Core Responsibilities: We are looking for a Production Process Engineer to lead in-house materials production of battery materials and transfer processes to external contract manufacturers. The role sits at the bridge between R&D process recipes and reproducible manufacturing output. You will run the day-to-day pilot operation, lead the production technician team across shifts. The ideal candidate has strong communication skills, hands-on experience in manufacturing and pilot/R&D environments and is comfortable working cross-functionally with internal and external teams, including operators, engineers and scientists.
Key responsibilities:
- Manage daily operations of a material production line across multiple shifts to meet customer demand and inventory targets.
- Manage a team of production technicians and work hands-on to provide training, support and troubleshooting to ensure safe and efficient production.
- Monitor production metrics including throughput yield, quality, downtime and process stability.
- Lead process improvement initiatives and root cause investigations for process, quality or equipment issues.
- Collaborate with process development and R&D teams to support scale-up activities and transfer new products and processes into manufacturing.
- Serve as the technical lead on contract manufacturing relationships. Plan and execute process trial campaigns at CMO sites: define run plans, sampling plans, statistical acceptance criteria, and qualification protocols. This role may require occasional travel to external partner sites.
- Lead HAZOP, LOPA, and PHA work for material synthesis processes. Own management of change (MOC) on production equipment and recipe changes.
- Support compliance with Bay Area air permits (BAAQMD), VOC tracking and hazardous waste characterization.
Requirements:
- B.S. degree or equivalent in Chemical, Materials, or Manufacturing Engineering or related field.
- 2 - 5 years of experience in a chemical manufacturing environment required. Pilot/prototyping experience preferred.
- Experience with managing a team required.
- Experience with specialty chemicals, nanomaterials, or Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients is a plus.
- Experience working with contract manufacturers is a plus. Direct tech transfer experience between R&D and a CMO, or between two manufacturing sites is preferred.
- Able to safely handle chemicals and safely work in a laboratory setting.
- Ability to lift and move equipment, drums, and intermediate bulk containers up to 20 kg (44 lb).
Location & Benefits: San Leandro, CA. Full-time. $100,000-140,000. Salary and equity options dependent on experience. Dental, vision, healthcare and 401(k) benefits are included. Applications will be screened as received.
