BESS Manufacturing Engineer

Job description

**Lead / Head – Manufacturing Engineering** **Role Summary** We are seeking a highly experienced Manufacturing Engineering leader to drive industrialization, factory setup, automation, and continuous improvement across high-volume, technology-driven manufacturing environments. The role involves end-to-end ownership of New Product Introduction (NPI), process design, automation strategy, and team leadership across vehicle and battery assembly operations. This position requires strong first-principles thinking, hands-on engineering depth, and the ability to lead cross-functional teams in fast-paced, resource-constrained environments. **Key Responsibilities** **Manufacturing & Industrialization** • Lead New Product Introduction (NPI) from Proof of Concept (POC) through mass production, ensuring robust DFA, DFM, PFMEA, and PPAP execution. • Design and implement scalable, modular, and flexible manufacturing processes to support multi-variant production. • Own end-to-end process flow design, line balancing, takt time optimization, and ergonomics. • Drive factory setup and capacity expansion, including commissioning of vehicle and battery assembly lines. • Manage capital equipment projects, including SPMs, robotics, conveyors, AGVs, and automated testing systems, with CAPEX responsibility. **Automation & Digital Manufacturing** • Define and implement automation strategy using SCARA robots, PLC-controlled machines, DC torque tools, vision systems, and functional testers. • Enable MES–PLC integration to support traceability, poka-yoke systems, and multi-model manufacturing. • Collaborate with digital transformation teams on MES, SCADA, and IoT-based productivity monitoring systems. • Standardize machine design specifications covering safety, controls architecture, BOMs, and connectivity. **Continuous Improvement & Quality** • Drive Lean Manufacturing and Kaizen initiatives to improve productivity, quality, and cost. • Apply advanced problem-solving tools such as A3, DMAIC, Root Cause Analysis, PFMEA, and EFMEA. • Improve key metrics including takt time, RFT, productivity, and Value-Added Ratio (VAR). • Lead robustness improvements for processes involving welding, dispensing, torqueing, and testing. **Leadership & Team Management** • Build, mentor, and lead cross-functional manufacturing engineering teams (20+ engineers). • Define clear roles, responsibilities, and competency development plans. • Foster strong collaboration with R&D, Quality, Supply Chain, Operations, and External Vendors. • Manage and develop technical talent to support current production and future growth. **Stakeholder & Vendor Management** • Work with global suppliers and OEMs for machine development, benchmarking, and commissioning. • Lead vendor selection, technical specification definition, FAT/SAT, and commissioning activities. • Manage internal and external stakeholders across multiple geographies. **Required Qualifications** **Education** • Master’s degree in Manufacturing / Mechanical / Industrial Engineering or related field. • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent. **Experience** • 10+ years of progressive experience in Manufacturing Engineering within automotive, EV, battery, or industrial automation environments. • Proven experience in: • Vehicle and/or battery pack manufacturing • Factory setup and capacity ramp-up • High-volume automated lines • NPI and industrialization projects • Demonstrated people leadership experience managing medium to large engineering teams. **Technical Skills** • Manufacturing processes: Assembly systems, battery pack assembly, welding, dispensing, fastening, and testing. • Automation & Controls: PLCs (Allen-Bradley), SCARA robots, DC torque tools, vision systems, AGVs. • Digital systems: MES, SCADA (Ignition), IoT, data analytics. • Design & Engineering tools: SolidWorks, Pro-E, AutoCAD, Inventor, MATLAB. • Quality & CI tools: PFMEA, EFMEA, PPAP, GD&T, Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing. • Software/Controls: Studio 5000, Unity Pro, Ignition. **Key Competencies** • First-principles problem solving • Strong execution and ownership mindset • Strategic yet hands-on leadership • Operations-oriented decision making • Ability to thrive in fast-scaling, ambiguous environments • Excellent stakeholder communication and influence **Preferred Background** • Experience in EV, battery manufacturing, or automotive OEMs • Exposure to global manufacturing operations • Track record of building greenfield facilities or major expansions