Director Lithium Manufacturing Engineer

The Director of Manufacturing Engineering will provide strategic leadership and technical oversight for the manufacturing processes at the Lithium Gigafactory. This high-impact role requires a blend of advanced engineering expertise, innovative process development, and exceptional leadership abilities. As the leader of the manufacturing engineering team, you will drive large-scale projects, optimize manufacturing systems, and ensure the efficient production of high-performance lithium-ion cells. You will also mentor engineers, manage resources, and align manufacturing strategies with company-wide goals.

Strategic Leadership in Manufacturing:

• Lead the design and execution of advanced manufacturing processes for lithium-ion cells, prioritizing improvements in energy density, safety, cost efficiency, and scalability.
• Define long-term process optimization strategies to meet company objectives for product performance, cost management, and operational efficiency.
• Introduce cutting-edge technologies, materials, and manufacturing methodologies, integrating data-driven insights and advanced simulation tools.

Managerial and Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Manage and develop a team of manufacturing engineers, including recruitment, training, performance evaluations, and career development.
• Provide leadership and support to ensure team goals are met, with clear communication on progress, deadlines, and project milestones.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive team culture that encourages continuous improvement, innovation, and professional development.

Project and Program Management:

• Lead large-scale manufacturing projects, overseeing the allocation of resources, budgeting, and scheduling to ensure timely completion.
• Act as the primary point of contact for senior leadership regarding manufacturing initiatives, providing regular updates on project progress, KPIs, and strategic recommendations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including R&D, product development, and supply chain, to ensure alignment on manufacturing objectives.

Process Innovation and Optimization:

• Spearhead initiatives to improve manufacturing efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance the performance and reliability of lithium-ion cells.
• Implement automation solutions and advanced manufacturing technologies to streamline production processes.
• Manage the transition of new manufacturing processes from pilot-scale to full-scale production.

Quality Assurance and Compliance:

• Ensure all manufacturing processes meet industry regulations (e.g., UN/DOT, IEC, ISO) and internal quality standards.
• Collaborate with quality assurance teams to resolve production or performance issues, implementing corrective actions to maintain high product standards.
• Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for production efficiency, product quality, and process reliability.

Collaboration and Cross-Functional Engagement:

• Work closely with internal teams-such as materials scientists, chemists, and supply chain managers-to ensure seamless integration of new designs and processes into production.
• Partner with external suppliers to optimize materials and components used in lithium-ion cell manufacturing.

Continuous Improvement and Sustainability:

• Lead initiatives focused on improving product quality, safety, and sustainability while reducing costs and environmental impact.
• Implement eco-friendly manufacturing practices, driving efforts to reduce waste and improve energy efficiency within the plant.

Supervisory and Team Leadership:

• Act as a mentor for mid-level and senior engineers, promoting technical and leadership development within the team.
• Set performance goals for team members, provide regular feedback, and conduct performance reviews.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and foster a culture that prioritizes safety and continuous improvement.
  

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Materials, or Chemical Engineering (or equivalent).
• 10+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, with a focus on lithium-ion cell development or advanced energy storage technology.
• Proven track record in managing large, complex manufacturing projects, including resource management, budgeting, and cross-functional team leadership.
• Strong expertise in lithium-ion cell chemistry, electrode design, assembly processes, and scaling from pilot to full-scale production.
• Familiarity with industry standards and regulatory requirements (UN/DOT, IEC, ISO) related to lithium-ion cells.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills, with a demonstrated ability to manage and develop engineering teams.
• Experience driving continuous improvement and implementing innovative solutions in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
  

• There will be a 50% travel requirement for this role.

• Advanced Degree: Master's or PhD in Mechanical, Electrical, Materials, or Chemical Engineering, with a focus on energy storage or electrochemical systems.
• Extensive Lithium-Ion Experience: 12+ years in the lithium-ion battery industry, specifically in cell manufacturing process design, development, and scale-up.
• Deep Knowledge of Electrochemical Materials: Advanced understanding of lithium-ion battery chemistry, electrode materials (e.g., cathode, anode), electrolyte formulations, and separator technologies.
• Process Development and Scale-Up Experience: Demonstrated success in transitioning manufacturing processes from R&D to mass production, including pilot plant operations and full-scale plant setup.
• Strong Regulatory Background: Expertise in regulatory environments, including knowledge of international standards such as UN/DOT 38.3, IEC 62133, ISO 9001/14001.
• Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma: Certifications in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma (Green or Black Belt), or similar methodologies with proven success in process optimization.
• Global Manufacturing Experience: Experience leading global manufacturing operations and managing cross-cultural teams.
• Technical Publications and Patents: Record of contributing to the industry through published papers, patents, or innovations in lithium-ion battery manufacturing.
• Project Management Certification: PMP (Project Management Professional) or similar certification.
• Advanced Data Analysis Skills: Experience with Python, MATLAB, or other analytics tools to support data-driven decision-making.