Purpose of the Role
Senior Mechanical Engineer – Li-ion Battery Cell Development (Cell Design)
Location: Oxford, UK
Function: Cell Technology / Cell Design
Reports To: Head of Cell Design – Cell Technology / Cell Development
Line Management: Yes – up to 4 direct reports
The Opportunity
Join Agratas, Tata Group’s global battery business, and play a key role in shaping the future of energy storage. As a Senior Mechanical Engineer within our Cell Design team, you will lead the mechanical development of Li-ion battery cells, focusing on performance, safety, manufacturability, and scalability.
Working at our world-class R&D Centre in Oxford, you’ll collaborate with cell design, R&D, and process engineering teams to develop innovative mechanical solutions that bring next-generation batteries to life.
Key Responsibility Areas
Cell Design & Development
- Develop and optimize mechanical components of battery cells (substrates, tabs, can hardware, etc.).
- Lead and execute test plans to validate mechanical performance, energy density, and cycle life targets.
Materials Selection
- Evaluate materials for mechanical, thermal, and electrical performance, as well as cost and manufacturability.
- Support supplier engagement and qualification as a subject matter expert.
Prototype Scale-Up
- Translate lab-scale designs into pilot-ready prototypes in collaboration with process engineering.
- Create and manage mechanical drawings, specifications, and documentation for manufacturing readiness.
- Lead cross-functional reviews to support go/no-go decisions.
Design for Manufacturability (DFM)
- Integrate DFM principles including stack-up analysis and design margin analysis (DMA).
- Ensure designs meet production, yield, and cost targets for mass manufacturing.
Innovation & Problem Solving
- Identify and implement mechanical innovations to improve safety, energy density, and manufacturability.
- Lead root cause analysis and develop robust solutions under tight deadlines.
Job Context
What you will bring.
- Significant hands-on experience in battery cell mechanical design, ideally in high-performance or automotive-focused Li-ion technologies.
Cell Mechanical Design Expertise
- Strong knowledge of Li-ion cell mechanical architecture and its integration into modules, packs, and systems.
- Experience interpreting mechanical requirements from higher-level systems and translating them into component-level designs.
Product Development & Engineering Tools
- Proficient in CAD (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks), GD&T, and mechanical drawing creation.
- Experience supporting DFMEA and APQP milestones.
- Familiar with ultrasonic welding and mechanical joining processes.
Materials Knowledge
- Deep understanding of materials used in energy storage systems and their impact on safety and performance.
Prototyping & Industrialisation
- Direct experience in taking mechanical designs from concept to pilot production.
- Collaborated with vendors to ensure part feasibility and spec compliance.
Simulation & Analysis
- Skilled in data analysis and modelling tools (e.g., FEA, CFD, tolerance/stack-up analysis).
- Able to interpret simulations and test data to inform design improvements.
Leadership Skills
- Proven experience mentoring junior engineers and leading small technical teams.
- Strong stakeholder management, with the ability to build trusted relationships across engineering, manufacturing, and supplier groups.
Teamwork & Communication
- Excellent cross-functional collaboration skills.
- Capable of working closely with internal teams and external suppliers to drive aligned outcomes.
Education:
- PhD (or equivalent experience) in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
