Senior Equipment Engineer, Mechanical Systems (m/w/d)

Job Description

Are you ready to build America's energy future? Form Energy is an American manufacturing and energy technology company. We're revolutionizing energy storage with cost-effective, multi-day technology designed to keep the electric grid secure and reliable, even during extended periods of stress. By strengthening the electric system and reimagining what's possible, we're giving clean energy a whole new form!

In recent years, Form Energy has earned a number of accolades, including being named by TIME as a "Best Invention", MIT Technology Review as a "Top Climate Tech Company To Watch", and Fast Company as "One of the Next Big Things In Tech". We are making rapid progress on our mission of delivering energy storage for a better world, and our team is growing just as rapidly to meet demand. We have signed contracts with leading electric utilities across the United States and production of our iron-air batteries is underway at our first high-volume manufacturing facility in West Virginia.

Working for Form Energy is more than just a job, it's a chance to be part of something extraordinary. And now - right as we significantly scale up battery manufacturing - might be the most exciting moment in the company's history to join. We are assembling a team of highly talented and driven individuals across the country. Driven by our core values of humanity, excellence, and creativity, our team is determined to deliver on our mission and transform the energy landscape for the better.

Feeling energized to make a meaningful impact on the world? Then keep reading - you've come to the right place.

Role Description

Form Energy is hiring a hands-on Senior Equipment Engineer to lead the full-lifecycle development of our next-generation manufacturing systems. You won't just design on a screen; you will own your machines from the first hand-calculation and 3D model through to the physical build, commissioning, and eventual scaling. This is a high-impact role requiring a blend of rigorous analytical design (FEA, Kinematics) and "boots-on-the-ground" mechanical assembly. If you thrive on seeing your designs move from SolidWorks to the factory floor, we want you on the team.

You'll work closely with cell design engineers, process engineers, material scientists, supply chain, operations, facilities, and outside consultants. As we design, build, and ramp up equipment operations, expect to become deeply entrenched in the intersection of equipment design, process engineering, and materials engineering, as the team works toward a common goal of manufacturing high performance electrodes, in high volume. This role provides an exciting opportunity to design novel equipment while doing your part to help combat climate change!

This is an exciting opportunity to help shape and be part of the growth of a fast-moving company with breakthrough technology and an incredible mission!

What You'll Do

• Create complex, high-fidelity assemblies in SolidWorks and detailed schematics in AutoCAD, ensuring every nut, bolt, and fluid line is accounted for.
• Use hand calculations and kinematic studies to define system requirements before moving into 3D modeling.
• Run FEA and structural simulations to ensure reliability, safety, and longevity of custom equipment.
• Work closely with vendors and internal shops to ensure every component is designed for efficient manufacturing and assembly.
• Transition from the desk to the workshop to lead the hands-on assembly of your machines alongside our skilled technicians.
• You will be the first to identify failure points, troubleshoot mechanical issues, and implement "lessons learned" into the final design.
• Design and oversee the installation of hydraulic and pneumatic systems, ensuring seamless integration with mechanical frames.
• Own the "Go-Live" moment. You will oversee the installation and commissioning of equipment on the production line, ensuring it meets all throughput and safety KPIs.
• Act as the mechanical "glue" between Controls Engineers, Process Engineers, and Maintenance teams to ensure the equipment is easy to operate and simple to repair.
• In our fast-growing environment, you will manage the lifecycle of your equipment-which includes upgrading or decommissioning older systems to make way for the next generation of high-capacity technology.

What You'll Bring

• Education: BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical field.
• Professional Experience: 7+ years of experience in equipment design, industrial automation, or custom machine building.
• Expert-level proficiency in SolidWorks and AutoCAD for complex assemblies and detailed fabrication drawings.
• Proven ability to perform hand calculations, kinematic studies, and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to validate designs before prototyping.
• Deep understanding of Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Assembly (DFA), ensuring components are cost-effective and easy to maintain.
• Strong working knowledge of hydraulic and pneumatic systems, including component sizing and schematic design.
• Experience working in a machine shop environment; comfortable using manual tools and power equipment to assist in the "ground-up" build of prototypes.
• Ability to design and execute rigorous test plans, translate data into design iterations, and troubleshoot mechanical failures in real-time.
• Experience managing the full equipment lifecycle, from initial concept and vendor sourcing to onsite installation and commissioning.

Where you'll work

This role is based at Form Factory 1 in Weirton, WV-an easy commute from the city of Pittsburgh, PA. This 550,000-square-foot facility is our hub for high-volume battery production and a leader in the new era of American energy manufacturing. Relocation assistance is available.

Humanity is a cornerstone of Form Energy's culture, and we make sure our compensation and benefits reflect that. Form Energy offers competitive salaries, stock options, and a holistic benefits package to ensure all employees have what they need to thrive while working here.

When it comes to you and your family's health, we cover 100% of medical, dental, and vision premiums for full-time employees - and 80% of healthcare premiums for dependents. This starts from day one. We also offer at least 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents (up to 20 weeks for birthing parents), and generous vacation policies to give employees time to recharge when needed.

To build America's energy future, we need everyone at the table. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply to our open jobs.

If you may require reasonable accommodations to participate in our interview process, please contact [email protected]. Requests for accommodations will be treated with discretion.

*Form Energy is committed to maintaining the privacy of our applicants. Please be aware that we will never solicit sensitive personal information such as Social Security numbers or bank account details during the recruiting or hiring process.*