BESS Manufacturing Engineer

Lead / Head – Manufacturing Engineering

Role Summary

We are seeking a highly experienced Manufacturing Engineering leader to drive industrialization, factory setup, automation, and continuous improvement across high-volume, technology-driven manufacturing environments. The role involves end-to-end ownership of New Product Introduction (NPI), process design, automation strategy, and team leadership across vehicle and battery assembly operations.

This position requires strong first-principles thinking, hands-on engineering depth, and the ability to lead cross-functional teams in fast-paced, resource-constrained environments.

Key Responsibilities

Manufacturing & Industrialization

• Lead New Product Introduction (NPI) from Proof of Concept (POC) through mass production, ensuring robust DFA, DFM, PFMEA, and PPAP execution.
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• Design and implement scalable, modular, and flexible manufacturing processes to support multi-variant production.
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• Own end-to-end process flow design , line balancing, takt time optimization, and ergonomics.
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• Drive factory setup and capacity expansion , including commissioning of vehicle and battery assembly lines.
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• Manage capital equipment projects, including SPMs, robotics, conveyors, AGVs, and automated testing systems , with CAPEX responsibility.
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Automation & Digital Manufacturing

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• Define and implement automation strategy using SCARA robots, PLC-controlled machines, DC torque tools, vision systems, and functional testers.
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• Enable MES–PLC integration to support traceability, poka-yoke systems, and multi-model manufacturing.
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• Collaborate with digital transformation teams on MES, SCADA, and IoT-based productivity monitoring systems .
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• Standardize machine design specifications covering safety, controls architecture, BOMs, and connectivity .
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Continuous Improvement & Quality

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• Drive Lean Manufacturing and Kaizen initiatives to improve productivity, quality, and cost.
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• Apply advanced problem-solving tools such as A3, DMAIC, Root Cause Analysis, PFMEA, and EFMEA .
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• Improve key metrics including takt time, RFT, productivity, and Value-Added Ratio (VAR) .
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• Lead robustness improvements for processes involving welding, dispensing, torqueing, and testing.
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Leadership & Team Management

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• Build, mentor, and lead cross-functional manufacturing engineering teams (20+ engineers).
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• Define clear roles, responsibilities, and competency development plans.
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• Foster strong collaboration with R&D, Quality, Supply Chain, Operations, and External Vendors .
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• Manage and develop technical talent to support current production and future growth.
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Stakeholder & Vendor Management

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• Work with global suppliers and OEMs for machine development, benchmarking, and commissioning.
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• Lead vendor selection, technical specification definition, FAT/SAT, and commissioning activities.
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• Manage internal and external stakeholders across multiple geographies.
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Required Qualifications

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Education

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• Master’s degree in Manufacturing / Mechanical / Industrial Engineering or related field.
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• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
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Experience

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• 10+ years of progressive experience in Manufacturing Engineering within automotive, EV, battery, or industrial automation environments.
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• Proven experience in:Vehicle and/or battery pack manufacturingFactory setup and capacity ramp-upHigh-volume automated linesNPI and industrialization projects
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• Demonstrated people leadership experience managing medium to large engineering teams.
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Technical Skills

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• Manufacturing processes: Assembly systems, battery pack assembly, welding, dispensing, fastening, and testing.
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• Automation & Controls: PLCs (Allen-Bradley), SCARA robots, DC torque tools, vision systems, AGVs.
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• Digital systems: MES, SCADA (Ignition), IoT, data analytics.
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• Design & Engineering tools: SolidWorks, Pro-E, AutoCAD, Inventor, MATLAB.
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• Quality & CI tools: PFMEA, EFMEA, PPAP, GD&T, Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing.
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• Software/Controls: Studio 5000, Unity Pro, Ignition.
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Key Competencies

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• First-principles problem solving
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• Strong execution and ownership mindset
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• Strategic yet hands-on leadership
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• Operations-oriented decision making
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• Ability to thrive in fast-scaling, ambiguous environments
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• Excellent stakeholder communication and influence
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Preferred Background

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• Experience in EV, battery manufacturing, or automotive OEMs
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• Exposure to global manufacturing operations
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• Track record of building greenfield facilities or major expansions