Battery Failure Analysis Engineer at Delart (Fremond, CA)
Delart· Fremond, CA· $125k–$170k·
Role details
Job description
About the job
Delart is home to a team of world-class engineers and project leaders dedicated to developing the next generation of advanced networking technologies, consumer devices, and innovative technology solutions. Trusted by some of the world’s leading technology companies, we deliver highly scalable, mission-critical solutions that power both consumer and business applications globally. Since our founding in 2017, we have been at the forefront of designing cutting-edge networking, telecommunications, and consumer products, while driving end-to-end project execution and creating transformative technology applications.
Overview
Join our team as a Battery Failure Analysis Engineer, with hands-on responsibility for operating and maintaining a CT scan system used to analyze battery cells, modules, and packs. This role is central to uncovering and interpreting internal defects through advanced imaging, directly supporting root-cause investigations across various battery form factors. You will serve as a technical bridge between cell manufacturing, battery design, and failure analysis, generating actionable insights for design, quality, and validation efforts.
Responsibilities
- Independently operate CT scan equipment for battery cells, modules, and packs, including sample preparation, fixturing, scan parameter selection, and scheduling in a lab environment.
- Interpret 2D and 3D CT images to identify defects such as electrode misalignment, jellyroll deformation, welding issues, foreign material inclusions, electrolyte dry-out, swelling, and mechanical damage.
- Compile clear and detailed failure analysis reports, including annotated images, measurements, and actionable conclusions for cross-functional teams in design, quality, and validation.
- Conduct battery teardowns and complementary failure analysis in dry room or glovebox settings when needed, ensuring adherence to safety protocols.
- Maintain CT system calibration, perform routine troubleshooting, and coordinate with equipment vendors for service or repairs.
- Enforce strict compliance with radiation, laser, and battery safety standards during CT scan operation and handling of potentially hazardous or damaged lithium-ion cells.
- Support battery validation activities by correlating CT imaging results with electrical, mechanical, and abuse testing data.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
- 5+ years of experience in battery failure analysis, with a deep background in cell design and structure.
- Comprehensive understanding of cell manufacturing processes, including electrode coating, calendaring, winding/stacking, electrolyte filling, and formation cycling.
- Demonstrated experience operating and interpreting results from CT/X-ray inspection systems for battery analysis.
- Advanced training and adherence to safety protocols for both CT system operation and lithium-ion cell handling.
Preferred Qualifications
- 10+ years total experience in battery failure analysis and cell engineering roles, spanning multiple cell chemistries and formats (cylindrical, pouch, prismatic).
- Proficiency in conducting detailed cell teardowns and failure investigations across a range of battery types, including hard-can designs.
- Familiarity with additional analytical techniques, such as SEM/EDS, cross-sectioning, and optical microscopy for root-cause investigations.
- Experience with battery validation, including electrical, thermal, and mechanical abuse testing methodologies.
- Ability to operate independently in a laboratory environment and effectively communicate technical findings to diverse engineering and development teams.
CA Base Pay $125,000—$170,000 USD
Benefits
Delart provides competitive benefits and compensation across all regions where we operate. In the United States, our benefits package includes premium PPO and HMO medical insurance, dental and vision coverage, flexible spending accounts (FSA), life insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance, a company-matched 401(k) plan, and a generous paid time off policy.
Join us in shaping the future of technology. Apply today!
Delart is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace for all employees. We strictly prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, genetics, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Why work at Delart
- Cutting-Edge Work: Engineers work on "the most advanced telecommunication and consumer products in the world," often years before they hit the market. The work is described as "advanced and challenging problems."
- Culture: The company emphasizes technical growth, ownership, and execution. They value direct communication, a bias for action, and technical rigor. They describe their environment as "startup-style execution" without "politics or fluff."
- Global & Diverse Team: Employees are distributed across the US, Canada, China, Brazil, Italy, and Serbia, offering a multicultural work environment.
- Benefits:
- Low-deductible PPO and HMO health insurance (medical, dental, vision) for employee and family.
- Life insurance and short/long-term disability.
- Company-matched 401(k) plan.
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
- 3 weeks of paid vacation plus additional paid time off and sick leave.
- Work Policy: Not explicitly stated as remote/hybrid, but the presence of multiple physical offices suggests a preference for in-person or hybrid collaboration, especially given the hardware-heavy nature of the work.
- Career Growth: High-growth environment (headcount up 19% YoY) with many open roles, suggesting strong upward mobility for high performers.