Battery Engineering Technician (contract)
AI Summary
Pivotal is the leader in the emerging market of electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft. We design, develop, and manufacture light eVTOL aircraft and are renowned for the BlackFly aircraft the world's first light eVTOL to fly manned missions and enter the consumer market.
About this role
About the job:
We are looking for a hands-on Battery Engineering Technician to join our battery team in a fast-paced eVTOL startup environment. You will work closely with battery engineers to build, test, and characterize cells, modules, and packs — from prototype builds through validation. Strong attention to detail, a safety-first mindset, and adaptability are essential.
Responsibilities
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Set up and execute electrical, thermal, and thermal runaway (TR) tests, including sensor and thermocouple installation on test articles.
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Operate lab equipment: cyclers (Arbin, BioLogic, Chroma), power supplies, ultrasonic/spot welders, hi-pot testers, DMMs, and oscilloscopes.
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Build test fixtures, jigs, enclosures, and harnesses for test stands.
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Document build processes, test data, travelers, and inspection results with strong traceability.
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Handle, store, and dispose of hazardous battery materials per federal, state, and local regulations.
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Maintain a clean, safe lab; collaborate with Engineering and Quality to resolve issues and drive continuous improvement.
Qualifications
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3+ years of hands-on experience with battery cells, modules, or packs in an engineering or manufacturing environment.
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Proficient with electronics test equipment: cyclers, hi-pot testers, DMMs, oscilloscopes, and AC/DC power supplies.
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Experience building fixtures and preparing test samples; strong mechanical aptitude with hand and power tools.
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Familiarity with welding (laser, ultrasonic, or spot) and basic machine shop equipment.
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Strong documentation habits, communication skills, and team-oriented attitude.
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High school diploma or GED equivalent.
Preferred Qualifications
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Experience with thermal runaway or abuse testing (including post-burn cleanup in Tyvek suits).
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Experience with high-voltage battery packs and safety protocols.
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Familiarity with DO-160G, DO-311A, or UN 38.3 certification testing.
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Experience in aerospace/regulated environments: ESD controls, traceability, controlled rework.
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PCB assembly, soldering, or 3D printing/CNC experience.
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Experience working safely with hazardous materials.
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Associate’s or technical degree in engineering (desired but not required).
What Success Looks Like (First 60–90 Days)
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Independently builds and tests battery assemblies with minimal rework.
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Executes electrical and thermal tests reliably, documents results, and flags issues early.
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Partners with engineers to triage failures and contributes at least one measurable process improvement.
Attributes aligned with Core Values
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Demonstrates a proactive safety mindset by embedding safety into daily operations, identifying and mitigating risks through assessments and training, encouraging open dialogue on safety concerns, and continuously improving protocols to ensure a safe work environment.
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Puts customers at the center of every action by deeply understanding their challenges, delivering exceptional value, and striving to exceed expectations to support their success as our core purpose.
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Actively seeks and values diverse stakeholder perspectives, builds cross-functional relationships, and fosters trust through empathetic, fact-based communication—committing to shared decisions for the greater good.
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Drives results with clarity and purpose by focusing on what matters most, adapting to change, taking initiative, and owning outcomes while aligning actions with a clear understanding of success at every level.
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Navigates ambiguity with resilience and bold thinking, challenges the status quo, and combines innovative ideas with practical best practices to overcome obstacles and drive progress.
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Fosters a high-performance culture grounded in respect, professionalism, and support—balancing high expectations with a healthy, collaborative environment and being a trusted, dependable teammate.