Manufacturing Operations Manager

Stealth-mode Battery Startup; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Career growth programs

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Stealth-mode Battery Startup is seeking a Battery Manufacturing Operations Manager to lead our engineering and development lab operations, bridging R&D with scalable manufacturing. You will manage prototype manufacturing, pilot builds, and validation activities in a hands-on, dynamic environment.

Ideal candidates have 7+ years in manufacturing or engineering operations with knowledge of Li-ion/LFP materials, cell assembly, and pack integration, plus ERP/MES proficiency.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in manufacturing or engineering operations, with R&D or pilot-line experience.
• Strong understanding of Li-ion or LFP battery materials, cell assembly, and pack integration.
• Certifications in Lean, Six Sigma, or PMP preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily operations across battery materials, cell, and pack labs with safety/quality focus.
• Oversee prototype and pilot manufacturing supporting design validation and new product development.
• Transition lab-scale processes into scalable manufacturing workflows with engineering teams.
• Mentor and develop lab technicians and engineers.

Skills

Analytical

Leadership

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or Operations

Master’s preferred

Tools

ERP/MES systems

Lab management tools

Job description

About the Company

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.

Can’t find the company name?

It’s not you, it’s us! We’re really excited about the potential of our technology, product, and mission, and have chosen to remain in stealth mode. If your skillset is aligned with what we’re looking for, the team will reach out to schedule your interview and tell you a bit more about us (e.g. who we are).

Role

We’re seeking a Battery Manufacturing Operations Manager to lead our engineering and development lab operations. You’ll manage prototype manufacturing, pilot builds, and validation activities—bridging R&D innovation with scalable manufacturing readiness. This role suits a technically fluent, hands-on operations leader who thrives in dynamic environments and can integrate engineering excellence with operational execution.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily operations across battery materials, cell, and pack labs, ensuring efficient workflows and adherence to safety and quality standards.
• Oversee prototype and pilot manufacturing supporting design validation and new product development.
• Collaborate with engineering teams and quality to transition lab-scale processes into scalable manufacturing workflows.
• Maintain lab infrastructure, calibration, and equipment uptime.
• Establish and track KPIs for efficiency, yield, and resource utilization.
• Apply Lean principles to improve lab operations while preserving R&D agility.
• Mentor and develop lab technicians and engineers, fostering technical precision and accountability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or Operations (Master’s preferred).
• 7+ years in manufacturing or engineering operations, with experience in R&D or pilot-line environments.
• Strong understanding of Li-ion or LFP battery materials, cell assembly, and pack integration.
• Familiarity with BMS integration, power systems, and safety protocols.
• Proficiency in ERP/MES systems and lab management tools.
• Demonstrated success leading multidisciplinary technical teams.
• Certifications in Lean, Six Sigma, or PMP (preferred).

Leadership & Soft Skills

• Collaborative: Works seamlessly across engineering, operations, and quality teams.
• Analytical: Uses data and structured problem-solving to drive process improvement.
• Adaptive: Excels in evolving, fast-paced R&D environments.
• Strategic: Balances technical experimentation with long-term scalability.
• Empowering: Builds high-performing teams through mentorship and clear direction.

Why Join Us?

• Innovative Technology: Work on cutting-edge energy storage solutions that power the future.
• Career Growth: Opportunities to work on high-impact projects and advance in a growing industry.
• Competitive Benefits: Comprehensive health, wellness, and professional development programs.
• Mission-Driven Culture: Be part of a team that is shaping the future of sustainable energy through innovation and excellence.

We are an equal opportunity employer and we do not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition, or any other basis protected by law.