The Powertrain HV Battery Supplier Quality Engineer will play a key role in ensuring world-class performance of the Zoox prototype and production battery supply base, and drive continuous improvement. The ideal candidate will be entrepreneurial, driven, energetic, detailed, and team-oriented, with a deep understanding of energy storage systems and high-voltage manufacturing.
Works with Powertrain Engineering and Strategic Sourcing to select appropriate battery cell, module, and pack suppliers by conducting detailed process assessments and VDA 6.3 audits.
Travel 30% of time
Assess the manufacturability of new HV battery designs (including cell integration, thermal interface materials, busbars, and BMS systems) and assist suppliers with improving manufacturability and scaling production.
Manage product and process development with battery suppliers from prototype through end-of-line (EOL) testing.
Review prototype and production part quality document submissions (PPAP) from suppliers, ensuring adherence to strict HV safety and performance tolerances.
Issue corrective action requests (8D) to suppliers regarding battery degradation, thermal runaway risks, or capacity anomalies, and provide support with resolution.
Provide support to Manufacturing, Quality, and Powertrain Engineering regarding analysis and disposition of suspect HV supplier material.
Drive continuous improvement throughout the battery supply base using quality and lean manufacturing tools to improve yield and cycle times.
Ensure supplier compliance with safe handling, storage, and transport of high-voltage systems and lithium-ion batteries.
Improve Zoox supplier quality processes such as assessments, supplier management, part approval, and corrective actions
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechatronics or Mechanical Engineering or equivalent engineering degree
Minimum of 3 years of experience in Quality, Supplier Quality, or Manufacturing, in the automotive, aviation, or medical device industries
Experience in New Product Introduction (NPI) - Experience creating and improving quality systems
Experience in manufacturing processes such as laser welding, ultrasonic welding, wire bonding, thermal potting/dispensing, and EOL functional testing or related HV systems.
Experience using problem-solving techniques such as Six-Sigma, 8-Discipline, Pareto Charts, Regression Analysis, ANOVA, DOE, Fish Bone Analysis, Red-X, Is / Is Not
Experience using quality analysis and control tools such as Process Flow Diagrams, Process FMEAs, Process Control Plans, SPC, MSA, Process Capability
Working knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing
Working knowledge of Quality Systems such as ISO 9000 and IATF 16949 - Certifications such as ASQ, Six Sigma Green Belt, or Six Sigma Black Belt
Fully literate in Microsoft computer applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
Strong understanding of lithium-ion battery chemistry, failure modes, and battery management system (BMS) fundamentals.
Working knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
Familiarity with automotive and battery-specific standards (e.g., ISO 26262, UN 38.3, ECE R100, UL 2580, IEC 62660).
High Voltage safety training/certification.
Working knowledge of Quality Systems such as ISO 9000, IATF 16949, and VDA 6.3.
Certifications such as ASQ, Six Sigma Green Belt, or Six Sigma Black Belt.