Position Overview:

Solid Power is seeking a Sr. Director of Automation to join our talented team of engineers and scientists working to revolutionize the battery industry through the development of next‐generation, all solid‐state rechargeable batteries. This position is a leadership role and critical in helping transition Solid Power technology to market. 

The main responsibilities include leading a team responsible for 1) acquiring machine tools for manufacturing of all solid-state electrolyte and pouch cell batteries, 2) provide “down-machine“ response and fixes, 3) provide technical documentation to support technology transfer to Solid Power‘s customers, 4) provide technical expertise for both domestic and international machine testing and customer support, 5) create electrical and industrial controls standards to ensure the implementation of best practices and safe operation, 6) provide machine design and programming expertise for in-house design built machine tools, testing assemblies, and R&D equipment. The candidate will manage subordinate supervisors as part of a team of about 15 people. The preferrable candidate will have experience in the manufacturing of lithium-ion batteries.

Job Duties:

• Set the strategic direction of the department by aligning operational objectives and work plans to company objectives.
• Provide technical direction for the industrial automation team ensuring compliance with applicable codes, industry standards, and best practices.
• Guide the technical direction and approval of the generation of industrial manufacturing machine specifications.
• Responsible for Capital Expense projects for industrial automation equipment.
• Ensure Solid Power has industrial manufacturing equipment capable of making the best battery materials and pouch cells in the world.
• Ensure Solid Power’s industrial manufacturing equipment is capable of automated lot traceability and storage of machine metrics.
• Develop, modify, and execute company policies that affect immediate operations.
• Assist with Process Hazard Analyses and implement the appropriate layers of safety procedure to comply with OSHA and PSM standards.
• Establish and assure adherence to budgets, schedules, work plans, and performance requirements.
• Regularly interact with senior management or executive levels on matters concerning several functional areas, divisions, and/or customers.
• Manage activities of both electrical controls and machine design divisions of the automation team.
• Supervise the activities of the automation team in terms of costs, methods, and staffing.
• Manage subordinate supervisors.

Qualifications/Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field required; Master’s degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 15 years of work experience in a related field required.
• Minimum of 5 years of direct management experience required.
• Technical knowledge of PLCs, machine design, electrical controls, industrial networks, servo motors, VFDs, sensors, vision systems, and robots to provide direction to the automation team.
• Sufficient technical experience and competence to identify others who have analytical and problem-solving skills for troubleshooting various industrial manufacturing equipment.
• Rapid learner and self-motivated who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative start-up environment.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and organizational skills with a strong attention to detail.
• Registered PE in the state of Colorado preferred.
• Experience in managing subordinate supervisors is preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk.
• Ability to lift 10-20 lbs, up to 50 lbs occasionally.
• Required to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as necessary including, but not limited to eye protection, hair net, gloves, face mask, coveralls, full-face respirator or PAPR.

Salary Range: $153,000 - $225,000

Application Deadline: 05/31/2024

Benefits: Solid Power offers a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical/dental/vision insurance, employer paid Life/AD&D/STD/LTD insurance, 401k with company match, paid holidays, Unlimited PTO, cell phone reimbursement and eligibility in our equity plan.

Export Control Requirements: 

This position requires access to technology, software and other information that is subject to governmental access control restrictions, due to export controls. Employment in this position is conditioned on the continued availability of government authorization to authorize release of such items, to the extent required, including without limitation an export license, or other documentation required to establish authorization to receive access to such items.

Company may delay commencement of employment, rescind an offer of employment, terminate employment, and/or may modify job responsibilities, compensation, benefits, and/or access to Company facilities and information systems, as Company deems appropriate, in order to ensure compliance with applicable government access control restrictions. 

All offers of employment at Solid Power are contingent upon clear results of a thorough background check.

#LI-Onsite