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Intern, Advanced Manufacturing Engineering

Proterra

Proterra

Burlingame, CA, USA
Posted on Feb 13, 2025

Designed and assembled in the United States, Proterra’s innovative battery platform offers industry-leading energy density, durability, performance and safety systems – enabling Proterra EV batteries to be the premium choice for commercial vehicles and industrial equipment.

Proterra’s battery technology offers industry-leading energy density, safety systems, and durability. Proudly designed in Silicon Valley and assembled in Greer, South Carolina, Proterra® batteries are the premier choice to electrify commercial vehicles ranging from buses and trucks to construction equipment and more. Proterra is building innovative battery technology to power a better, more sustainable world.

Position Overview:

This position, as part of the Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (AME) organization, will assist in the development of new manufacturing automation equipment through the design of machines, fixtures, and tools. This highly collaborative position is a key part of the Battery Technology organization. You will work with other leaders, engineers, and technicians to establish Proterra as a world-class manufacturer of battery-based energy storage.

About the Role – You will:

As a Advanced Manufacturing Engineering Intern, you will:

  • Support the design, development, and implementation of advanced manufacturing automation equipment.
  • Assist in designing machines, fixtures, and tools to optimize production efficiency and quality.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure manufacturing solutions align with Proterra’s production goals.
  • Participate in testing and validation of new equipment to ensure performance, reliability, and safety.
  • Analyze and resolve technical challenges related to manufacturing processes and automation.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives in manufacturing to enhance scalability and reduce costs.

About Our Group:

  • The Advanced Manufacturing Engineering group seeks to develop innovative new manufacturing processes and automation tools to establish Proterra as a world leader in battery pack manufacturing. It is comprised of several different teams focused on different aspects of battery manufacturing, including process development and automated manufacturing equipment design.
  • This role is part of the larger Battery Technology Team. The Battery Technology Team’s work is guided by our team values:
    • Purpose: We work towards a sustainable future for all by leading battery technology development and enabling electrification in every sector of transportation.
    • Initiative: We encourage taking ownership to find creative solutions to challenges. We’re not afraid to fail.
    • Humility: We recognize when we’re not the expert, ask for help when needed, and change our minds when we get new information.
    • Critical Thinking: We are both creative and analytical. We break problems down to the fundamentals and question assumptions.
    • Intellectual Challenge: We are continuously learning and growing so that we can strategically tackle hard problems that push the industry forward.
    • Community & Diversity: We actively work to build a supportive space where people from diverse backgrounds can bring their whole selves to work, connect meaningfully, and grow both as individuals and as a group.
    • Kindness: We’re more productive when we treat each other with empathy and respect. We support each other and offer meaningful help.
    • Fun: We purposefully create outlets to take breaks and have fun. We believe we should be inspired by our jobs and each other.
  • You will report to the Engineering Manager, Manufacturing Technology within the AME Organization and collaborate with other team members located at our headquarters in Burlingame, CA and our manufacturing facility near Greenville, SC.

Your Experience Includes:

  • Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
  • Experience with CAD software (such as SolidWorks, CATIA, or similar) for designing tools and fixtures.
  • Strong problem-solving and analytical skills with a focus on manufacturing and automation.
  • Knowledge of manufacturing processes, automation systems, or robotics is a plus.
  • Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
  • Passion for electric vehicle technology and sustainable solutions.
  • Physical Demands
    • May work various shifts as needed; may be requested to travel to different locations.
    • Lifting up to 25 pounds and occasionally 50 pounds.
    • Able to walk, stand, crouch, bench, kneel, lift, carry and reach as needed in large and tight spaces.
    • Good eye/hand coordination and ability to identify color variations, depth perceptions and close or distance visual items.
    • Manual dexterity with occasional repetitive finger motion.
  • Environmental Demands
    • Ability to work in manufacturing environment with extreme heat and cold conditions.
    • Wear protective clothing or respiratory protective equipment.
    • Works with irritant chemicals, gases, etc.

Benefits

  • Competitive Pay: Receive a well-compensated internship opportunity.
  • Hands-On Experience: On-site, practical learning in a dynamic, high-tech environment.
  • Mentorship: Personalized guidance from experienced professionals.
  • On-Site Perks: Enjoy workplace amenities and a collaborative atmosphere.
  • Company Swag: Take home Proterra-branded merchandise.

Additional Details

  • Location: This is a 40 hour per week, paid internship opportunity based in Burlingame, California, at Proterra Powered.
  • Compensation: Undergraduate : $23.00 - $27.00 per hour; Graduate : $29.00 - $33.00 per hour.
  • Duration: This internship will run from June 16th, 2025 – August 22nd, 2025.

Join us in electrifying the future of commercial vehicles and building a more sustainable world with Proterra. Apply today!

Proterra is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, providing equal employment opportunities to all Employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, including, but not limited to, lactation or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law or ordinance. Proterra participates in the Electronic Employment Verification Program (E-Verify).

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. There is no immigration sponsorship available for this role (ex: H1-B, OPT, CPT, TN or any other employment sponsorship).