Cell Assembly Industrialization Engineer

This role requires a hands-on engineer who is equally effective on the plant floor and at supplier sites. The ideal candidate has direct experience bringing cell assembly equipment from specification to stable production and can work across Cell Process Development, Manufacturing, Quality, Facilities, Controls/MES, EHS, and Supply Chain, as well as with equipment suppliers, to land equipment on time, on budget, and ready to run.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Own equipment industrialization for dry cell assembly processes: electrode notching, stacking, hot pressing, cell assembly, short (hipot/insulation) testing, leak testing, vacuum baking, and other related processes as applicable.
• Translate process requirements from Cell Process Development into user requirement specifications (URS) and equipment specifications covering rate, takt, OEE, precision, critical-to-quality characteristics, dry room compatibility, safety, controls, and MES/traceability.
• Specify equipment for maintainability and fast recovery, including reliability (MTBF) and repair time (MTTR) targets, built-in diagnostics and self-checks, the ability to isolate subsystems for troubleshooting, and service access.
• Prepare RFQs, lead technical evaluation of supplier proposals, and partner with Supply Chain on supplier selection, cost, and commercial terms.
• Manage supplier execution from design through delivery, including design reviews, build schedule tracking, progress visits, FAT protocol development and execution, punch-list closure, and shipment readiness.
• Coordinate equipment installation and commissioning with Facilities, Controls/MES, and EHS, including layout, utilities, dry room integration, safety sign-off, and MES integration.
• Develop SAT protocols and acceptance criteria for rate, uptime, process capability (Cpk), quality, and reliability and maintainability (MTBF/MTTR); run SAT, document results, and drive open items to closure with suppliers. Support process validation (IQ/OQ/PQ).
• Support the production ramp for a minimum of 90 days after SAT: troubleshoot equipment issues, track OEE, MTBF, and MTTR for each station, drive improvement, manage supplier warranty and support, and close remaining open items.
• Hand over equipment to Manufacturing with complete documentation, including preventive maintenance plans, critical spare parts lists, troubleshooting guides, SOPs, work instructions, and operator and maintenance training.
• Contribute to PFMEAs and control plans, and make sure in-line inspections and tests (short, leak, vision, and dimensional checks) are built into the equipment and working as intended.
• Lead root-cause investigations of equipment-related excursions using 8D, DOE, SPC, and other structured problem-solving methods, ensuring closed-loop corrective actions.
• Capture lessons learned and build equipment standards to support future line expansions and new cell programs.
• Support customer programs, including defense and aerospace programs, through audits, technical reviews, and equipment and process documentation.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• 2–8 years of engineering experience in equipment, industrialization, or manufacturing engineering in a high-volume manufacturing environment, including a minimum of 2 years directly related to lithium-ion cell assembly.
• Hands-on experience with one or more of the following: notching, stacking, hot pressing, cell assembly, hipot/short testing, leak testing, vacuum drying/baking, or other related processes.
• Demonstrated experience writing equipment specifications and managing equipment suppliers through FAT, installation, SAT, and startup.
• Experience supporting a production launch or ramp of new manufacturing equipment.
• Working knowledge of equipment acceptance and performance metrics, including OEE, uptime, MTBF/MTTR, takt time, and Cpk.
• Familiarity with automated equipment, including PLC controls, servo/motion systems, and vision systems; ability to read mechanical and electrical drawings.
• Strong command of structured problem solving (8D), DOE, SPC, and PFMEA.
• Experience working in dry room environments and with moisture-sensitive processes preferred.
• Experience working with international equipment suppliers, including at their facilities, is a plus.

 REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS AND EEO: 

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.  

An individual must be able to perform the essential functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation.  

Our Next Energy Inc. (ONE) is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to disability or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.