Staff Technical Program Manager

Core Responsibilities

(a) Project Execution – NPI Lifecycle

• Own and drive battery-specific NPI project execution from prototype to MPV and HVM, ensuring schedule, scope, and quality targets are met.
• Manage all factory interface points for NPI builds, including tooling installation, line layout, process station readiness, and material flow validation.
• Partner with product engineering, process engineering, ME/EE teams, and advanced manufacturing to define line design, throughput modeling, and headcount planning.
• Track and close open issues related to process capability, DFM/DFA, and upstream/downstream integration between unit operations (e.g., electrode, cell assembly, formation, pack).

(b) Tooling & Layout Coordination

• Coordinate procurement, delivery, installation, and qualification of process tools (e.g., calendering, winding, notching, formation, leak check).
• Facilitate tool sign-off (FAT/SAT) in conjunction with equipment engineering and suppliers; validate readiness for production builds.
• Manage layout definition for cell/module/pack assembly lines, including utilities planning, material logistics, and safety compliance.
• Support early build readiness (EVTs/DVTs), aligning factory availability with engineering schedules.

(c) Cross-Functional Communication & Risk Management

• Interface with design engineering, process development, factory operations, EHS, quality, and supply chain to maintain alignment and resolve blockers.
• Identify technical risks (e.g., yield risks, process immaturity, equipment delays) and lead mitigation plans through structured issue management.
• Run daily/weekly technical meetings to drive resolution of engineering and operational gaps; ensure stakeholder accountability.

(d) Technical Documentation & Change Management

• Maintain project documentation including build plans, tooling trackers, layout drawings, station readiness checklists, and deviation reports.
• Support Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) related to tooling, process, or layout; coordinate with affected teams on implementation impact.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical Engineering or related technical field.
• 5+ years of engineering experience in battery manufacturing (cell/module/pack level).
• 3+ years of experience in technical project management or NPI execution in a high-tech manufacturing environment.
• Hands-on experience with battery manufacturing processes: mixing, coating, drying, calendering, slitting, stacking/winding, electrolyte filling, formation, testing, and pack assembly.
• Strong familiarity with product lifecycle stages: EVT, DVT, PVT, MPV, HVM.
• Direct experience with equipment bring-up, layout planning, and production line validation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with FMEA, DOE, PFMEA, and control plan development in battery production.
• Exposure to automation integration for pack/module assembly.
• Strong data analysis skills using JMP, Python, or equivalent tools for root cause analysis.
• Familiarity with MES systems, quality tracking, and yield analysis.
• Knowledge of factory safety and environmental compliance (e.g., hazardous materials, ventilation for solvent processes, fire suppression systems in pack lines).

Success Metrics:

• On-time execution of NPI builds (EVT to MPV) with full tooling and process readiness.
• Successful completion of tooling qualifications and process validations.
• Effective risk management and closure of open items before production start.
• Clear, data-driven technical updates to engineering and operations leadership.
• Seamless handoff from engineering to manufacturing for volume production ramp.