Position Overview
This position as part of the Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (AME)
organization will lead automation controls efforts for manufacturing
equipment used by Proterra's Battery Manufacturing lines. This highly
collaborative position is a key part of the Battery Technology organization.
You will work with other leaders, engineers, and technicians to establish
Proterra as a world-class manufacturer of battery-based energy storage.
About the Role – You will:
Develop and implement manufacturing equipment and processes ranging from
whole production lines to individual automation cells by working with both
internal design resources and external automation vendors.
Act as the subject matter expert for automation controls at Proterra to
streamline future engineering efforts.
Drive the development of automation control standards and programming
practices used by a growing team of automation controls engineers and
across the larger organization.
Guide application of Proterra standards by external automation vendors
through specification, design review, and approval.
Create and execute controls related test plans for new automated process
equipment for deployment into production.
Support vendors all the way through installation and commissioning to
start of production and initial ramp.
Architect, write, and debug PLCs using Ladder and/or Structured Text with
an emphasis on generating code that is organized, structured, documented,
maintainable and reusable.
Design equipment software interfaces that streamline data communication
between manufacturing equipment and supervisory level systems, such as the
factory Manufacturing Execution system MES.
Develop and debug HMI and SCADA screens for manufacturing production lines
and automation work cells.
Implement (ANSI/RIA15.06/OSHA compliant) control reliable safety systems
for safeguarding robots, gantries, conveyors, and other high volume
manufacturing equipment.
Support optimization of automated processes to reduce cycle time, maximize
availability and improve yield.
Create training plans and troubleshooting documentation for maintenance
and production teams who will be the end user and supporter of the
equipment after launch.
About Our Group:
The Advanced Manufacturing Engineering group seeks to develop innovative
new manufacturing processes and automation tools to establish Proterra as
a world leader in battery pack manufacturing. It is comprised of several
different teams focused on different aspects of battery manufacturing,
including process development and automated manufacturing equipment
design.
This role is part of the larger Battery Technology Team. The Battery
Technology Team's work is guided by our team values:
Purpose: We work towards a sustainable future for all by leading battery technology development and enabling electrification in every sector of transportation.
Initiative: We encourage taking ownership to find creative solutions to challenges. We're not afraid to fail.
Humility: We recognize when we're not the expert, ask for help when needed, and change our minds when we get new information.
Critical Thinking: We are both creative and analytical. We break problems down to the fundamentals and question assumptions.
Intellectual Challenge: We are continuously learning and growing so that we can strategically tackle hard problems that push the industry forward.
Community & Diversity: We actively work to build a supportive space where people from diverse backgrounds can bring their whole selves to work, connect meaningfully, and grow both as individuals and as a group.
Kindness: We're more productive when we treat each other with empathy and respect. We support each other and offer meaningful help.
Fun: We purposefully create outlets to take breaks and have fun. We believe we should be inspired by our jobs and each other.
You will report to the Lead, Staff Manufacturing Controls Engineer
within the AME Organization and collaborate with other team members
located at our headquarters in Burlingame, CA and other manufacturing
facilities in Greenville, SC.
About You:
Self-starter with the ability to adapt interpersonal styles and techniques
to influence at all levels of the organization.
Customer-focused attitude, with high level of professionalism and
discretion.
Ability to maintain strict confidentiality, establish trust and
credibility, and act with complete integrity.
Detail-oriented, resourceful, and diligent.
Flexible and open to change.
Strong time management and organizational skills.
Sound judgment and problem-solving skills.
Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
Ability to travel as needed to Proterra and project-related sites.
Your Experience Includes:
BS in Electrical Engineering or equivalent (Controls Engineering,
Mechatronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering) or equivalent relevant
experience.
Experience leading large complex automation projects that require the full
set of skills, including electrical design, software development, and
deployment/commissioning.
Experience in developing automation controls standards.
Experience in PLC programming, Allen-Bradley and Beckhoff PLCs preferred.
Experience in designing automation network architectures and interfaces
with supervisory systems.
Experience in developing HMIs and SCADA systems.
Experience integrating robotic work cells.
You Might Also Have:
Knowledge of Safety standards (ANSI/RIA15.06, OSHA).
Knowledge of Electrical Standards for industrial machinery (NFPA79,
National Electric Code, UL508A).
Hands on experience in high or low volume manufacturing environments,
including conveyance, vision, and dispense systems.
Familiarity with Manufacturing Execution Systems and data historians.
Job Details:
Department: Advanced Manufacturing Engineering
Base Location: Greer, SC
Common Travel Locations: Burlingame, CA; Vendor Sites
Travel: 0-20%
