacturing, aligning with product roadmaps, production targets, and cost goals of the company.
• Full Lifecycle Management:
  Lead the entire equipment lifecycle: concept, specification, vendor selection, design review, installation, commissioning, ramp-up, and continuous improvement.
• New Facility and Line Setup:
  Lead the planning, layout, and installation of new battery manufacturing lines within existing or new facilities. This includes space optimization, utility requirements, and ensuring seamless integration of equipment.
• Technical Expertise:
  Act as the technical expert for battery manufacturing equipment, including:
• Vendor Management &
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Partner with equipment suppliers, leading technical discussions, negotiating specifications, and ensuring on-time delivery and performance.
• DFM/DFA Integration:
  Collaborate with battery design and product engineering teams to optimize designs for manufacturability (DFM) and assembly (DFA) on automated equipment.
• Process Optimization:
  Drive continuous improvement for equipment performance, uptime, yield, and cycle time through data analysis, root cause analysis, and robust solutions.
• Safety & Compliance:
  Ensure all equipment designs and installations meet safety standards, environmental compliance, and relevant industry regulations.
• Team Development:
  Mentor and guide less experienced engineers, fostering technical excellence and continuous learning.
• Cross-Functional Leadership:
  Work with R&D, Quality, Operations, Supply Chain, and Facilities teams for successful project execution and integration of new equipment.

• 13+ years of experience in advanced manufacturing engineering, with at least 8+ years focused on battery manufacturing equipment in automotive EV or a related high-volume manufacturing industry (e.g., consumer electronics, energy storage).
• Proven experience with factory layout planning, utility integration, and scaling manufacturing lines within new or expanding facilities.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Deep expertise in various cell, module & battery manufacturing processes (e.g., cell testing, assembly, welding, laser cleaning, foaming and module/pack assembly).
• Proven history of bringing new, complex manufacturing equipment online from concept to high-volume production.
• Strong understanding of automation principles, robotics, machine vision, and control systems in manufacturing.
• Experience with equipment specification, procurement, vendor qualification, and contract negotiation.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., Solid Works, 3DX, AutoCAD) for reviewing equipment designs and layouts.
• Ability to perform root cause analysis and implement effective corrective actions for equipment issues.
• Self-starter with a sense of urgency and ability to thrive in a fast-paced, ambiguous startup environment.
• Team and result oriented.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required for vendor visits, installations, and support. This role requires up to 25% travel.

• Experience with large-scale battery production.
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Project management certification (e.g., PMP).
• Experience with battery cell chemistry and electrochemical principles.
• Previous experience working in a startup environment.

Comprehensive Health, Dental & Vision (HDV) – 100% employee covered Early-stage Stock Options Robust Retirement Savings (401k, HSA, FSA) Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) & Parental Leave Annual Vacation Bonus Wellness & Fertility Benefits Cell Phone Stipend Complimentary Meals & Stocked Kitchens

California Pay Range $170,000 - $190,000 USD