New Product Development Engineer

Packet Digital, LLC

$70K — $95K *
Fargo, ND 58103In-Person
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, materials science, electrical engineering, or related field.
  • Working knowledge of pouch-cell lithium-ion design including electrode structure and pouching processes.
  • Proficiency with CAD/3D modeling tools such as SolidWorks or Creo.
  • Hands-on experience in cell prototyping or early-stage cell development.
  • Ability to analyze cycling data and performance metrics for design improvements.
  • Strong communication skills, capable of working in an R&D and pilot-line environment.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the design of pouch lithium-ion cells focusing on various architectural aspects.
  • Develop detailed 2D and 3D models using CAD software for cell components.
  • Participate in prototyping activities including material selection and design iteration.
  • Collaborate with process engineering to align cell designs with manufacturing capabilities.
  • Support pilot-line builds and analyze performance data for design enhancements.
  • Generate comprehensive engineering documentation including specifications and test plans.
  • Utilize performance data to enhance pouch-cell attributes like energy density and safety.

Benefits

  • Collaborative and inclusive work environment.
  • Opportunities for professional growth and advancement.
Full Job Description
New Product Development Engineer

Position Overview
Packet Digital is expanding its vertically integrated lithium-ion battery capabilities and
seeking a New Product Development (NPD) Engineer to drive the design and
development of next-generation pouch-format lithium-ion cells. This engineer will
work across early-stage design, prototyping, and pilot manufacturing to ensure that new
pouch-cell architectures meet performance, manufacturability, and safety requirements.
The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in lithium-ion cell engineering, CAD-
based mechanical design, and hands-on development experience in cell prototyping
and validation.

Responsibilities
  • Lead and support the design of pouch lithium-ion cells, including electrode
    architecture, stack configuration, mechanical layout, tab design, and pouch
    dimensions.
  • Develop detailed 2D and 3D models using CAD software (SolidWorks, Creo, or
    similar) for electrodes, cell stacks, tabs, and packaging.
  • Participate in prototyping of pouch cells, including material selection, electrode
    design iteration, stacking/winding setup, electrolyte selection, pouch-forming
    considerations, and sealing strategies.
  • Collaborate with process engineering teams to ensure cell designs align with
    manufacturing capabilities (mixing, coating, calendaring, slitting, stacking,
    welding, filling, formation).
  • Support pilot-line builds and analyze performance, yield, and manufacturability
    data to drive iterative design improvements.
  • Generate engineering documentation including drawings, specifications, BOMs,
    test plans, and validation reports.
  • Use test and cycling data to improve pouch-cell performance in terms of energy
    density, cycle life, impedance, thermal behavior, and safety.
  • Participate in DFM, DFMEA, and engineering reviews to ensure design robustness and manufacturability.
  • Ensure pouch-cell designs comply with relevant safety and DoD requirements (UN38.3, NAVSEA S9310, MIL-PRF-29595B, etc.).All other duties as assigned.
  • All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

The successful candidate should possess the following qualifications:
Required:
  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials
    Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
  • Working knowledge of pouch-cell lithium-ion design, including electrode structure, pouching processes, electrolyte selection, and tab design.
  • Proficiency with CAD/3D modeling tools (SolidWorks, Creo, NX, etc.).
  • Hands-on experience in cell prototyping, laboratory builds, or early-stage cell development.
  • Ability to analyze cycling data, performance metrics, and failure modes to guide
    design improvements.
  • Strong cross-functional communication skills and ability to work in R&D and pilot- line environment. Able to travel overseas for training and collaboration.

Preferred:
  • Master's degree in engineering or a related discipline.
  • Industry experience specifically in pouch-cell development or pouch-cell manufacturing.
  • Familiarity with pilot manufacturing lines (coating, calendaring, slitting, stacking, tab welding, filling, formation).
  • Experience with mechanical, thermal, or electrochemical simulation tools.
  • Knowledge of DFM, DFMEA, and design validation methodologies.
  • Experience with DoD testing and safety standards for lithium-ion systems.


Work Environment
This is a full-time position based in our main office. We offer a collaborative and inclusive work environment with opportunities for growth and advancement.

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