Sr. Equipment Planner - (Cell Manufacturing Engineer)

PowerCo; St. Thomas; Hybrid; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading sustainable energy company in St. Thomas, Ontario seeks a Senior Equipment Planner to oversee battery cell production equipment planning. The role involves developing strategies for machinery and managing projects from concept to implementation. Candidates should have a relevant engineering degree and significant experience in the battery cell industry. This position offers competitive remuneration and a hybrid work structure.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Paid time off

Development opportunities

Relocation support

Employer paid benefits

Pension and retirement savings

Flex hybrid work structure

Qualifications

• Experience in Li-ion battery cell industry, ideally in a large organization.
• Direct experience in designing/planning battery cell equipment.
• Ability to travel within Canada/US and internationally up to ~10%.

Responsibilities

• Lead equipment planning subprojects from concept phase to mass production.
• Guide machinery design reviews and document issues.
• Support continuous improvements with other departments.

Skills

Battery cell equipment design

Manufacturing feasibility

Cross-cultural communication

Supplier management

Action oriented work style

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related major

PhD with 3+ years or Master with 5+ years or Bachelor with 7+ years experience in Li-ion battery cell industry

Tools

Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES)

Job description

Our Story and Why We're Growing

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!

About The Role

PowerCo Canada Inc. is seeking a skilled Senior Equipment Planner – Cell Manufacturing Engineer to join our team for the battery cell production line in St. Thomas. In this role, you will be responsible for proposing, developing, presenting, and coordinating planning concepts for machinery and the plant, involved in the production of battery cell factories, covering process steps including electrode processes, cell assembly processes, formation and aging processes, cell finishing and testing processes.

This is a temporary flex hybrid model requiring 2 days in the St. Thomas office, subject to change based on the needs and nature of this project. During certain phases of the build, a full-time onsite presence may be a requirement.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform tasks related to cell manufacturing for battery cell production plants, including electrode processes, cell assembly processes, formation and aging processes, cell finishing and testing processes
• Lead the subprojects of equipment planning from the concept phase through to process implementation in mass production, ensuring a smooth production start
• Work on and provide guidance of the certification and permitting process of cell manufacturing equipment in Canada
• Lead the machine design reviews and FAT
• Guide equipment supplier to install and commission the cell manufacturing equipment
• Lead SAT and work with equipment suppliers for specific process areas
• Lead the equipment handover to production team
• Support VSMs and Lead Planners on continuous improvements
• Work with PowerCo headquarter, and other PowerCo’s global factories and partners
• Work with other PowerCo departments including development, process, quality, automation, logistics, digitalization, maintenance, HSE (health safety environment) etc.
• Document the issues and lead the efforts in finding optimized solutions
• Investigate and identify root causes of equipment failures, and summarize/communicate lessons learned
• Provide technical support to task forces as needed
• Train other employees on technical topics
  
  

What You Bring To The Team

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in in electrical, mechanical, materials, chemical or electrochemical engineering, or a related major.
• PhD degree with 3+ years’/Master degree with 5+ years’/ Bachelor degree with 7+ years’ experience of working in Li ion battery cell industry, ideally within a large, global organization.
• Direct experience in designing/planning battery cell equipment or extensive experience in battery cell manufacturing.
• Deep knowledge about manufacturing feasibility, method plan validation, design principles, measurement process validation, P-FEMA, MES.
• Experience in working in corporate suppliers-customer relationships.
• Experience in mass production of automotive component is an asset.
• Experience with supplier management is an asset.
• Experience in initial phase of a battery cell production plant would be considered an asset.
• Working experience with automotive OEMs is an asset.
• Action oriented work style and strong drive of results.
• Integrity and value-driven working style, complaint to rules and regulation.
• Adaptable to international teams, cross-cultural communication skills.
• Ability to travel both within Canada/US and internationally up to ~ 10%.
  
  

Power Perks

• Attractive Remuneration: We offer a competitive and attractive remuneration that reflect your skills, experience, and contributions.
• Vacation Allowance: We offer our employees competitive paid time off. Plus, you don’t need to take any vacation days from December 24 to December 31.
• Opportunities for development
• Relocation Support
• Opportunities to participate in exciting company events that give back to the community.
• Competitive employer paid benefits and overall compensation package with extended health care, dental, vision and mental health support.
• Pension and Retirement Savings: We contribute the equivalent of 5% to a Registered Pension Plan and matching contribution to a retirement savings plan.
• And much more!
• This is a flex hybrid work structure, where employees can work both remotely and on-site. However, please note all hybrid work arrangements are subject to the terms and conditions of our hybrid work policy as may be amended from time to time.
  
  

Please note that we appreciate the interest of all candidates, however only those under consideration will be contacted.

We believe that the best results are created in a diverse and inclusive environment.

Therefore, all qualified applications will be considered for employment regardless of age, race, religion, gender (identity), sexual orientation, national origin or disability.

PowerCo Canada Inc. is committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities including during the application process. If you require an accommodation because of a disability, we will work with you to determine what reasonable accommodation may be available to meet your needs whether it be as an applicant or an employee. Applicants need to make their needs known in advance. If you are selected for an interview and require an accommodation, you are encouraged to advise the Recruiter who will consult with you to determine an appropriate and reasonable accommodation.