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.

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.

Pay and benefits

The salary range for this position as required under applicable pay transparency laws.

Salary Range $200,000—$220,000 USD