Principle Engineer - Mechanical

Role Description  

We are looking for an experienced Senior Mechanical Lead to lead the mechanical engineering function for Kimbal's next-generation Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). This role will own the complete mechanical architecture, enclosure design, structural engineering, thermal integration, and manufacturability of our utility-scale energy storage products. 

As a Tier-1 engineering leader, you will build and mentor a multidisciplinary mechanical engineering organization while collaborating with Electrical, Firmware, Controls, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Quality teams to deliver scalable, reliable, and cost-effective BESS solutions. You will play a critical role in establishing engineering excellence, supplier partnerships, and product development best practices that enable Kimbal to build world-class energy storage systems. 

Key Responsibilities  

• Lead the mechanical design and development of BESS enclosures, battery racks, structural systems, and supporting mechanical assemblies.  

• Define the mechanical architecture for scalable, modular, and containerized Battery Energy Storage Systems.  

• Drive system integration across mechanical, thermal, electrical, battery, and controls engineering teams.  

• Lead mechanical design reviews, DFMEA, engineering risk assessments, and design validation activities.  

• Perform or oversee structural, thermal, vibration, and environmental simulations to validate product performance and reliability.  

• Implement Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) practices to improve manufacturability, quality, and product cost.  

• Work closely with Manufacturing and Supply Chain teams during prototype development, NPI, production ramp-up, and product lifecycle management.  

• Manage supplier selection, technical reviews, qualification, and development for enclosures, fabricated components, thermal systems, and mechanical BoS components.  

• Ensure compliance with applicable industry standards including UL 9540, NFPA 855, IEC, NEC, and other relevant mechanical and safety requirements.  

• Build, mentor, and lead the Tier-2 Mechanical Engineering organization comprising Mechanical Design, Thermal Engineering, Test & Validation, Program Management, and Quality Engineering.  

• Drive engineering excellence through robust design processes, documentation standards, and continuous improvement initiatives. 

 

Current Challenges  

• Developing highly reliable and modular BESS platforms that can be rapidly customized for diverse customer requirements.  

• Balancing thermal performance, structural integrity, manufacturability, and product cost in utility-scale energy storage systems.  

• Building a scalable mechanical engineering organization while accelerating product development timelines.  

• Establishing a robust supplier ecosystem for large-scale production.  
• Ensuring compliance with evolving global safety and certification standards for Battery Energy Storage Systems. 

Job Requirements  

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering.  

• 12–16 years of experience in mechanical engineering, with proven leadership in product development.  

• Strong experience in mechanical design for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), EV battery packs, power electronics, heavy electrical equipment, or similar industrial products.  

• Expertise in enclosure design, structural engineering, thermal management, and systems integration.  

• Strong understanding of Structural Analysis (FEA), thermal simulations, and engineering validation methodologies.  

• Experience in supplier development, vendor management, and mechanical procurement.  

• Hands-on knowledge of Design for Manufacturing (DFM), Design for Assembly (DFA), GD&T, tolerance stack-up analysis, and engineering change management.  

• Familiarity with safety and compliance standards including UL 9540, NFPA 855, IEC, NEC, IP65/IP66, NEMA, seismic qualification, and environmental testing.  

• Proficiency with 3D CAD software such as SolidWorks, CATIA, Creo, or equivalent mechanical design tools.  

• Demonstrated ability to build and lead high-performing cross-functional engineering teams.  

• Strong analytical thinking, communication, stakeholder management, and problem-solving skills.