Opt Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Eaton's Electronics division is currently seeking a hands- on Supercapacitor Cell Engineer in to support the development of advanced cylindrical EDLC supercapacitor cells, with primary responsibility for cell construction, internal cell design implementation, manufacturing process development, equipment selection, pilot-line execution, and production scale-up. The role requires an experienced engineer who can own and execute the full cell development cycle, from design implementation and laboratory prototyping through process development, pilot builds, manufacturing transfer, and production ramp-up. The candidate will work globally with internal engineering teams, suppliers, equipment vendors, and manufacturing partners, with travel up to 20%. This role takes place in Pleasanton, CA and we are able to offer relocation assistance for qualified candidates in the United States.
The ideal candidate will have strong mechanical and manufacturing engineering fundamentals, practical hands-on cell development experience, and knowledge of medium- and high-volume manufacturing processes used in cylindrical electrochemical devices. Experience with process development, production equipment selection, pilot-line implementation, and manufacturing scale-up is highly desirable. Familiarity with supercapacitors, batteries, or other energy storage products is preferred.
The expected annual salary range for this role is $117000 - $172000 a year.
Please note the salary information shown above is a general guideline only. Salaries are based upon candidate skills, experience, and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
To learn more about our products visit: Electronic components | Eaton
What you'll do:

• Lead hands-on development of cylindrical EDLC supercapacitor cells, including cell construction, prototyping, testing, process optimization, and manufacturing scale-up.
• Own the full cell development lifecycle, including cell design implementation, process development, equipment selection, pilot-line execution, manufacturing transfer, and production support
• Develop repeatable cell assembly methods, process flows, work instructions, tooling, fixtures, and process controls for laboratory, pilot, and production environments.
• Define and optimize critical process parameters related to electrode handling, stacking or winding, electrolyte filling, sealing, fixturing, inspection, and cell assembly operations.
• Select, qualify, and optimize commercially available manufacturing equipment and tooling for pilot and production use.
• Support pilot-line development, process qualification, production readiness activities, and technology transfer to manufacturing sites.
• Collaborate with materials, quality, operations, test engineering, module engineering, and manufacturing teams to ensure successful product development and scale-up.
• Work with suppliers and equipment vendors to develop robust, scalable manufacturing solutions and improve process capability, yield, and reliability.
• Provide cell-level design constraints, tolerances, and manufacturing capability data to support module integration activities.
• Lead troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, failure investigations, and continuous improvement efforts related to cell design and manufacturing processes.
• Interface globally with suppliers, equipment vendors, manufacturing teams, and cross-functional engineering organizations. Travel domestically and internationally up to 20% as required.

Qualifications:
Required (Basic) Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Science, or related technical discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in manufacturing, process development, electrochemical device development, precision assembly, or related industries.
• Eaton will not consider applicants for employment immigration sponsorship or support for this position. This means that Eaton will not support any CPT, OPT, or STEM OPT plans, F-1 to H-1B, H-1B cap registration, O-1, E-3, TN status, I-485 job portability, etc.

Preferred Qualifications:

• At least 1 year of experience in supercapacitors, lithium-ion batteries, electrolytic capacitor, or similar electrochemical devices.

Skills:

• Hands-on experience developing products or manufacturing processes from laboratory development through pilot builds and early production.
• Strong process development, manufacturing, tooling, fixturing, and assembly knowledge.
• Experience selecting, implementing, and optimizing manufacturing equipment.
• Experience supporting pilot-line development, production ramp-up, manufacturing transfer, and process optimization.
• Ability to work effectively with global suppliers, equipment vendors, and manufacturing partners.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, documentation, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Experience with cylindrical cells, winding, laser welding, electrode handling, separator handling, electrolyte filling, sealing, crimping, or related manufacturing processes.
• Experience working with manufacturing equipment vendors, particularly in Asia.
• Experience supporting manufacturing operations in Asia.
• Familiarity with DFM, GD&T, tolerance analysis, process capability studies, and manufacturing process control.
• Experience developing work instructions, process flows, control plans, and production documentation.
• Willingness to travel up to 20%, including domestic and international travel.

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