Customer Engineer

Customer EngineerThe Customer Engineer serves as the primary technical interface between customers and the company throughout the lifecycle of nickel-zinc (NiZn) battery systems deployed in data centers. This role combines expertise in NiZn battery technology, customer engagement, system troubleshooting, and project support to ensure successful testing, deployment, operation, and optimization of NiZn systems supporting critical power infrastructure. The ideal candidate has experience with NiZn or comparable industrial battery technologies, UPS architectures, data center infrastructure, and customer-facing technical support. This individual partners closely with engineering, product management, field service, sales, and operations teams to resolve technical issues, support customer initiatives, and deliver exceptional customer outcomes. This role will work onsite at ZincFive headquarters in Tualatin, Oregon, and reports to the Vice President of Engineering.Customer Engineer Job Duties:Serve as a technical point of contact for customers during system design, deployment, commissioning, and operational phasesProvide expert guidance on NiZn battery system architecture, battery characteristics, battery management and monitoring, UPS integration, operation, and maintenanceLead technical troubleshooting efforts for field issues and coordinate resolution with internal engineering teamsSupport customers and partners during battery system witness testing, integration and acceptance testing, installation and commissioningPlan and lead customer-facing testing of NiZn battery systems, including test readiness reviews, test plan reviews and procedure alignmentLead first-of-kind testing for new NiZn battery products, cabinet configurations, UPS integrations, firmware or control changes, and site-specific applicationsDefine NiZn-appropriate test plans and acceptance criteria, coordinate stakeholders, manage technical risk, and translate findings into design, process, and documentation improvementsSupport root-cause analysis activities and drive corrective actions for field issuesIdentify opportunities to improve system performance, reliability, and customer experienceProvide customer feedback to Product Management and Engineering to influence future product developmentParticipate in pre-sales technical discussions, customer workshops, and design reviewsAssist program and project managers with technical risk assessments and project executionDevelop technical documentation, deployment guides, operating procedures, and training materialsConduct customer training sessions on battery system operation, safety procedures, monitoring platforms, and maintenance practicesMentor field technicians and service personnel on battery system technologies and best practicesOther duties as assignedRequirements:Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Energy Systems, or related technical discipline5+ years of experience in customer engineering, technical support, field engineering, systems engineering, or power systemsExperience with industrial battery systems, UPS systems, data center infrastructure, or mission-critical power environmentsExperience planning, executing, and documenting customer acceptance testing or first-of-kind testing for complex battery or electromechanical systemsStrong understanding of electrical power systems, including UPS and backup power architecturesExperience troubleshooting complex electrical and electromechanical systemsAbility to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical specificationsProven ability to lead cross-functional and customer-facing engagementsStrong written and verbal communication skills, including experience working directly with customersAbility to manage multiple priorities and deliver results in a fast-paced, dynamic environmentAbility and willingness to travel domestically and internationally up to 30%Preferred Experience/Skills:Hands-on experience supporting battery energy storage systems in UPS, data center, telecommunications, or other mission-critical power applicationsExperience working within data center environmentsDirect experience with NiZn, lead-acid, lithium-ion, or other aqueous battery systemsExperience working with data center operators, OEM UPS suppliers, electrical contractors, commissioning agents, or critical infrastructure customersExperience supporting product validation, system commissioning, site acceptance testing, or field deploymentsFamiliarity with battery monitoring systems, SCADA platforms, DC power systems, or power quality monitoring toolsKnowledge of electrical safety practices, lockout/tagout (LOTO), and energized electrical work environmentsExperience supporting root cause investigations and implementing corrective actions for field issuesKey Competencies:IntegrityTechnical ability with sound engineering/scientific judgmentCustomer FocusPlanning and organizingProblem solving and analytical thinkingSuperior judgment and decision-makingCollaboration and TeamworkExcellent verbal and written communication skillsAdaptability and resiliencePhysical Requirements and working conditions:Work involves sitting, standing, walking, and occasionally lifting up to 40 poundsDomestic and international travel by car, airplane, bus & trainRequires close visual acuity, the ability to distinguish color, and the ability to hearAbility to wear Personal Protective Equipment, as requiredWork is performed in manufacturing, warehouse, laboratory, office, customer, and data center environmentsMust be able to maintain a level state of alertness while performing this jobSalary offers will depend on factors that include the location you work from, your level, education, training, specific skills, years of experience and comparison to other employees already in this role.In addition, the successful candidate for this position will become eligible for a comprehensive set of outstanding benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401k, paid sick time, paid time off for vacation, paid holidays, paid community service days, professional/personal learning program, and applicable state/federal paid family leave.ZincFive is committed to employing a diverse workforce. As an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status. We maintain a safe workplace and perform pre-employment testing. ZincFive is a participant in E-Verify and receives employment authorization of new hires through Social Security and the Department of Homeland Security databases.