Battery Manufacturing & Operations Director

SES AI Corp. (NYSE: SES) is dedicated to **accelerating the world’s energy transition** through groundbreaking material discovery and advanced battery management. We are at the forefront of revolutionizing battery creation, pioneering the integration of **cutting-edge machine learning** into our research and development. Our AI-enhanced, high-energy-density and high-power-density Li-Metal and Li-ion batteries are unique; they are the **first in the world** to utilize electrolyte materials discovered by AI. This powerful combination of "AI for science" and material engineering enables batteries that can be used across various applications, including **transportation (land and air), energy storage, robotics, and drones**. To learn more about us, please visit: [](http://www.ses.ai/) **What We Offer:** - A highly competitive salary and robust benefits package, including comprehensive health coverage and an attractive equity/stock options program within our NYSE-listed company. - The opportunity to contribute directly to a meaningful scientific project—accelerating the global energy transition—with a clear and broad public impact. - Work in a dynamic, collaborative, and innovative environment at the intersection of AI and material science, driving the next generation of battery technology. - Significant opportunities for professional growth and career development as you work alongside leading experts in AI, R&D, and engineering. - Access to state-of-the-art facilities and proprietary technologies are used to discover and deploy AI-enhanced battery solutions. **What we Need:** The SES AI **Hermes team** is seeking an exceptional **Battery Manufacturing & Operations Director** to lead pilot-scale cell manufacturing, drive prototype execution, and oversee process optimization. This critical leadership role ties R&D innovation to manufacturable products by managing technical customer programs and bridging critical gaps between design concepts and commercial readiness. As a key Leader in Battery Manufacturing and Operations, you will manage the transition of next-generation battery technology from the lab to scaled production. **Essential Duties and Responsibilities:** - **Manufacturing & Operations Leadership** - Lead and manage all aspects of pilot-scale cell manufacturing and prototype execution, focusing on various cell designs (pouch, EV, ESS). - Drive the establishment of pilot lines, define SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures), and lead QA/QC processes for production scheduling and test data management. - Oversee the entire technology scale-up process, ensuring that R&D next-generation battery concepts are ready for mass production. - **Product & Customer Program Management** - Serve as the Product Execution Director for technical customer programs, managing the process to deliver validated battery components and systems. - Drive the NPI (New Product Introduction) process and utilize quality assurance methodologies like DFMEA (Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) and DVP&R (Design Verification Plan and Report). - Develop and maintain extended relationships within OEM organizations, including technology specification teams and purchasing, by identifying their product/application and service needs. - **Cross-Functional Strategy** - Provide cross-functional leadership, effectively bridging the technical gaps between R&D, Manufacturing, and Quality organizations. **Education and/or Experience:** - Education: Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field. - Leadership Experience: Deep experience at a senior level in pilot-scale cell manufacturing, prototype development, or technical operations management, taking the lead on new projects globally. - Battery Domain: Core expertise in Lithium-ion, Solid-state, and Li-metal battery chemistry and the manufacturing processes associated with them. - Process Acumen: Expertise in NPI processes, process optimization, and hands-on experience in SOP definition, scale-up, and quality control. - OEM Engagement: Direct experience managing technical customer program management and setting technical roadmaps with external clients. **Preferred Qualifications:** - Profile Match: A background profile as a Material Scientist who transitioned into a high-level Operations and Product Execution Director role. - Industry Background: Previous experience working within an Automobile OEM or a leading EV battery manufacturer. - Quality Systems: Advanced proficiency in using DFMEA/DVP&R methodologies in a high-tech manufacturing environment. The salary range for this position as required under applicable pay transparency laws. Salary Range $200,000—$220,000 USD