Assistant Chief Engineer

Industry: Advanced Energy / Battery Technology

Structure: 6-month Contract-to-Hire

Rate: Varies Based on Years of Experience

About the Role

We are seeking an Assistant Chief Engineer to support the Rail Engineering organization in the development and deployment of advanced battery energy storage solutions for rail applications. This individual will serve as a key technical leader, helping drive product development, validation, and commercialization efforts across battery cells, modules, packs, and overall system architecture.

The Assistant Chief Engineer will work closely with engineering, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, testing, and program management teams to ensure products meet technical, performance, safety, and reliability requirements. This role combines hands-on engineering work with technical leadership and cross-functional collaboration, making it ideal for someone who enjoys solving complex technical challenges while influencing strategic product decisions.

You will play a critical role in advancing next-generation electrification technologies that support decarbonization and energy transformation across the transportation industry.

What You'll Do

• Support technical ownership of battery products and energy storage systems for rail applications
• Partner with engineering leadership to define technical strategy, priorities, and execution plans for rail programs
• Lead development activities spanning concept, design, prototype builds, validation, and production launch
• Develop and maintain battery performance models to support design decisions and product optimization
• Create and execute validation plans to verify product performance, durability, safety, and reliability
• Lead technical reviews with suppliers and cross-functional teams
• Support systems engineering activities including requirements development, DFMEAs, risk assessments, and verification planning
• Develop product specifications, technical requirements, and supporting documentation
• Work closely with manufacturing teams to support prototype development, pilot builds, and production readiness activities
• Analyze manufacturing, validation, and quality data to identify trends and drive product improvements
• Lead structured root cause investigations and corrective action implementation for engineering and manufacturing issues
• Collaborate with cell, electrical, mechanical, software, and systems engineering teams to resolve complex technical challenges
• Support customer-facing technical reviews and prepare reports detailing development progress, validation activities, and technical findings
• Work with suppliers to evaluate new technologies, materials, components, and manufacturing processes
• Drive engineering tradeoff decisions related to performance, cost, manufacturability, reliability, and safety
• Support technical roadmap development and future product planning initiatives
• Mentor engineers and provide technical guidance across the Rail Engineering organization
• Contribute to intellectual property development and innovation efforts

What You Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering, or a related technical discipline
• Engineering experience in battery technology, energy storage, transportation electrification, automotive, rail, aerospace, or related industries
• Experience leading technical development activities through concept, validation, and commercialization phases
• Strong understanding of lithium-ion battery technology, battery systems, and energy storage solutions
• Experience developing validation plans and interpreting test data
• Knowledge of requirements management, systems engineering methodologies, DFMEAs, and engineering risk management
• Strong analytical skills with experience using data to drive engineering decisions
• Experience working directly with suppliers on technical development and issue resolution
• Demonstrated success leading root cause investigations and corrective action initiatives
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to engineering teams, leadership, suppliers, and customers
• Strong project planning, organization, and execution skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced product development environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Nice to Have

• Experience supporting rail, heavy-duty vehicle, automotive, aerospace, marine, or industrial electrification programs
• Battery cell design, development, or electrochemical engineering experience
• Experience developing battery performance or degradation models
• Knowledge of battery safety standards and regulatory requirements
• Familiarity with battery manufacturing and quality systems
• Experience with prototype development and product launch activities
• Startup or high-growth technology company experience
• Advanced degree in a related engineering discipline

Why Join Us

• Opportunity to support cutting-edge battery technology that is transforming transportation and energy storage
• Work alongside a highly collaborative team of industry experts driving electrification innovation
• Influence critical technical decisions that will shape future rail products and platforms
• Gain exposure across battery cells, modules, packs, systems engineering, manufacturing, and validation
• Fast-paced environment with significant ownership and visibility
• Competitive compensation and benefits package
• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on decarbonization and sustainable energy solutions

About Us

At Brooksource, relationships are the foundation of everything we do. Since 2000, we've built lasting partnerships with clients, consultants, and internal teams to deliver an exceptional experience across every engagement. As a trusted IT and Engineering services provider, Brooksource supports organizations through Experience-Driven Staffing, Professional Services, and workforce transformation solutions.

We offer flexible hiring models, including contract, contract-to-hire, and direct placement to meet evolving business needs.

EEO Statement

Brooksource is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), gender identity or gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, protected medical condition as defined by applicable state or local law, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances.

Pay Disclaimer

The pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.