Engineering Director - GEC - US Region

AESC is looking to add a Director, GEC to our team in Murfreesboro, TN.

• Full-Time
• On-site

AESC is a global leader in the development and manufacturing of high-performance batteries for zero-emission electric vehicles and energy storage systems. Founded in Japan in 2007 and headquartered in Yokohama, AESC has been building manufacturing capabilities around the world in the U.S., U.K., Europe, Japan and China to serve key markets and leading customers locally for over 14 years. Today, AESC has become the partner of choice for the world's leading OEMs and energy storage providers in North America, Europe, and Asia. Its advanced technology powers over one million electric vehicles and provides more than 15GWh of installed capacity for battery energy systems in over 60 countries.

AESC is expanding its footprint in the United States with gigafactories in Kentucky, South Carolina, and Tennessee to meet the growing demand for EV and BESS batteries and strengthen its presence in the North American market. AESC's Tennessee gigafactory in Smyrna, which has been operational since 2012, produces batteries for Nissan. The Kentucky gigafactory in Bowling Green will supply Mercedes-Benz with high-performance battery cell modules. The South Carolina gigafactory in Florence will supply technology-leading battery cells for new electric models produced in BMW Group's Spartanburg plant. AESC is committed to our local communities where it is making its investments, creating jobs, and supporting local charities.

The Director of Engineering for GEC leads the manufacturing engineering team, driving continuous improvement, process optimization, and innovation in production. They are responsible for ensuring efficient production processes, maintaining high-quality standards, and implementing new technologies to improve overall manufacturing performance. The role collaborates closely with cross-functional teams, including production, quality, supply chain, and R&D, to ensure alignment with business goals.

• Leadership & Strategy:
  • Provide strategic direction for the US GEC team to meet production and business goals.
  • Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team.
  • Drive initiatives to improve productivity, reduce costs, and enhance overall manufacturing efficiency.
  • Collaborate with senior management to define engineering strategies and ensure alignment with overall business objectives.
• Process Improvement & Optimization:
  • Lead continuous improvement efforts, including Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other efficiency-improving methodologies.
  • Identify and implement process enhancements to increase efficiency and reduce waste in manufacturing operations.
  • Oversee the integration of new technologies, automation, and digital manufacturing solutions to improve production capabilities.
• Project Management:
  • Oversee the planning, coordination, and execution of large-scale manufacturing projects, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and meet quality standards.
  • Manage capital projects, including the selection and installation of equipment, machinery, and new production lines.
  • Monitor project progress, performance metrics, and resource allocation to ensure successful outcomes.
• Quality & Compliance:
  • Ensure that all manufacturing processes comply with regulatory and quality standards (ISO, OSHA, etc.).
  • Work closely with the quality team to ensure products meet the required specifications and reduce defect rates.
• Cost Management:
  • Develop and manage the manufacturing engineering budget, ensuring cost-effective use of resources.
  • Drive cost reduction initiatives through process improvements, technology investments, and supplier partnerships.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration:
  • Partner with R&D (China and Japan) to facilitate the smooth transition of new products from development to mass production.
  • Collaborate with production and maintenance teams to ensure Design for maintenance and sound P-FMEA.

• Bachelor's degree in engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Electrical, or related field) required.
• Minimum 10-15 years of experience in special machinery build, manufacturing engineering or operations with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Experience in build and design of high-volume manufacturing environment and ideally experience in operating it as well
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to mentor and develop engineering talent.
• Deep knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, industrial engineering, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies preferred with automotive background

• Understands and follows all standards of ISO14001 environmental standards. (training and awareness will be provided for those who are not familiar with these standards)

• Battery industry (cell and/or modules) experience strongly preferred.
• Machine building background

Domestic and international travel required.

Welcome to AESC, where you'll have the opportunity to tackle the world's most fascinating challenges alongside exceptionally talented individuals who are driven to make a difference. We strive to ensure that our employees are well taken care of, enabling them to focus on their work and contribute to our collective mission.

We offer:

• Comprehensive compensation packages including a competitive salary and a rewarding bonus program.
• An inclusive and diverse work environment that fosters and encourages professional and personal development.
• Highly automated, clean, safe, and temperature-controlled production environment
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• HSA and Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401K with company match
• Life Insurance (Company paid and additional voluntary life available)
• Paid Vacation and 14 Paid Holidays
• Short term and long-term disability coverage (Company Paid)
• Tuition reimbursement

Even if you don't meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. Your application allows us to learn more about you and find potential fits within our team. We strive to respond to all applicants promptly, though times may vary with submission volume. If you don't receive an immediate response, it doesn't reflect on your candidacy; we'll keep your application for future opportunities. Thank you for your patience and enthusiasm as we improve our application process.

At AESC, we are committed to providing Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) to all individuals. We participate in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S Join us in our passion to design, manufacture, and sell high-performance products, contributing to a sustainable and zero-carbon emission future.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable otherwise qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

• Ability to sit for extended periods of time.
• Ability to read, write, speak, hear; stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach and lift with hands and arms frequently throughout the day.

Candidate must perform the essential duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation efficiently and accurately, and without causing significant safety threat to self or others. The statements made herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this job classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive and inclusive list of all responsibilities, duties, and/or skills required of personnel so classified.

Hiring is contingent upon successful completion of drug screen and background check. AESC US LLC is a drug-free workplace.