Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the mechanical development of Li-ion battery cells and innovate for energy storage solutions.
- Company: Join Agratas, Tata Group's cutting-edge battery business in Oxford.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a chance to shape the future of energy.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on next-gen battery technology and work with top experts.
- Qualifications: PhD in Mechanical Engineering and hands-on experience in battery cell design.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities to mentor and lead teams.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Purpose of the Role
Senior Mechanical Engineer – Li-ion Battery Cell Development
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.
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.
Principal Mechanical Engineer in Oxford employer: Agratas
Contact Detail:
Agratas Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Mechanical Engineer in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Familiarise yourself with their work in Li-ion battery technology and think of how your skills can contribute. We want you to shine, so practice common interview questions and have your own ready to ask!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Bring along a portfolio of your previous projects or designs related to mechanical engineering. We love seeing tangible evidence of your skills, especially when it comes to innovative solutions in battery cell development.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for passionate candidates who are eager to make an impact in the energy storage sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Mechanical Engineer in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Principal Mechanical Engineer. Highlight your experience in Li-ion battery cell development and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about energy storage and how your background makes you a perfect fit for our Cell Design team. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your personality!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to highlight your technical expertise, especially in CAD tools like CATIA or SolidWorks. Mention any hands-on experience with mechanical design and prototyping, as this is crucial for the role. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Agratas
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Li-ion battery cell design and mechanical components. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on, especially those involving CAD tools like CATIA or SolidWorks. This will show that you have the hands-on experience they're looking for.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled complex engineering challenges in the past. Think about times when you led root cause analysis or implemented innovative solutions under tight deadlines. This will demonstrate your ability to think critically and lead effectively.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Familiarise yourself with the overall goals of the company and how your role as a Principal Mechanical Engineer fits into their vision for energy storage. Being able to articulate how your work contributes to the company's success will impress the interviewers.
✨Practice Your Leadership Talk
Since this role involves mentoring junior engineers and leading teams, be prepared to discuss your leadership style and experiences. Share specific instances where you've successfully managed stakeholders or built relationships across teams, as this is crucial for the position.
