Process Engineering Program Manager

Job Title: Process Engineering Program Manager
Location: San Jose, CA
Employment Type: Full-Time

We are a stealth-mode battery startup developing cutting-edge battery technology.
Our mission is to revolutionize battery technology to accelerate the global transition to clean energy. By leveraging innovative materials, advanced manufacturing techniques, and next-generation energy storage architectures, we are building the future of sustainable energy.

We’re looking for a Process Engineering Program Manager to support the development, validation, and scale-up of our battery manufacturing processes.

This role partners closely with the Process Engineering lead to drive structured execution across process DOE cycles, line bring-up efforts, and manufacturing readiness milestones. The emphasis is on execution rigor, cross-functional coordination, and predictable delivery during active build and validation programs.

While initially focused on process development programs, this role is designed to grow into broader manufacturing program management over time.

• Develop and maintain integrated schedules supporting process development and scale-up milestones

• Coordinate DOE cycles, validation plans, and readiness gates

• Track cross-functional dependencies across R&D, Process Engineering, Manufacturing Operations, Quality, and Supply Chain

• Maintain action tracking discipline and proactive risk escalation

• Drive readiness planning for pilot and production line bring-up

• Coordinate build sequencing, materials readiness, and cross-team execution inputs

• Support structured execution during active build windows

• Identify and escalate bottlenecks impacting validation timelines

• Facilitate build readiness reviews and technical program reviews

• Support structured vendor and external partner coordination as required

• Ensure internal execution plans remain aligned with external commitments

• Strengthen documentation, accountability, and milestone clarity within process programs

• Introduce lightweight systems to improve predictability without over-building process

• Contribute to improving manufacturing program discipline as the organization scales

• 3+ years of program, project, or technical operations experience supporting engineering, manufacturing, or product development programs.

• Experience coordinating complex cross-functional initiatives involving engineering, manufacturing operations, quality, and supply chain teams.

• Demonstrated ownership of complex technical or manufacturing projects involving hardware systems, process development, or production equipment.

• Experience developing and maintaining detailed project schedules and tracking program milestones using tools such as MS Project, Smartsheet, Asana, or similar platforms.

• Strong organizational and communication skills with the ability to drive alignment and accountability across technical and operational stakeholders.

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, operations, business, or a related technical field; PMP certification or equivalent program management training is a plus.

• Experience in advanced manufacturing environments (e.g., battery, automotive, semiconductor, or other high-precision manufacturing) is strongly preferred.