Director, Process Development
Factorial EnergyCheonan, South Korea
Full Time
Posted April 16, 2026
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Job Description
The role involves leading the development, optimization, and scaling of equipment and processes for solid-state battery manufacturing, ensuring quality, efficiency, and readiness for automotive production. It requires managing full equipment lifecycle, collaborating across teams, and pioneering innovative manufacturing technologies.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead equipment development for whole-cell manufacturing process
- Define equipment specifications, performance requirements, and acceptance criteria
- Drive continuous improvement of existing equipment to enhance yield, throughput, and process capability
- Collaborate with vendors and internal teams to design and procure custom tooling and automation solutions
- Develop and execute equipment upgrade programs for pilot-line and production scaling
- Assess current pilot-line capabilities, identify gaps, and develop upgrade roadmaps
- Manage equipment upgrade projects from planning through installation, qualification, and sign-off
- Design and validate equipment for solid-state cell components, including electrode handling and lamination systems
- Develop and review equipment design documents, drawings, and process flow diagrams
- Conduct equipment acceptance testing and maintain qualification records
- Partner with manufacturing engineering to ensure equipment meets safety, ergonomic, and quality standards
- Define acceptance criteria for critical equipment and validate performance against design requirements
- Lead proof-of-concept evaluations and feasibility studies for new manufacturing technologies
- Manage IP protection and documentation for process and equipment innovations
- Organize and lead trial runs for new equipment and process introductions, coordinating cross-functional teams
- Conduct systematic process qualification and capacity ramp activities to meet production targets
- Develop comprehensive process documentation, SOPs, and work instructions
- Standardize manufacturing processes for repeatability and traceability
- Report progress and results to senior leadership and participate in technical reviews
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field; an advanced degree is preferred.
- At least 5 years of experience in battery manufacturing process and equipment development, with a strong preference for experience in solid-state, electrode handling, or dry-electrode processes.
- At least 5 years of experience in a management or technical leadership role overseeing equipment engineering or process development teams.
- Demonstrated experience with full equipment lifecycle management including concept, specification, procurement, installation, qualification (IQ OQ PQ), and ramp-up activities.
- Deep knowledge of whole-cell solid-state battery manufacturing processes including electrode preparation, electrolyte coating lamination, cell assembly, and formation dry-room and cleanroom manufacturing.
- Proven track record in pilot-to-production scale-up and capacity ramp in a manufacturing environment.
- Hands-on experience developing or adapting equipment for electrode handling, solid-state electrolyte processing, or other next-generation cell chemistries.
- Experience developing and introducing new manufacturing equipment and automation technologies.
- Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously under tight timelines.
- Proficiency in process documentation, SOP development, and engineering change management.
- Experience conducting root cause analysis, FMEA, and implementing corrective and preventive actions.
- Familiarity with automotive quality frameworks such as IATF 16949, APQP, and PPAP applied to battery cell manufacturing.
- Ability to work collaboratively across engineering, operations, quality, and R&D functions.
- Excellent written and basic verbal communication skills in English.
- Proficiency in Korean language is strongly preferred.
- Ability to work fully on-site in South Korea, with occasional late-night overlap with US team.
Benefits & Perks
Full-time, on-site position in South Korea
Opportunity to work with leading global automotive and energy companies
Involvement in cutting-edge solid-state battery manufacturing technology
Development and standardization of manufacturing processes and equipment
Collaborative work environment with cross-functional teams
Potential for professional growth in a pioneering company
Ready to Apply?
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