Director of Engineering

Job Title: Director of Engineering, R&D

Reports to: General Manager, U.S. Operations

Job Type: Exempt, Full-Time

Locations: Fremont, CA (On-site)

Company Description

Amprius Technologies is a leading manufacturer of high-energy and high-capacity lithium-ion batteries, producing the industry’s highest energy density cells. We develop, design, and manufacture high-performance lithium-ion cells for advanced applications. We have invented and perfected a 100% silicon anode that enables the highest energy density cell commercially available in the industry. For more information, visit the company website at https://amprius.com/about/

Summary

The Director of Engineering provides engineering leadership, functional management, and coordination of all activities surrounding the development of Amprius Technologies Li-ion cells. The organization under this leader includes new product introduction, customer specific testing, change control, manufacturing transfer and all other engineering functions. Furthermore, this leader will ensure that (1) world-class technical standards are maintained across all functions within the team, and (2) technical decisions made within the development effort are aligned with long-term priorities of the business and (3) the resulting product platform both meets customer needs and exceeds their expectations for both performance and quality.

This role reports directly to the General Manager of US Operations and is a key member of the R&D Leadership Team. The candidate will need to work effectively with foundation researchers, sales (product marketing), manufacturing, supply chain, and quality to bring products to market that solve customer problems and are profitable because of high yield, efficient manufacturing, and cost competitive components.

Job Responsibilities

• Sets the vision for the Engineering team and formulates strategic and tactical plans / roadmaps to implement this vision over a well-defined product development period.
• Works closely with the program manager and engineering team members to ensure proper resources and priorities are in place.
• Actively works to attract, recruit, retain and develop top talent to build a best-in-class capability.
• Collaborates with other leaders to drive the overall strategic objectives of R&D and broader business.
• Works on complex problems where analysis of data requires an in-depth evaluation of various factors.
• Introduces and institutionalizes lean and continuous improvement practices
• Models and maintains best in class Engineering processes and methodologies.
• Establishes departmental objectives, projects, and tasks that align with overall business strategy.
• Program management…
• Owns the new product introduction process.
• Participates in product marketing and technical reviews to ensure customers’ needs are met and their problems are solved.
• Supervisor Duties: Leads recruiting efforts for the team. Responsible for development and performance management of direct reports.

Requirements

• Exceptional interpersonal, leadership and influencing skills are a requirement.
• Has up to date engineering skills and product development knowledge, including knowledge of modern optical, electronic, system, mechanical, computational, and fluidic technologies.
• Ability to create, maintain and improve product development processes and documents including operating procedures, work instructions, and checklists.
• Has previous Design Control experience in a regulated environment.
• Demonstrated creative and innovative problem-solving ability.
• Knowledge of Quality Systems Regulations, ISO guidelines, and Good Laboratory Practices.
• Experience with product lifecycle management and phased gate product introduction.
• Ability to manage departmental budget, resources and their alignment to strategic objectives.
• Effective organization and planning skills. Direct experience with effective leadership of project teams and technical staff.
• Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) training and qualifications are a plus.
• Adhere to the company’s quality and safety protocol.
  

Travel Requirements

• Domestic and International Travel up to 15%

Education, Certifications, Experience

• Minimum of a BS, M.S. degree in Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics or a related field. Ph.D. is preferred.
• Prior direct experience in the design and development of lithium-ion batteries, electrochemical products, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant industry experience.
• Minimum of 8 years' experience in a functional leadership role and/or leading an Engineering team. Experience in a start-up environment is considered a plus.
• Demonstrated team management and leadership skills for complex programs.

Physical Demands & Work Location:

• Fremont, CA: This is an on-site job. Reliable commute or planning to relocate before starting work is required.
• Work performed in an office environment and requires ability to operate standard office equipment and keyboards
• May need to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) including, but not limited to, a lab coat, gloves, safety glasses, face mask, respirator and safety shoes.

Benefits

• Comprehensive compensation package includes base salary + generous RSUs. Salary range for this role is $172,500 - $230,000. Base salary will be determined based on knowledge, experience, and education.
• Health benefits include medical, dental, vision coverage. Medical options available for both HMO and PPO plans with Kaiser and United Healthcare. Medical plan available that are 100% covered by employer.
• Employer-funded Health Reimbursement Account (HRA). HSA compatible Medical Plan, FSA options.
• Life and AD&D, Short & Long-term Disability, Employee Assistance Program, Mental Health support. 
• Voluntary Coverage Package to support your wellness goals.
• Pet Health Insurance (Dogs & Cats)
• Traditional and Roth 401(k). No match.
• Generous Vacation Leave starting with 3 weeks of annual accrual. 10 paid holidays. Sick time off.
• Cell phone reimbursement for $50/month

Amprius Technologies is committed to promoting an equal employment opportunity workplace environment and is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expressions, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information (GINA), protected veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law. The Company’s policy is to recruit, hire, train, promote, and administer all employment-related matters based on an individual’s qualifications, abilities, and efforts without regard to protected status.