Purpose of the Role
Senior Mechanical Engineer – Li-ion Battery Cell Development (Cell Design)
Location: Abingdon, Oxfordshire, UK
Function: Cell Technology | Cell Design
Power the Future of Sustainable Energy
At Agratas, we're building the next generation of battery technology that will help drive the global transition to electrification. As part of the Tata Group, we are combining world-class research, engineering excellence, and advanced manufacturing to create innovative battery solutions for automotive and energy storage applications.
We are seeking an experienced Mechanical Engineer - Li-ion Battery Cell Development to join our Cell Design team in Oxford. This is a critical role for someone who has already delivered mechanical design solutions within the lithium-ion battery industry and is passionate about translating innovative concepts into scalable, high-performance products.
Industry Experience is Essential
This position requires direct, hands-on experience developing lithium-ion battery cells within a commercial battery, automotive, or energy storage environment. We are specifically looking for engineers who understand the unique challenges of cell architecture, materials selection, manufacturability, and scaling from prototype to production.
Candidates without significant Li-ion cell development experience are unlikely to possess the specialist knowledge required for this role
Key Responsibility Areas
What You'll Be Doing
Battery Cell Design & Development
- Design and optimise mechanical elements of Li-ion battery cells, including substrates, tabs, cans, and related hardware.
- Develop and execute test plans to achieve performance, energy density, durability, and cycle life targets.
- Define and validate mechanical requirements aligned to system-level specifications.
Materials & Component Development
- Select and assess materials based on thermal, mechanical, electrical, cost, and manufacturing requirements.
- Support supplier engagement and component sourcing as a technical subject matter expert.
- Perform testing and analysis to inform component selection and design decisions.
Prototype to Production Scale-Up
- Partner with process engineering teams to transition cell designs from prototype to pilot-scale manufacturing.
- Create engineering drawings, assembly specifications, and technical documentation.
- Support design reviews and provide technical recommendations to guide development decisions.
Design for Manufacturability (DFM)
- Apply DFM principles to improve manufacturability, quality, yield, and cost efficiency.
- Conduct stack-up and dimensional analyses to support scalable production.
- Collaborate with manufacturing partners to ensure components meet specification and performance requirements.
Innovation & Problem Solving
- Develop innovative solutions to improve cell performance, safety, reliability, and manufacturability.
- Utilise engineering analysis and simulation tools to validate designs and resolve technical challenges.
- Lead root cause investigations and implement corrective actions to drive continuous improvement.
Job Context
What You'll Bring
Essential Experience
- Significant experience in Li-ion battery cell mechanical design and development gained within the battery, automotive, EV, or energy storage sectors.
- Strong understanding of battery cell architecture and mechanical performance requirements.
- Experience supporting customer and stakeholder discussions as a subject matter expert for cell mechanical design.
- Proven track record of taking products from concept through prototype development and into pilot-scale manufacturing.
Technical Expertise
- Advanced CAD capability including creation of engineering drawings and specifications.
- Strong knowledge of GD&T and complex assembly design.
- Experience working within APQP frameworks and supporting DFMEA activities.
- Proficiency in experimental design, statistical analysis, and validation testing.
- Understanding of manufacturing processes and supplier quality requirements.
- Experience with ultrasonic welding would be highly advantageous.
Analysis & Simulation
- Experience using CAE tools for simulation and analysis.
- Knowledge of FEA, CFD, stack-up analysis, and mechanical modelling techniques.
- Strong capability in root cause failure analysis and engineering problem-solving.
Collaboration & Leadership
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to work effectively across R&D, engineering, manufacturing, and supplier teams.
- Experience mentoring and supporting the development of junior engineers.
Qualifications
- PhD in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline preferred.
- Candidates with an MSc or equivalent experience and a strong track record of innovation in Li-ion battery development will also be considered.
Why Join Agratas?
This is a unique opportunity to join one of the UK's most exciting battery technology organisations at a pivotal stage of growth. You'll work alongside leading scientists and engineers, influence next-generation battery cell design, and contribute directly to technologies that will power the future of transportation and energy storage.
If you have a proven background in lithium-ion battery cell development and want to help shape the future of sustainable energy, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today and help build the batteries that will power tomorrow.
