Lead Engineer - Battery Cell Manufacture

Job DescriptionLead Engineer – Battery Cell Manufacturing Projects£45,000 - £54,00042 Days Holidays Inc Bank Holidays Excellent Pension SchemeGreat Career Progression opportunities Internal Training & Personnel Development CoursesLeadership of Multiple ProjectsBenefits Package including – Sick Pay, Sports & Leisure facilities discounts, Car Leasing Scheme, Onsite Childcare Facilities & Flexible WorkingPlenty of Safe & Secure On-Site Parking Great Public Transport Links Site Location very close to M1, M6, M40, M42, M69, A45, A46We are seeking a new colleague to start a newly created position within our manufacturing and research facility and assist in leading Battery Cell Manufacturing scale-up research and process development activities.This is an exciting opportunity to work with a myriad of customers on multiple projects and hold a leadership position in the research of manufacturing and process development.A battery cell manufacturing and a process development background will be key for this position, to take up a leading role in the delivery of research projects on battery cell scale-up. The facility is unique within the UK and allows manufacturing and scientific challenges (such as improving energy density, power density, cost, functional safety, reliability and lifetime) to be investigated and demonstrated for the benefit of industryLead Engineer DutiesResponsible for ensuring that the battery scale-up facility is capable of delivering battery electrodes and cells that meet the demands of our customers and stakeholders.Conduct in depth research into battery cell manufacturing methods. This will involve comprehensive literature and internet searches as well as arranging meetings with senior management representatives and technical specialists from industry technology providers (suppliers to the industry), academic staff and other university departments. Design and facilitate collaborator workshops to capture and define research opportunities. Ensure that a detailed work programme exists to generate the research outcomes within the agreed time frame.Support the creation of and adherence with procedures, control plans, training documents and risk assessments covering the full battery cell manufacturing process, from materials sourcing and storage through to cell formation and testing, as a step towards implementing a full Quality Management System.Work with internal and external stakeholders to resolve any quality issues that arise, performing root cause analysis, and put corrective actions in place to prevent reoccurrence.Ensure the manufacturing areas are clean, organised and optimised for the workflow, and promote a culture of continuous improvement through the use 5S and six-sigma methodologies.Develop novel and appropriate methodology for incorporating battery scale-up methods and processes into the research programme to support the decision making processes. This will require engagement with sector and subject matter specialists at all levels of employment to understand the current industry practice and latest international standards and legislative directives. Prepare detailed activity specifications, liaise with the university finance and purchasing departments and generate appropriate selection criteria in order to purchase any additional external or subcontract support, computer software or capital equipment necessary to deliver the project outputs.Prepare proposals for equipment upgrades as well as new equipment and facilities to ensure the battery scale-up line is at the forefront of technological developments and able to meet our customers’ future demands.To support the publication of research outcomes in appropriate journals of international standing and to disseminate the result of research and scholarship in other reputable outlets. To attend and present research and project findings at professional conferences and contribute to the external visibility and profile of the departmentProvide comprehensive direction and support to the partners on all aspects of the project. Deputise for the Principal Engineer as well as the project manager at senior management meetings as required ensuring that appropriate input is given and outcomes are reported to the project manager and others within the research team in a timely manner.Support digitalisation of the battery scale-up facility and identify key process data to be captured across all manufacturing processes. Summarise methods of tracking and tracing from receipt of items to the final delivery of cells and test data.Lead Engineer Experience & RequirementsA Good honours Degree in Engineering or a relevant subject Significant experience in battery cell manufacturing and process developmentExperience of conducting experimental work on relevant equipment A good understanding of the current technologies and future trends in cell production combined with the ability to develop business cases for new equipment and facilitiesAbility to perform detailed data analysis and interpretation to present results and make recommendations via briefings, presentations or written reportsExcellent project planning and reporting skills, with the ability to initiate, plan organise, implement and deliver programmes of work to tight deadlinesExcellent presentation skillsAbility to work within a diverse team of subject matter experts, to quickly adapt to new situations and business practicesKnowledge of digitalisation related to battery manufacturing and competent in CAD (Desirable) This is your opportunity to play a pivotal role in delivering cutting-edge research projects and be part of a team driving innovation in energy density, power density, cost efficiency, safety, reliability, and longevity within the industry. Your expertise in manufacturing process engineering, process control, quality management, and team leadership will be crucial for the successful delivery of projects.Take the next step in your career and contribute to groundbreaking advancements in battery technology! For more information please contact the team at WEG Tech WEG Tech is acting as an internal recruitment partner for this vacancy.