Mechanical engineering Jobs in Berkeley, CA

Mechanical Technician – Battery Test Lab

An energy storage company is hiring three experienced mechanical technicians to build new battery test stands and safely decommission legacy equipment in its test lab.

About the role

Our client is moving to the next generation of its battery product. Its test lab needs skilled hands to build test stands for the new design and tear down the old ones, on a fast-moving schedule.

This is hands-on mechanical work: ducting, piping and plumbing for the systems that support a battery under test. We want people who know when to slow down for safety and how to move quickly once the path is clear.

In this role, you’ll work closely with engineers and technicians to build prototype subassemblies, install them into test stands, and validate that the systems work correctly after the build. You’ll also decommission a high volume of test modules to clear stands for upcoming tests, which involves regular handling of electrolyte chemicals. We’re looking for someone who can ramp quickly and contribute from the first few weeks.

What You’ll Do

• Build prototype subassemblies in alignment with engineers, working from drawings, work instructions, and established build methods

• Identify and recommend specialized tooling that would speed up prototype builds and test fixture assembly

• Install subassemblies and supporting hardware into test stands

• Validate systems after the build, using established test plans and checklists, to confirm they function correctly before they go into test

• Safely decommission and remove a large number of test modules from test stands and prepare the stands for incoming modules

• Handle, transfer, and dispose of electrolyte and chemical waste in accordance with SDS requirements, site EHS procedures, and spill response protocols

• Troubleshoot electrical and mechanical issues found during build and validation, resolving task-level problems and bringing in engineers when the issue needs more judgment

• Take initiative on task-level gaps, such as missing parts, unclear work instructions, or stands that aren’t ready, and close them proactively

• Escalate issues, anomalies, and safety concerns that are beyond your scope to engineers and leads promptly, with enough detail to act on

• Maintain clear, comprehensive, and accurate records of builds, validation results, system modifications, and decommissioning steps so knowledge is shared across the team

• Keep lab and test stand areas organized, clean, and safe at all times

What You’ll Bring

• 4+ years of related hands-on experience as a technician working with mechanical and/or electrical systems, or an associate’s degree in an engineering field; experience with battery, solar, or other high-powered equipment is a plus

• Working knowledge in at least one of the following: electrical schematics, P&IDs, communication protocols, fabrication, or CAD, with the ability to read engineering drawings and procedures and build to them with high precision

• Ability to execute established procedures and standard methods independently, and to seek input from senior technicians and engineers when a judgment call comes up

• Strong safety awareness, with the ability to follow safety protocols and risk assessments around high-energy or hazardous systems

• Comfort with frequent and long-term wear of heavy PPE (chemical suits, face shields, chemical-resistant gloves, steel-toed boots, etc.) while working with electrolyte chemicals

• Prior experience handling industrial or laboratory chemicals, or willingness to complete required hazardous materials training before starting chemical work

• Strong written communication skills, with a track record of clear, actionable documentation and of tracking work in a system like Jira

• Pride in craftsmanship, delivering high-quality, reliable, and clean assembly work

• A proactive, resourceful mindset and attention to detail

• A collaborative approach, with comfort asking questions and raising issues early

• Physically able to frequently lift up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift up to 50 pounds