Location: Vestal, NY Category: Professional & Support Staff Posted On: Mon Jan 27 2025 Job Description:

Battery-NY is a new lithium battery technology development and prototyping center in New York's Southern Tier. Funded by the U.S. Economic Development Administration and NYS Empire State Development, Battery-NY is led by Binghamton University's Distinguished Professor M. Stanley Whittingham, 2019 Nobel Laureate inventor of the Li-ion battery. Battery-NY will build on existing strengths within New York State while advancing the development and enabling the scale-up and advanced manufacturing of batteries for various sectors including transportation, military, and energy, and will establish a robust manufacturing infrastructure that will advance the region by supporting multiple industries and their supply chains.

A first-in-class facility in the United States, Battery-NY will offer companies the latest technologies for the design and manufacture of batteries, as well as in-place pilot production, scale-up, and manufacturing capabilities that can be accessed without capital investment.

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Process Engineering Manager to join our team and ensure that our battery production processes run efficiently and effectively. Reporting to the Executive Director (Paul Malliband), the successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing the design, development, and implementation of all processes and equipment for our state-of-the-art battery development and prototyping facility. This role requires strong project management skills, technical expertise, and the ability to lead cross-functional teams to achieve operational excellence. This position is based in Johnson City, New York, four miles from Binghamton University. Further details of the planned facility can be found at newenergynewyork.com.

Key Responsibilities:

• Facility and Process Equipment Development: Actively participate in the design and specification of the facility and equipment, ensuring that process and product lines meet project objectives and customer/stakeholder needs from initial concept to final acceptance (User Acceptance Testing - UAT).

• Process Operations: Steer the procurement process from equipment selection, vendor engagements, commissioning, through to operational readiness (Factory Acceptance Testing - FAT, Site Acceptance Testing - SAT, User Acceptance Testing - UAT). Ensure optimal performance and efficiency of process operations, developing the necessary documentation, structures, and competencies for facility launch.

• Quality Management Strategy: Develop and implement a robust Quality Management Strategy (QMS) during the initial stages of process development. Oversee the implementation of all quality processes and procedures, obtaining necessary accreditations to ensure a successful launch.

• Project Management: Oversee process and equipment-related projects, including initial concepts, expansions, upgrades, and new installations. Coordinate with procurement, contractors, and suppliers to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget.

• Maintenance Management: Support the development and implementation of a comprehensive maintenance strategy for all facility equipment and systems to minimize downtime and ensure reliability.

• Safety and Compliance: Ensure that all process equipment complies with required safety regulations and environmental standards, overseeing compliance from installation through ongoing operations.

• Energy Management: Develop and implement strategies to optimize energy usage and reduce the facility's carbon footprint.

• Budget Management: Prepare and manage the equipment budget to ensure cost-effective operations and maintenance.

• Team Leadership: As the facility grows, lead and manage the manufacturing engineering, operations, and quality teams. Provide training and development opportunities to enhance team performance.

  Job Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering, or a related field with 3+ years' experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Proven experience in process engineering, project management, and equipment acceptance, preferably in a battery manufacturing environment.

• Strong understanding of process design, control, and optimization.

• Strong troubleshooting skills with the ability to apply engineering principles to solve complex problems and resolve issues in manufacturing processes.

• Ability to think creatively and propose innovative solutions to improve processes, keeping up with the latest industry trends and technological advancements.

• Excellent leadership, communication, and team management skills.

• Proficiency in project management software and tools.

• Knowledge of safety regulations and environmental standards.

• Willingness to travel as required.

Preferred:

• Expert knowledge of battery production processes, equipment, and systems (electrode, cell assembly, FA&T, quality control).

• Six Sigma Black Belt certification with practical experience applying the methodology within a business/manufacturing environment.

• Proficient with applicable software and tools, such as MATLAB, CAD, and P&IDs.

  Additional Information:

Salary: $115,000 - $135,000 annually

Research Foundation Commitment to Equal Employment Opportunity

As an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer, The Research Foundation for SUNY will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant's race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy-related conditions, reproductive health decisions, childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgender status, age, national origin or ancestry, marital status, familial status, citizenship, physical and mental disability, prior arrest or conviction record, genetic characteristics/genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, domestic violence victim status, military status or service, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected under federal, state or local law. The Company will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant.

The Company will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

The Research Foundation for SUNY is a private, not for profit corporation and is a separate employer from SUNY and the State of New York and offers separate compensation and benefit plans.

Binghamton University is a tobacco-free campus.