Staff Manufacturing Engineer

South 8 Technologies; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 135,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401k

Stock options

Job summary

South 8 Technologies in San Diego, CA is seeking a senior manufacturing leader to drive battery production initiatives from concept through line integration across multiple technologies. The role combines hands-on work with mentoring of engineers, production staff, and cross-functional teams.

You will scale battery cell production, de-risk processes, optimize automated systems, and develop equipment specifications to grow capacity in line with corporate goals.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of hands-on manufacturing experience leading projects or teams.
• Experience with design, development, building, and troubleshooting manufacturing processes.
• Proven track record of scaling product through NPI to full-scale production.
• Knowledge of Lean/Six Sigma and manufacturing fundamentals.
• Ability to lift 35 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Scale up battery cell production to meet throughput and cost targets.
• De-risk manufacturing technologies for mass production viability.
• Optimize automated machinery for high-quality production.
• Design and implement equipment and process specs to grow capacity.
• Provide technical mentorship and training to the Production Team.
• Identify and drive corrective actions for process quality and performance.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Mentoring

Communication

Lean/Six Sigma

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Master’s preferred

Tools

CAD

FEA

GD&T

DFM

Job description

Lead on battery manufacturing projects from concept, design, fabrication, to line integration on a wide range of manufacturing technologies. Hands-on and ability to mentor other manufacturing engineers, production staff, as well as working work with other teams and third-party vendors is critical.

An ideal candidate has excellent knowledge of manufacturing and processing principles, is creative and hands-on, able to build jigs and fixtures, call and discuss with vendors as necessary, and ability to manage projects from start to completion.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Scale up of battery cell production to achieve throughput and cost targets
• De-risk a multitude of manufacturing technologies to continually assess mass production viability
• Optimize automated machinery to ensure high-quality production
• Design and implement equipment and process specifications to grow production capacity in line with corporate goals
• Provide technical expertise using fundamental, data driven methodologies and support the Production Team to succeed in including training, documentation, and troubleshooting
• Identify and drive corrective actions for process quality and performance issues
• Provide mentorship/guidance to less experienced members of the team

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in industrial, Manufacturing, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering (master’s preferred) with 10+ years of hands‑on manufacturing experience, including leading technical projects or teams.
• Experience with design, developing, building, and troubleshooting in all phases of implementing manufacturing processes.
• Proven track record of scaling product through NPI process to full-scall production.
• Understanding of manufacturing engineering fundamentals: cycle time, quality control, equipment efficiency, capability analysis, failure analysis, technical documentation, and Lean/Six Sigma.
• Communicate effectively with direct team and peers within a manufacturing and engineering organization.
• Battery manufacturing experience, as well as experience with automated machinery, is highly preferred
• Knowledge of DFM, GD&T, FEA, CAD, and drawing standards.
• Effectively communicate ideas, concepts, designs, and results with the team.
• Ability to lift 35 lbs.

At the time of posting, the expected starting salary range for this role is $135,000 – $180,000 annually. The actual pay depends on multiple individualized factors, including education, job-related knowledge, experience, and skills, which will be assessed during the interview process. The comprehensive compensation package for this position may also include other elements, such as health benefits, 401k, and company stock options. The base pay range and package is subject to change and may be modified in the future.

ABOUT SOUTH 8 TECHNOLOGIES

South 8 Technologies, Inc. is a fast-growing and well-funded group backed by leading global organizations. We have developed a breakthrough new Liquefied Gas Electrolyte chemistry for next- generation lithium batteries. Our patented technology enables a substantial increase in energy, improved safety, and an exceptionally wide operating temperature. Leveraging conventional materials and manufacturing, South 8 Technologies offers a unique solution for a variety of e-mobility, energy storage, and industrial applications.

South 8 Technologies, Inc. was founded in 2015 and spun out of UC San Diego’s Jacobs School of Engineering. We are a diverse team, which values integrity and hard work in an environment that encourages creative thinking, collaboration, and honest feedback. Become a critical member of our team and grow alongside us as we transform the energy landscape.

South 8 Technologies is an equal opportunity employer.