5 mins Read 
22/07/2026 From an apprenticeship at Rolls-Royce to leading the mechanical design team at Alexander Battery Technologies, Alexander Johnson has developed his career through hands-on engineering experience and a curious interest in battery technology. Since joining the business in March 2026, he has progressed into the role of Mechanical Team Leader, supporting the development of custom battery packs across a wide range of applications while leading our mechanical engineering team.
We caught up with Alexander to discuss his route into engineering, the value of apprenticeships, what he enjoys most about battery pack design, and the collaborative approach that shapes his day-to-day role at Alexander Battery Technologies.
What first sparked your interest in engineering, and what led you into the battery industry?
“I always liked engineering and STEM based subjects in school; they piqued my interest which in turn meant I was successful in these subjects. After I did my GSCE’s I decided instead of continuing my formal education and head to sixth form, I enrolled into an apprenticeship scheme with Rolls Royce. My apprenticeship was a dual apprenticeship, this meant I did a year within Rolls-Royce Training School and then they found me a company to finish off the remaining three years of my apprenticeship.
After my first year I applied for an opportunity to work at Hyperdrive Innovation, they specialised in custom battery solutions for EVs. This was my first introduction to battery manufacturing and the complexity and variety of applications battery can be used for, piqued my interest. In this role I also pivoted from shop floor/technician-led engineering to design and mechanically-led engineering. I had a mentor who took me under his wing and introduced me to the mechanical design programmes and principles.
Once I finished my apprenticeship, I joined a company called Saft who manufacture primary and rechargeable cells and battery packs. This was my first fully design-led position as a Design Applications Engineer. In this role I was responsible for specifying the batteries for customers, taking their requirements and supplying the best solution for them.
For me, the apprenticeship was invaluable. Once I left Hyperdrive Innovation in 2017, I was not only qualified to work as an engineer, I had four years of work experience too.”
What attracted you to Alexander Battery Technologies and the opportunity to join the team as a Mechanical Team Lead?
“I originally joined ABT as their new Senior Mechanical Design Engineer, which was a natural step in my career after spending over eight years in design engineering roles. The opportunity to apply that experience to ABT’s early-stage battery pack design and mechanical integration, while working on a wide range of battery projects, is what initially attracted me to the business. Since then, I have progressed into the Mechanical Team Lead role with two mechanical engineers reporting into me. Although I’m the team leader, we work together collaboratively to overcome any challenges we face together, and I find their input invaluable regardless of job title.”
What does a typical day in your role look like?
“My day usually starts with planning my day, reviewing what’s happened the day before (or week before if it’s a Monday). My planning includes checking any meetings I have, ensuring I’m prepared for them before then running through what the team will be working on that day and if they need any support or assistance from me.
Some days we will have a team meeting if needed, but for the most part I’m readily available to the guys.”
What aspects of battery design do you find most rewarding?
“For me, it’s working with a client and stakeholders taking their initial requirements and building it. One of the projects I’m most proud of since joining ABT is a battery pack for an industrial tool manufacturer. As a custom build, we have worked with our customer from initial specification requirements and design through to production. The product has gone through several design changes during the project and it has been great to not only work with the various engineers and our project manager’s, Chris and Diana, but also collaborating closely with the customer about design decisions.”
What skills or experiences from your apprenticeship still influence the way you work today?
“As mentioned previously, I had a mentor who shaped my journey into design and mechanical engineering. His teachings of the principles of design are something I still use to this day. Regardless of the project, any initial concepts I work on always start with those principles in mind.”
Since joining the team, what has stood out to you most about Alexander Battery Technologies?
“At ABT we’re dedicated to continuous improvement, if it betters the ability to create the best solution for our customers, we will pivot or adapt. ABT is happy to invest in new technologies and equipment, or staff training, to improve the services and solutions our customers receive.”
What advice would you give to someone considering a career in engineering?
“I’d say to explore all options as best as you can. Be a generalist until something takes your interest, and sometimes that interest is being a generalist! There isn’t a one-size-fits-all when it comes to engineering.
Build your foundations and don’t believe that it’s impossible, with hard work anything is possible and it will get done.”
You recently attended the Battery Cells and Systems Show, how did you find it?
“It was the first time I visited the show as an exhibitor, it was great to speak to potential customers and suppliers face to face instead of via a video call! Also, meeting these people opened my eyes to the different ways of thinking from their point of view.
It was also a great opportunity to see what the industry is doing from a competitor and supplier perspective. It gave me some great ideas of what the industry landscape will look like in the future.”
