OVERVIEW
The Technical Program Manager (TPM) – Battery Systems & Manufacturing leads complex, cross functional battery development and manufacturing programs from concept through production ramp and customer delivery. This role serves as the programmatic and technical integrator across battery engineering, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and commercial teams to deliver safe, scalable, and cost-effective battery systems aligned with business and customer requirements.
DIRECT REPORTS:
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES:
- Lead end to end execution of battery system programs spanning design, validation, industrialization, and mass production.
- Drive cross functional alignment across Battery Systems Engineering, Battery Management System(BTS), Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Operations, IT, and Commercial teams
- Translate customer, regulatory, and business requirements into system specifications, manufacturing requirements, milestones, and deliverables
- Develop and manage integrated program roadmaps covering prototype builds, pilot lines, critical path analysis production line readiness, and ramp up
- Coordinate interfaces between suppliers, manufacturing and operations, and contract manufacturing partners
- Identify, assess, and mitigate specific technical and manufacturing risks including yield, throughput, safety, reliability, and cost
- Facilitate trade off decisions involving form factors, manufacturing processes, automation level, equipment selection, and cost targets
- Ensure programs adhere to battery manufacturing standards and quality processes (DFMEA, PFMEA, Control Plans, APQP, PPAP as applicable)
- Drive alignment between product design and manufacturing feasibility (DFM/DFA)
- Track manufacturing readiness metrics including line capability, yield, scrap, cycle time, and capacity utilization
- Report technical, manufacturing, and schedule status to executive leadership
- Interface directly with customers on battery system requirements, statements of work (SOW), production timelines, and manufacturing deliverables
- Establish and enforce cross functional accountability to development, launch, and production milestones
QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical, Materials, Manufacturing, or related field) or equivalent practical experience
- 5+ years of experience in technical program or project management within a technology led environment.
- Working knowledge of manufacturing fundamentals including manufacturing assembly (preferably but not essentially with battery packs), thermal integration, and end of line testing
- Experience with production ramp ups, pilot lines, and manufacturing scale up
- Experience managing complex, cross functional technical and manufacturing programs
- Excellent communication, organization, and stakeholder management skills
- Strong business acumen working with internal stakeholders, customers, and suppliers
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Experience in battery manufacturing engineering, operations, or industrialization
- Strong understanding of battery system development from concept through production
- Demonstrated experience supporting battery or electrochemical manufacturing processes, including cell, module, or pack assembly
- Familiarity with battery production equipment, automation, and process validation
- Knowledge of battery safety, quality, and regulatory requirements (e.g., UN38.3, UL, IEC, ISO, automotive or stationary standards)
- Experience using packaged project management applications such as Wrike etc.
- PMP, PgMP, Agile, or equivalent program/project management certifications
WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
This role is conducted in both manufacturing and office environments, requiring some or all of the following:
- Prolonged periods of sitting and standing during workstation tasks and production floor oversight.
- Occasional repetitive tasks involving hand and wrist motions when handling prototypes or assemblies.
- Fine motor skills required for reviewing prototypes and engineering samples.
- Frequent reaching, grasping, pushing, or pulling of engineering and production materials.
- Capable of lifting and carrying battery components, tools, or assemblies weighing up to 50 lbs.
- Standing, bending, or kneeling to access equipment or perform inspections.
- Work in environments with varying temperatures, noise levels, and exposure to battery chemicals or related materials.
- Required to wear and properly use PPE (safety glasses, gloves, lab coats, etc.) per company safety protocols.