Battery Prototyping Engineer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Battery Prototyping Engineer

Company: Sila

Location: Alameda, CA

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Engineering / R&D Operations

Date Posted: March 18, 2026

Experience Level: 5+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive innovation in battery materials and electric vehicle technology through hands-on prototyping and R&D.

• Lead the design, development, and scale-up of advanced battery manufacturing and testing capabilities.

• Integrate mechanical, electrical, process, and software engineering principles to accelerate R&D cycles.

• Champion a culture of continuous improvement in system performance and operational efficiency within the R&D environment.

• Apply data-driven methodologies for system qualification, performance analysis, and stakeholder reporting.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a hands-on engineering position focused on the operationalization of R&D processes within the battery technology sector. It requires a blend of technical engineering expertise and project management capabilities to bridge the gap between scientific discovery and deployable battery solutions, aligning with a GTM (Go-to-Market) acceleration focus.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify and implement novel electrode and cell prototyping capabilities that enhance product R&D velocity and deployment timelines.

• Lead the end-to-end process for the design, development, qualification, and scale-up of new battery manufacturing and testing systems, ensuring robust and repeatable operations.

• Manage complex, multi-functional projects from conception to completion, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and quality standards, while maintaining clear stakeholder communication.

• Proactively identify operational bottlenecks and system performance issues, developing and implementing solutions to continuously improve the efficiency and reliability of R&D infrastructure.

• Develop and deliver comprehensive training programs for R&D teammates on the operation, maintenance, and data analysis of newly developed systems and processes.

• Uphold and champion Sila's core values and mission, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment as the company scales.

• Contribute to the implementation and continuous improvement of safety protocols and data collection best practices within the R&D operations environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on process ownership, project leadership, and operational excellence within an R&D context. The role involves not just development but also the crucial steps of qualification, scale-up, and team enablement, indicating a need for a candidate adept at bridging the gap between R&D ideation and operational readiness.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Materials Science) or Physical Science.

Experience: Minimum of 5 years of hands-on industry experience in developing materials, assembly, or test processes, with a strong preference for R&D environments. Lithium-ion battery experience is highly advantageous.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in developing and optimizing materials, assembly, or test processes, particularly within an R&D setting.

• Demonstrated cross-functional project management skills, with a track record of successfully leading projects involving multiple disciplines and stakeholders.

• Experience in implementing rigorous safety protocols and best practices for data collection and analysis in an engineering or scientific context.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities to identify and address complex technical challenges in prototyping and process development.

Preferred Skills:

• Hands-on experience with lithium-ion battery prototyping, assembly, or testing.

• Proficiency in computer-aided design (CAD) for mechanical or electrical systems.

• Familiarity with statistical process control (SPC) and other quality management methodologies.

• Experience with scripting or programming for data analysis and automation (e.g., Python, MATLAB).

• Knowledge of advanced materials science principles relevant to battery technology.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize practical, hands-on experience and project leadership, rather than purely theoretical knowledge. The preference for R&D and specific industry experience (lithium-ion batteries) suggests that candidates with direct application in similar fast-paced, innovation-driven environments will be highly competitive.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrations of designed, developed, or significantly improved battery prototyping processes, including key milestones and challenges overcome.

• Case studies detailing successful cross-functional project management, highlighting scope, stakeholder management, and outcome.

• Examples of implemented safety procedures or data collection frameworks, showcasing adherence to best practices and impact on R&D operations.

• Documentation of system qualification processes and evidence of successful scale-up efforts for new capabilities.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow diagrams and process maps for novel battery manufacturing or testing procedures developed.

• Detailed documentation of system design, development, and qualification phases, including validation results.

• Records of process performance metrics, efficiency improvements, and ROI calculations where applicable.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical for this role. Candidates should prepare to showcase tangible evidence of their ability to take concepts from ideation through to operational readiness, demonstrating process ownership, project execution, and impact on R&D efficiency.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $151,000 - $177,500 USD per year.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.

• Equity/stock options package.

• Performance-based bonuses.

• Retirement savings plan (e.g., 401k).

• Paid time off and holidays.

• Opportunities for professional development and training.

• Perks associated with working at a cutting-edge clean energy company.

Working Hours: Monday - Friday, 9:00 am - 6:00 pm (40 hours per week), with potential for flexibility based on project needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is competitive for an experienced engineer in a high-cost-of-living area like Alameda, CA, with specialized skills in battery technology and R&D operations. The Total Rewards package, including equity and bonuses, suggests a performance-driven culture.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Advanced Materials / Battery Technology / Clean Energy

Company Size: Sila is a growing company, likely employing between 50-250 employees, based on typical growth trajectories for Series B/C funded deep tech companies. This size indicates a dynamic environment where individual contributions have a significant impact, but also where established processes are beginning to form.

Founded: Sila was founded in 2011, indicating a mature startup phase with established foundational technology and a clear market vision, transitioning towards scaling and commercialization.

Team Structure:

• The R&D Operations team likely consists of engineers and technicians focused on building and maintaining the infrastructure that enables scientific discovery.

• This role will report into a manager or director of R&D Operations, with close collaboration with R&D scientists and engineers.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is paramount, with a focus on rigorous testing, analysis, and iterative improvement of battery materials and processes.

• A "design thinking" approach is encouraged, emphasizing user-centric problem-solving for both internal stakeholders (scientists/engineers) and external customers (device manufacturers).

• Emphasis on rapid prototyping and iteration to accelerate the innovation cycle.

Company Website: https://silanano.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Sila operates at the intersection of deep technology, sustainable energy, and manufacturing innovation. The company culture is likely to be fast-paced, highly technical, and mission-driven, attracting individuals passionate about solving large-scale environmental challenges. The on-site requirement reinforces the hands-on, lab-centric nature of the work.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at an experienced engineer level, focusing on specialized R&D operations and prototyping. It's a critical role for scaling innovation, bridging the gap between fundamental research and product development.

Reporting Structure: The Battery Prototyping Engineer will likely report to an R&D Operations Manager or Director. They will work closely with R&D scientists, mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, and process engineers, acting as a key technical contributor and project leader.

Operations Impact: This role directly impacts Sila's ability to rapidly develop and commercialize its proprietary battery materials. By improving prototyping capabilities, the engineer accelerates the time-to-market for new battery technologies, which is crucial for securing partnerships and achieving revenue goals in the clean energy sector.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in battery prototyping, advanced manufacturing techniques, and specific materials science.

• Leadership Development: Progress into a lead engineer or manager role within R&D Operations, overseeing teams and larger projects.

• Cross-Functional Expertise: Gain broader experience in other areas of battery development, from material synthesis to cell assembly and testing at scale.

• Industry Impact: Contribute to the advancement of clean energy technology and the global transition to electric vehicles.

📝 Enhancement Note: Sila's focus on disruptive technology suggests significant growth potential for engineers who can demonstrate impact and leadership. The company's mission-driven nature also offers opportunities for professional satisfaction beyond technical achievement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Sila operates a hybrid environment with significant on-site requirements for laboratory and manufacturing work. The Alameda, CA location likely includes state-of-the-art R&D labs, pilot manufacturing facilities, and office spaces.

Office Location(s): Alameda, California, USA. This location is part of the broader San Francisco Bay Area, a hub for technology and innovation.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will involve significant time in laboratory environments, requiring adherence to safety protocols and the use of specialized equipment.

• Collaboration will be frequent, with opportunities to work closely with a diverse team of scientists and engineers in shared lab spaces and meeting rooms.

• Access to advanced prototyping machinery, testing equipment, and analytical tools will be standard.

Work Schedule: A standard Monday-Friday, 9:00 am - 6:00 pm schedule is provided. This structure supports consistent R&D operations and cross-functional alignment, while allowing for dedicated time for hands-on work and data analysis.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of this role is critical for the hands-on aspects of battery prototyping. Candidates should be comfortable working in a laboratory setting and understand the importance of proximity to equipment and team members for efficient R&D operations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, interest, and cultural fit.

• Technical Interview: In-depth discussion with hiring manager and/or team members focusing on technical skills, project experience, and problem-solving approaches related to prototyping and R&D operations. This may include a review of past projects.

• Portfolio Review/Presentation: A dedicated session where candidates present selected projects from their portfolio, demonstrating their process, methodologies, and impact. Emphasis will be placed on how they designed, developed, and scaled capabilities.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with potential collaborators from R&D, engineering, or operations teams to assess teamwork and communication skills.

• Final Interview: Typically with a senior leader to discuss vision, long-term fit, and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Impact: Focus on projects where you directly contributed to accelerating R&D, improving system performance, or scaling processes. Quantify results whenever possible (e.g., reduced cycle time by X%, increased yield by Y%).

• Process Orientation: Clearly articulate the problem statement, your approach, the methodologies used (design thinking, project management), challenges faced, and the solutions implemented.

• Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss the technical intricacies of your projects, including design choices, tooling, materials, and data analysis methods.

• Collaboration Emphasis: Highlight instances where you successfully collaborated with cross-functional teams and managed stakeholder expectations.

• Conciseness: Tailor your presentation to the specific requirements of the Battery Prototyping Engineer role, focusing on prototyping, development, qualification, and scale-up.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss hypothetical scenarios related to prototyping challenges, system failures, or project prioritization within an R&D context.

• Prepare to articulate your thought process for designing new R&D capabilities or improving existing ones.

• Practice explaining complex technical concepts clearly and concisely, as you may need to train others.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to evaluate both technical prowess and the ability to collaborate and drive projects forward. A well-prepared portfolio presentation is key to demonstrating practical experience and impact.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar for mechanical and electrical design.

• Prototyping Equipment: Experience with 3D printers, CNC machines, laser cutters, and specialized battery assembly equipment (e.g., glove boxes, welding equipment, automated testers).

• Data Acquisition Systems: LabVIEW, DAQ hardware, or similar for capturing real-time experimental data.

• Process Simulation Software: Potentially used for simulating manufacturing processes or system performance.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Software: Python (with libraries like Pandas, NumPy, SciPy), MATLAB, or JMP for statistical analysis and data interpretation.

• Visualization Tools: Tableau, Power BI, or similar for creating dashboards and reports.

• Spreadsheet Software: Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets for data management and basic analysis.

CRM & Automation:

• Project Management Software: Jira, Asana, Trello, or similar for tracking project progress and tasks.

• Documentation Platforms: Confluence, Notion, or internal wikis for knowledge sharing and process documentation.

• Version Control: Git for managing design files and code (if applicable).

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in CAD and data analysis tools is essential. Familiarity with specialized battery prototyping equipment and data acquisition systems will be a significant advantage, indicating the candidate's ability to hit the ground running in Sila's R&D environment.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation: A commitment to pushing boundaries and developing novel solutions for battery technology.

• Excellence: Striving for the highest quality in all aspects of R&D, from design to implementation and documentation.

• Collaboration: Fostering a team-oriented environment where ideas are shared openly and diverse perspectives are valued.

• Impact: A focus on making a real-world difference in the clean energy transition.

• Safety: Prioritizing a safe working environment for all team members through rigorous protocols and awareness.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, requiring close interaction with scientists, fellow engineers, and operations personnel.

• Emphasis on clear communication, active listening, and constructive feedback to drive projects forward.

• Cross-functional teamwork is essential to integrate different engineering disciplines and ensure successful product development.

📝 Enhancement Note: Sila's culture is likely to be a blend of a fast-paced startup environment with the rigorous discipline required for deep tech and advanced manufacturing. Candidates who thrive in mission-driven, collaborative, and technically challenging settings will be a good fit.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapid Iteration: The need to quickly design, build, test, and iterate on prototypes in a fast-moving R&D environment.

• System Complexity: Developing and managing sophisticated, multi-disciplinary prototyping systems that require high precision and reliability.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring seamless communication and integration between R&D, engineering, and operations teams with potentially different priorities.

• Scaling R&D Capabilities: Transitioning from lab-scale prototypes to pilot-scale capabilities requires careful planning and execution.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Cutting-Edge Technology: Exposure to next-generation battery materials and manufacturing processes.

• Skill Expansion: Opportunity to develop expertise in areas like advanced materials, electrochemistry, process engineering, and automation.

• Industry Leadership: Contribute to a company at the forefront of the clean energy revolution.

• Professional Conferences: Potential to attend and present at industry events related to battery technology and advanced manufacturing.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant opportunities to work on challenging problems with high impact. The company's focus on innovation means continuous learning and adaptation are key.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led the development of a new R&D capability from concept to implementation. What were the key steps, challenges, and outcomes?" (Focus on your process, project management, and problem-solving).

• "How do you approach qualifying a new piece of equipment or a new process in an R&D setting? What metrics do you prioritize?" (Demonstrate understanding of validation and performance measurement).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why Sila? What specifically about our mission and technology excites you?" (Show genuine interest and alignment with the company's goals).

• "How do you approach collaboration with scientists and engineers who may have different technical backgrounds or priorities?" (Highlight your communication and teamwork abilities).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with a brief overview of Sila's mission and how your role contributes. Then, select 2-3 key projects that best exemplify your experience in designing, developing, qualifying, and scaling prototyping systems.

• Detail: For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the technical approach, key challenges, solutions, and quantifiable results (e.g., improvements in speed, accuracy, efficiency, cost reduction).

• Visuals: Use diagrams, photos, or short videos of the systems or processes you worked on to make your presentation engaging.

• Q&A: Be prepared to answer detailed technical questions about your projects and to discuss alternative approaches you considered.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare specific examples that showcase their hands-on engineering skills, project leadership, and ability to translate technical requirements into operational realities within an R&D context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Battery Prototyping Engineer position:

• Submit your application through the Sila careers portal via the provided Greenhouse link.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your experience in R&D operations, prototyping, process development, project management, and any relevant battery technology expertise. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 key projects that demonstrate your ability to design, develop, qualify, and scale engineering systems. Ensure you can articulate the process, challenges, and outcomes clearly and quantitatively.

• Research Sila: Understand Sila's mission, technology, and recent developments. Be prepared to discuss why you are passionate about their work and how your skills align with their goals.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse your portfolio presentation to ensure it is concise, impactful, and effectively communicates your technical contributions and project management capabilities.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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