Battery Manufacturing & Operations Director

SES AI Corp. (NYSE: SES) is dedicated to ** accelerating the world’s energy transition ** through groundbreaking material discovery and advanced battery management. We are at the forefront of revolutionizing battery creation, pioneering the integration of ** cutting-edge machine learning ** into our research and development. Our AI-enhanced, high-energy-density and high-power-density Li-Metal and Li-ion batteries are unique; they are the ** first in the world ** to utilize electrolyte materials discovered by AI. This powerful combination of "AI for science" and material engineering enables batteries that can be used across various applications, including ** transportation (land and air), energy storage, robotics, and drones ** .

To learn more about us, please visit: www.ses.ai

** What We Offer: **

• A highly competitive salary and robust benefits package, including comprehensive health coverage and an attractive equity/stock options program within our NYSE-listed company.

• The opportunity to contribute directly to a meaningful scientific project—accelerating the global energy transition—with a clear and broad public impact.

• Work in a dynamic, collaborative, and innovative environment at the intersection of AI and material science, driving the next generation of battery technology.

• Significant opportunities for professional growth and career development as you work alongside leading experts in AI, R&D, and engineering.

• Access to state-of-the-art facilities and proprietary technologies are used to discover and deploy AI-enhanced battery solutions.

** What we Need: **

The SES AI ** Hermes team ** is seeking an exceptional ** Battery Manufacturing & Operations Director ** to lead pilot-scale cell manufacturing, drive prototype execution, and oversee process optimization. This critical leadership role ties R&D innovation to manufacturable products by managing technical customer programs and bridging critical gaps between design concepts and commercial readiness. As a key Leader in Battery Manufacturing and Operations, you will manage the transition of next-generation battery technology from the lab to scaled production.

** Essential Duties and Responsibilities: **

• ** Manufacturing & Operations Leadership **

• Lead and manage all aspects of pilot-scale cell manufacturing and prototype execution, focusing on various cell designs (pouch, EV, ESS).

• Drive the establishment of pilot lines, define SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures), and lead QA/QC processes for production scheduling and test data management.

• Oversee the entire technology scale-up process, ensuring that R&D next-generation battery concepts are ready for mass production.

• ** Product & Customer Program Management **

• Serve as the Product Execution Director for technical customer programs, managing the process to deliver validated battery components and systems.

• Drive the NPI (New Product Introduction) process and utilize quality assurance methodologies like DFMEA (Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) and DVP&R (Design Verification Plan and Report).

• Develop and maintain extended relationships within OEM organizations, including technology specification teams and purchasing, by identifying their product/application and service needs.

• ** Cross-Functional Strategy **

• Provide cross-functional leadership, effectively bridging the technical gaps between R&D, Manufacturing, and Quality organizations.

** Education and/or Experience: **

• Education: Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field.

• Leadership Experience: Deep experience at a senior level in pilot-scale cell manufacturing, prototype development, or technical operations management, taking the lead on new projects globally.

• Battery Domain: Core expertise in Lithium-ion, Solid-state, and Li-metal battery chemistry and the manufacturing processes associated with them.

• Process Acumen: Expertise in NPI processes, process optimization, and hands-on experience in SOP definition, scale-up, and quality control.

• OEM Engagement: Direct experience managing technical customer program management and setting technical roadmaps with external clients.

** Preferred Qualifications: **

• Profile Match: A background profile as a Material Scientist who transitioned into a high-level Operations and Product Execution Director role.

• Industry Background: Previous experience working within an Automobile OEM or a leading EV battery manufacturer.

• Quality Systems: Advanced proficiency in using DFMEA/DVP&R methodologies in a high-tech manufacturing environment.

The salary range for this position as required under applicable pay transparency laws.

Salary Range

$200,000 - $220,000 USD