Director, Cell Product Development
TLDR
Manage multiple cell design teams to develop next generation lithium batteries, ensuring designs meet required specifications and supporting production scale-up.
Who We Are
Factorial Energy is a pioneering U.S.-based solid-state battery company driving the future of energy storage and electrification. Partnered with global leaders including Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis, Hyundai, and Kia, Factorial is at the forefront of developing next-generation e-mobility platforms for commercial, defense, and consumer applications—spanning electric vehicles (EVs), drones, eVTOL aircraft, power tools, marine systems, robotics, and more. The company has achieved multiple industry firsts, including being the first to power a demonstration vehicle with a global OEM (Mercedes- Benz) which achieved over 1,200 km (749 mi) of range, and the first to earn UN 38.3 certification for automotive-sized lithium-metal solid-state cells, the first to deliver B-samples of automotive-sized solid-state batteries to major OEMs.
The Opportunity:
Factorial Energy is seeking a Director, Cell Product Development who will be responsible for Factorial's next generation cell product development and cell technology to join our team in our Cheonan, South Korea location. This person will be responsible for managing multiple cell design teams, each of which is responsible for developing a different cell, and finalizing the design for handoff to manufacturing. Duties for this position include defining the cell bill of materials, cell drawing, and ensuring that the cell achieves all requirements. The ideal candidate will have a track record of product development, an understanding of Tier-1 automotive, the battery industry, as well as the research community. The candidate will also have a history of leading and developing strong teams of scientists and engineers. This position will report to the engineering division of Factorial Energy.
In this role, you will:
- Lead the team members to design and develop the next generation battery
- Lead the product development with experience including concept, design, and product validation (CV, DV, and PV)
- Lead the team for Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) or similar product development process
- Execute formal root cause analysis to create mitigation plans for design improvement
- Execute Design for Manufacturing (DFM)
- Lead the Failure Mode Effects Analysis (FMEA, DFMEA, PFMEA)
- Demonstrated record of technical innovation, including publications, presentations, and/or patents
- Design, validate, and analyze lithium secondary battery for continuous improvement to processes and equipment
- Key member for large cell next-gen fabrication process development and optimization of product design for manufacturing and quality
- Provide engineering support to project teams to resolve production and quality issues
- Lead the effort on design-for-cost and value-added value-engineering (VA/VE)
- Collaborate and communicate with internal customers directly on cell development
- Support Factorial's Quasi-Solid State (FEST) Batteries Scale-Up and Mass Production
- Work with external suppliers and internal production teams to meet design capabilities based on manufacturing processes
- Quick response to OEM customers
- RFQ/RFI preparation
- Close communication with the production team
We are looking for people who:
- 5+ years of experience in silicon or Li metal chemistry related lithium-ion battery product development from an established cell supplier or automotive OEM; silicon cell development experience is mandatory
- 2+ years of management or leadership experience
- Experience in mass production of lithium batteries
- Good written and basic verbal communication skills in English
- Fully located on-site in South Korea, working closely with the US team (requiring occasional late-night overlap)
- Ability to take team feedback and incorporate it into designs, as well as give constructive feedback to others
Work Location:
Cheonan, South Korea
Factorial Energy is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity at all levels. All qualified applicants, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply.
To request a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, job interview, and/or to otherwise participate in the hiring process, please contact ([email protected])
Factorial Energy is a U.S.-based solid-state battery company focused on transforming energy storage for electric vehicles. We develop innovative technologies like our FEST® (Factorial Electrolyte System Technology) to ensure safer, more efficient, and scalable battery solutions, while partnering with major automotive leaders such as Mercedes-Benz and Hyundai.