East Penn Manufacturing - Deka Batteries-posted 3 months ago
Full-time • Mid Level
Ann Arbor, MI
5,001-10,000 employees

Navitas is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Sr Process Engineer to improve, optimize and solve complex problems on our Li-ion battery manufacturing line. An understanding of high volume manufacturing process improvement, analytical problem solving and complex data analysis is essential, ideally within the lithium-ion battery industry. This role is essential for driving the future of our battery production capabilities, ensuring operational excellence, and implementing innovative solutions to support company growth and product development in our growing markets.

  • Oversee the collection and interpretation of key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor the efficiency and quality of the battery manufacturing process
  • Implement and champion continuous improvement initiatives using methodologies such as Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Kaizen, with a focus on the specific challenges and demands of battery manufacturing.
  • Lead root cause analysis for production issues related to battery cell quality, capacity degradation, and safety concerns, and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
  • Oversee the development of key documents for new processes, such as PFMEA, Work Instructions, OCAPs, Control Plans, etc.
  • Lead and manage complex engineering projects related to lithium-ion battery manufacturing, from concept to implementation, ensuring alignment with cost, quality, and timeline objectives.
  • Analyze production with statistical software (JMP or Minitab preferred) to understand manufacturing uptime, availability, and reliability metrics-yield, OEE, cycle time, quality and investigate bottlenecks to identify root cause and countermeasure to maximize throughput.
  • Utilize data analysis and performance metrics to drive decisions that improve manufacturing performance, focusing on key indicators such as battery capacity, energy density, cycle life, and defect rates.
  • Proficiency in Python, SQL and data visualization (i.e. Tableau, Power BI, Ignition)
  • Collaborate with Production, Design Engineering, Quality Assurance, Safety, R&D, Supply Chain, and other teams to ensure seamless operations and integration of new technologies into the battery production process.
  • Partner with the procurement team to evaluate suppliers and support the selection of new materials, raw materials, and equipment, ensuring they meet industry-specific requirements for lithium-ion battery manufacturing.
  • Promote a culture of safety and continuous improvement, ensuring best practices are followed across all operations, particularly in relation to the handling of materials and processes that involve battery cells and electrolytes.
  • Follow Company Policies and Procedures
  • Physical presence on the job is essential and necessary
  • Other duties as assigned by management
  • Engineering degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
  • 5 or more years of experience in a production environment and/or proven manufacturing development track record. Experience with high speed, high volume automated manufacturing equipment (Li-ion Cell Assembly, Packaging, Formation) a plus
  • Six Sigma Green Belt required Black Belt preferred.
  • Must be comfortable supporting US-military funded work and building products for military testing and use.
  • Knowledge of lithium-ion battery production processes, battery formation such as charging, discharging, capacity, cycle life, and safety testing is preferred.
  • Proven experience of going to the manufacturing floor to see and experience issues firsthand.
  • Experience with high-volume manufacturing processes, such as automated assembly lines, robots, conveyors, PLCs, MES data collection systems, and testing preferably related to battery cell production.
  • Proven experience working with cross-functional teams and managing complex projects in a manufacturing environment.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapt to changing priorities.
  • Expertise in Statistical Process Control (SPC) and process capability (Six Sigma).
  • Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze complex manufacturing issues and implement practical solutions.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate with stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
  • ITAR REQUIREMENTS: To conform to U.S. Government International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) the individual must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
  • Competitive compensation
  • Group health insurance that includes high quality medical, dental, vision and prescription coverage with a low employee premium
  • Retirement Savings Plan with company match and a 3% employer contribution
  • Paid company holidays and Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Employee assistance program
  • Fitness Discounts
  • Promotional opportunities
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