Process Development - F&A Manager

PowerCo; St. Thomas; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

PowerCo is launching a battery cell factory in St. Thomas, Ontario, and offers an exciting opportunity for an F&A Manager. This role involves overseeing processes in battery production while leading a team to optimize performance and ensure product quality. Ideal candidates are experienced in lithium-ion technology and possess strong project management skills.

Benefits

Attractive remuneration

Competitive paid time off

Opportunities for development

Relocation support

Comprehensive benefits including health, dental, vision

Pension and retirement savings contributions

Flexible hybrid work structure

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in lithium-ion battery design or manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of the F&A manufacturing process required.
• Experience in process development and optimization is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the forming and aging processes in battery production.
• Manage a team of engineers and technicians focused on continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with R&D to transition new processes from pilot to mass production.

Skills

Analytical skills

Leadership

Project management

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

JMP

Minitab

MATLAB

Python

Job description

With Whom You Will CELLebrate

We are proud to announce the launch of Volkswagen Group’s largest cell factory, PowerCo, in St. Thomas. This is more than just a job – it’s a unique opportunity to shape the future of sustainable energy. Join us as we ramp up operations and help build a world-class company.

At PowerCo, we believe in fostering an environment where ambition meets collaboration, and where flexibility and creativity thrive. You'll be part of a diverse, talented team that is shaping the future of battery production. You’ll have the chance to advance your career while working alongside passionate colleagues who share a vision of making a lasting impact on the world.

Are you ready to be part of something exciting? Power up your career with us!

This exciting opportunity is based in the charming town of St. Thomas, Ontario, and requires in-person attendance.

The F&A (Forming and Aging) Manager in the Process Development department is responsible for overseeing and optimizing the forming and aging processes in battery cell manufacturing. This role focuses on developing and refining processes related to battery formation, aging, and quality control, ensuring the successful transition from R&D to full-scale production. The F&A Manager will manage a team of engineers and technicians to drive efficiency, product quality, and continuous improvement in forming and aging processes within the production environment.

How You Will CELLebrate

• Manage a team of engineers and technicians focused on the forming and aging processes in battery production.
• Set clear objectives and performance metrics for the team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee the daily operations of forming and aging in the process development area, ensuring alignment with production targets.
• Develop and refine forming and aging processes to optimize battery performance, reduce cycle times, and improve consistency.
• Collaborate with R&D to transition new processes from pilot scale to mass production, ensuring scalability and robustness.
• Evaluate and implement new technologies, tools, and equipment to enhance forming and aging efficiency and product quality.
• Work closely with R&D, quality, production, and maintenance teams to address technical challenges and improve process reliability.
• Act as the primary interface between the process development and production teams for forming and aging process scale-up.
• Collaborate with suppliers and equipment manufacturers to ensure the integration of new technologies and process upgrades.
• Monitor and improve key quality metrics such as battery yield, capacity consistency, and defect rates related to forming and aging processes.
• Manage continuous improvement initiatives targeting efficiency improvements, waste reduction, and overall process enhancement.
• Implement data-driven approaches to improve process control and maintain strict adherence to quality standards.
• Manage process development projects related to forming and aging, including new equipment installations, technology upgrades, and process scaling.
• Manage project timelines, resources, and budgets, ensuring successful project delivery.
• Provide regular reports on the status of process development projects and key performance indicators to senior management.
• Ensure that all forming and aging processes comply with safety regulations and industry standards, promoting a culture of safety within the team.
• Conduct safety audits and ensure team members receive up-to-date training on safety protocols.
• Ensure all process development activities comply with environmental and regulatory standards.

What You Need For Our CELLebration

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in electrical, mechanical, materials, chemical or electrochemical engineering, or a related major.
• 7+ years of experience in lithium-ion battery design, development, prototyping, or manufacturing, ideally within a global organization.

What Else Can You Bring

• Strong understanding of the F&A manufacturing process.
• Familiarity with data collection and analysis and statistical process control (SPC).
• Proficient in manufacturing feasibility, method plan validation, design principles, measurement process validation, FMEA, MES and DOE.
• Familiarity with analytical software and programming languages (e.g., JMP, Minitab, MATLAB, Python).
• Ability to follow through and make significant progress in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Experience in the initial phase of a battery cell production plant is an asset.
• Working experience with automotive OEMs is an asset.
• Action-oriented work style and strong drive for results.
• Six Sigma Green Belt certification is a plus.
• Integrity and value-driven working style, compliant with rules and regulations.
• Adaptability to international teams with cross-cultural communication skills.
• Experience in process development, optimization, and scale-up from pilot to full production is a plus.
• Willingness to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Ability to adapt to changing requirements and new technologies.
• Knowledge of safety standards and environmental regulations related to chemical processes, battery manufacturing, and high-tech production environments.
• High attention to detail, especially in process documentation and quality assurance.
• Strong commitment to product quality and safety.
• Proven experience in leading process engineering teams.
• Strong understanding of F&A manufacturing processes and quality standards in battery production.
• Familiarity with statistical process control (SPC), lean manufacturing, and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Excellent project management and leadership skills.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Effective communication skills and ability to work collaboratively across departments.

What To Look Forward To

• Attractive remuneration reflecting your skills, experience, and contributions.
• Competitive paid time off, including no vacation days from December 24 to 31.
• Opportunities for development.
• Relocation support.
• Participation in exciting company events that give back to the community.
• Comprehensive benefits including health, dental, vision, and mental health support.
• Pension and retirement savings contributions, including a 5% contribution to a Registered Pension Plan and matching contributions.
• Flexible hybrid work structure, subject to company policy.

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. We promote diversity and inclusion and provide accommodations for applicants with disabilities during the application process.