Manager / Sr. Manager / Director, Process Development

WHO WE ARE  

Factorial Energy is a pioneering U.S.-based solid-state battery company driving the future of energy storage and electrification. Partnered with global leaders including Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis, Hyundai, and Kia, Factorial is at the forefront of developing next-generation e-mobility platforms for commercial, defense, and consumer applications—spanning electric vehicles (EVs), drones, eVTOL aircraft, power tools, marine systems, robotics, and more. The company has achieved multiple industry firsts, including being the first to power a demonstration vehicle with a global OEM (Mercedes-Benz) which achieved over 1,200 km (749 mi) of range, the first to earn UN 38.3 certification for automotive-sized solid-state cells, and the first to deliver B-samples of automotive-sized solid-state batteries to major OEMs.

THE OPPORTUNITY  

We are looking for a Manager / Sr. Manager / Director, Process Development who will lead the equipment engineering and process development function for Factorial’s whole-cell FEST manufacturing operations in South Korea. Own the full lifecycle of FEST cell-process equipment — concept, design, pilot-line deployment, production ramp, and standardization — and partner with cell product development, manufacturing, quality, and R&D to translate breakthroughs into scalable, production-ready processes.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES  

Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:  

• Equipment development: Define specifications, performance requirements, and acceptance criteria; partner with vendors to design and procure custom tooling and automation; drive continuous improvement of yield, throughput, and process capability. 
• Pilot-line upgrades: Assess pilot-line capabilities versus production requirements, develop upgrade roadmaps, and manage projects through installation, qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ), and sign-off with minimal disruption.
• New equipment introduction: Monitor industry advances, lead proof-of-concept evaluations, and pioneer proprietary equipment for FEST processes where no off-the-shelf solution exists. Manage IP protection for novel innovations.
• Trial runs and capacity ramp: Plan trial runs, define success criteria, coordinate cross-functional readiness, and lead systematic process qualification and capacity ramp aligned with OEM program milestones.
• Documentation and standardization: Develop SOPs, work instructions, and knowledge-management systems; standardize FEST manufacturing processes across pilot and production lines for repeatability, traceability, and automotive-grade quality readiness.
• Team leadership: Build and mentor a high-performing technical team; champion engineering rigor, continuous improvement, and cross-site knowledge sharing. 

QUALIFICATIONS  

• Must have direct hands-on experience building small-format pouch cells for UAV/drone applications. Candidates must have led or substantially contributed to the development and manufacturing of small-format lithium-based pouch cells specifically deployed in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) or drone platforms. Candidates without demonstrable UAV/drone small-format pouch cell experience will not be considered.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in battery manufacturing process and equipment development; experience with FEST cells, small-format pouch cells, or dry-electrode processes strongly preferred.
• 5+ years in a management or technical leadership role overseeing equipment engineering or process development teams.
• Demonstrated experience with full equipment lifecycle management: concept, specification, procurement, installation, qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ), and ramp.Proven track record in pilot-to-production scale-up and capacity ramp.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English are required. This role works closely with the U.S. team; English is the primary working language. Korean language ability is not required.
• Fully on-site in South Korea, with occasional late-night overlap to align with U.S. counterparts.
• Familiarity with automotive quality frameworks (IATF 16949, APQP, PPAP) preferred.