Testing facility Lead

Agratas – A Tata Enterprise; England; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Opportunities for career growth

Work on innovative battery technologies

Inclusive and supportive work environment

Job summary

Agratas – A Tata Enterprise is seeking an experienced Testing Facility Lead to manage electrochemical testing laboratories at our R&D facility in Oxford. In this role, you will ensure rigorous execution of battery testing protocols while leading a team of technicians.

The ideal candidate should have solid experience with battery test equipment and a strong technical background, enabling you to deliver excellent operational outcomes in a high-compliance environment.

Qualifications

• Solid experience operating electrochemical battery test equipment (e.g., cyclers, environmental chambers).
• Experience in lab management, 5S methodologies, and following SOPs.
• Comfortable leading technicians in a technical lab environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day operations of the testing lab and ensure compliance.
• Conduct safety audits and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Maintain accurate records of test plans and results.
• Ensure all testing equipment is maintained and calibrated.
• Lead and mentor a team of technicians in lab practices.

Skills

Electrochemical battery test equipment operation

Understanding of lithium-ion battery testing methods

Lab management and Good Laboratory Practice (GLP)

Leadership and team development

Collaboration with scientists and engineers

Education

Technical background in electrical engineering, chemistry, or materials science

Job description

Purpose of the Role

Join Agratas – Powering the Future of Energy

At Agratas, we’re building the battery technologies that will transform the world. As Tata Group’s global battery business, we are at the forefront of the energy transition, creating world‑class R&D centres and gigafactories that will power electric mobility and renewable energy systems worldwide.

Now is the time to join us—help shape the future from the inside out.

The Opportunity

Agratas is seeking an experienced Testing Facility Lead to manage and operate the electrochemical testing laboratories at our R&D facility in Oxford. This key role involves leading lab operations, coordinating test schedules, and ensuring rigorous execution of battery testing protocols.

If you have hands‑on experience running electrochemical testing labs, are confident working with test equipment and protocols, and enjoy leading technical teams in fast‑paced environments—this is your opportunity to contribute to the future of battery technology.

Key Responsibility Areas

• Testing Facility Operations: Manage the day‑to‑day operations of the testing lab, ensuring battery tests are set up, executed, and monitored in accordance with prescribed protocols and safety standards.
• Safety & Compliance: Lead by example in maintaining a safe and compliant laboratory. Conduct and contribute to safety audits and continuous improvement initiatives across the facility.
• Scheduling & Coordination: Work with project and facility managers to schedule testing campaigns, efficiently allocate test channels, and ensure alignment with project timelines.
• Data & Traceability: Maintain accurate records of test plans, execution logs, and results. Support project scientists in extracting and interpreting data, and clearly communicate testing outcomes and anomalies.
• Equipment Management: Ensure all testing equipment is properly maintained and calibrated. Manage spare parts stock and maintain strong vendor relationships to stay current with the latest test system advancements.
• Team Leadership: Lead and mentor a team of technicians, ensuring quality, consistency, and adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs). Provide training and troubleshooting support as needed.

About You

You are highly organised, hands‑on, and confident working in a technical, high‑compliance lab environment. You bring a proactive mindset and enjoy leading teams to deliver excellent operational outcomes.

Skills & Experience

• Solid experience operating electrochemical battery test equipment (e.g., cyclers, environmental chambers, software‑based test scripting).
• Understanding of lithium‑ion battery testing methods, safety considerations, and best practices.
• Proven ability to follow detailed SOPs and modify test scripts where necessary.
• Experience in lab management, 5S methodologies, and Good Laboratory Practice (GLP).
• Comfortable leading and developing technicians in a technical lab environment.
• Able to collaborate effectively with scientists, engineers, and facility managers.

Qualifications

• Technical background in electrical engineering, chemistry, materials science, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Experience in an electrochemical or battery testing lab environment, with a track record of increasing responsibility.

Why Join Agratas?

• Innovation with Impact: Work at the forefront of the battery revolution, directly contributing to the development of breakthrough technologies.
• Grow Your Career: Join a fast‑growing organisation with real opportunities to lead, grow, and influence.
• Purpose‑Driven Work: Help accelerate the clean energy transition and build a better future for people and planet.

Apply Now

If you're ready to lead world‑class battery testing operations in a dynamic R&D environment, apply today and join us in powering what’s next.

Agratas is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can thrive.