Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer, Equipment 

About Sakuu and the role 

Sakuú is reinventing manufacturing via a total process shift. The transformative Kavian platform technology enables mass-scale, cost-effective, and sustainable production to meet global demands in various industries. Today, Sakuú focuses this expertise in 3D print technology and process knowledge to redefine battery and energy storage manufacturing with our Kavian platform for dry electrode manufacturing. With increasing interest in dry technology in battery manufacturing and a need for scale and cost-effective solutions, we are accelerating our scaling efforts and getting tools on our customer’s manufacturing floors. 

The Role – Core Responsibilities 

The Senior Mechanical Design Engineer will be responsible for developing the next-generation, production-ready Kavian platform. This is a critical, hands-on role requiring deep expertise in designing mechanical, electrical, and motion control subsystems to scale our groundbreaking technology from pilot to production.  

As a Subject Matter Expert for the Kavian system, you will lead the mechanical and electromechanical development of the platform, focusing on performance, robustness, and manufacturing readiness. 

Design, Development, and Component Selection 

  • Develop conceptual equipment designs, balancing product specifications, process needs, layout complexity, cost, and lead-time constraints. 

  • Generate 3D drawings and select all necessary components. 

  • Select components for drives, heaters, sensors, frames, safety systems, and automation equipment. 

  • Work with vendors, component manufacturers, and Contract Manufacturers (CMs) to align design requirements, tolerances, integration plans, and quality targets. 

  • Guide design work at CMs to ensure adherence to Kavian electrode manufacturing tool specifications. 

Validation, Improvement, and Support 

  • Identify opportunities and implement improvements for performance, robustness, maintenance, and ease of assembly. 

  • Assess equipment requirements and lead equipment upgrades with a focus on serviceability, reliability, and process capability. 

  • Support building, debugging, validation, and equipment duplication efforts; fine-tune equipment for production release. 

  • Perform on-site and off-site acceptance testing (SAT/FAT) and support commissioning and tool qualification. 

  • Develop and improve equipment validation procedures, including testing, calibration and qualification. 

Collaboration and Documentation 

  • Work closely with process, controls, and software engineers to ensure hardware capabilities meet process needs. 

  • Create and update system documentation (assembly drawings, BOMs, schematics, and equipment change records). 

  • Analyze system constraints and propose innovative solutions. 

  • Participate in engineering design reviews and hardware concept evaluations for new subsystems. 

 

What You Will Bring – Qualifications 

Essential Technical Requirements 

  • A degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent hardware/automation discipline. 

  • 3–5+ years of experience working on high volume manufacturing equipment and automation platforms. 

  • Expert-level knowledge of SolidWorks, PDM, and Ansys, or similar CAD/CAE software. Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, GD&T, wiring diagrams, and system BOMs. 

  • Knowledge of solid mechanics, pneumatics, hydraulics, dynamics, material selection, prototyping, testing methods, machining, and fabrication processes. 

  • Hands-on experience with complex electromechanical systems or automation tools. 

  • Experience troubleshooting equipment on the floor in lab or manufacturing environments. 

  • Familiarity with selecting and sizing motion components for various interdependent subsystems. 

  • Experience writing and reviewing specifications for vendors and Contract Manufacturers. 

Nice to Haves 

  • Experience with high-volume electrode, web handling, roll-to-roll, or printing systems. 

  • Prior work scaling tools from lab to pilot to production environments. 

  • Experience in materials, battery, or electrode fabrication processes. 

  • Sensor selection experience (vision, IR, load cells, flow/pressure, etc.). 

  • Knowledge of reliability engineering and designing for reliability. 

Behavioral & Workstyle 

Ability to collaborate across multiple engineering disciplines. 

Willingness to travel domestically and internationally. 

 

Why Join Sakuu 

  • You will have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge new manufacturing technology in the energy sector.  

  • A collaborative and dynamic work environment that offers opportunities for professional growth and leadership roles. 

  • Joining a skilled and dedicated team for a positive impact on the environment, sustainability, and manufacturing.  

Additional Details 

  • Sakuu will expect candidates to work onsite at South San Jose location. Remote work schedules are not available. 

The estimated compensation range for a new hire in this position is $130,000 to $190,000. Actual compensation may vary depending on job-related factors, which may include a candidate's knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition to a competitive base salary, discretionary target cash bonus, Sakuú offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package including health, life, and disability insurance, paid time off, and a 401(k) plan. 

 

We aspire to have a culture where people are first. We strive to attract and retain a diverse workforce; therefore, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status. Sakuú is an equal opportunity employer and by doing so, we will sustain and promote an inclusive culture that supports future growth for all. 

Notice to Recruiters and Staffing Agencies 

Sakuú Corp. (“Sakuú”) has an internal recruiting model. 

Agencies are hereby specifically directed NOT to contact Sakuú employees in an attempt to present candidates – Sakuú 's recruiting team must present ALL candidates to hiring managers.  

Agency must obtain advance written approval from Sakuú’s Director of Human Resources to submit resumes, and then only in conjunction with a valid full-executed contract for service, and in response to a specifically assigned job opening. Sakuú will not pay a fee to any Agency that does not have such agreement in place. Agency agreements will only be valid if in writing and signed by an office of Sakuú or their designee. No other Sakuú employee is authorized to bind Sakuú to any agreement regarding the placement of candidates by Agencies. Sakuú hereby specifically rejects and denies any liability under any agreement purporting to be accepted based on negative consent, negotiation with a candidate, performance, or any means other than the signature of a Sakuú officer.