Director, Process Development

Job Description

Factorial Energy is a pioneering U.S.-based solid-state battery company driving the future of energy storage and electrification. Partnered with global leaders including Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis, Hyundai, and Kia, Factorial is at the forefront of developing next-generation e-mobility platforms for commercial, defense, and consumer applications-spanning electric vehicles (EVs), drones, eVTOL aircraft, power tools, marine systems, robotics, and more. The company has achieved multiple industry firsts, including being the first to power a demonstration vehicle with a global OEM (Mercedes-Benz) which achieved over 1,200???km (749???mi) of range, the first to earn UN???38.3 certification for automotive-sized solid-state cells, and the first to deliver B-samples of automotive-sized solid-state batteries to major OEMs.

THE OPPORTUNITY

We are looking for a Director of Process Development who will lead the equipment engineering and process development function for Factorial's whole-cell solid-state battery manufacturing operations in South Korea. This is a full-time, on-site position. The successful candidate will own the full lifecycle of solid-state cell-process equipment-from concept and design through pilot-line deployment, production ramp, and ongoing standardization-while driving introduction of novel equipment and manufacturing technologies purpose-built for solid-state chemistry.

Because solid-state battery manufacturing involves unique materials and environments (ultra-low humidity dry rooms, high-precision stack lamination), this role demands a candidate who can both adapt existing equipment paradigms and invent new ones. The Director will partner closely with cell product development, manufacturing, quality, and cross-functional engineering teams to translate solid-state R&D breakthroughs into scalable, production-ready processes. The ideal candidate has deep expertise in battery or solid-state device equipment engineering, a proven track record leading pilot-to-production transitions, and the ability to build and mentor high-performing technical teams.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Lead equipment development for the full whole-cell manufacturing process
• Define equipment specifications, performance requirements, and acceptance criteria aligned with cell design and quality targets
• Drive continuous improvement of existing equipment to increase yield, throughput, and process capability
• Collaborate with equipment vendors and internal engineering teams to design and procure custom tooling and automation solutions
• Develop equipment solutions specifically engineered for solid-state cell components, including electrode handling, dry-room-compatible automation, and solid-electrolyte lamination systems
• Own and execute equipment upgrade programs for the whole-cell pilot line
• Assess current pilot-line capabilities versus production requirements, identify gaps, and develop upgrade roadmaps
• Manage upgrade projects from planning through installation, qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ), and sign-off
• Ensure minimal disruption to ongoing pilot production schedules during upgrade activities
• Upgrade pilot-line equipment to meet the exacting tolerances of solid-state electrolyte coating, stacking, and formation as Factorial scales toward OEM production programs
• Lead the planning, design, and acceptance of production equipment and fixtures for the whole-cell process
• Develop and review equipment design documents, drawings, and process flow diagrams
• Conduct equipment acceptance testing (FAT/SAT) and maintain associated documentation and qualification records
• Partner with manufacturing engineering to ensure fixture designs meet ergonomic, safety, and quality standards
• Define solid-state-specific acceptance criteria for critical equipment (electrolyte coaters, stack presses, formation chambers) and validate performance against FEST?? cell design requirements
• Drive development and introduction of special new equipment and emerging manufacturing technologies
• Monitor industry and academic advances in battery manufacturing, automation, and process technology; evaluate applicability to Factorial's roadmap
• Lead proof-of-concept evaluations and technology feasibility studies in partnership with R&D and product teams
• Manage IP protection and documentation for novel process and equipment innovations
• Pioneer proprietary equipment for solid-state processes - such as dry-electrode deposition, electrode calendering, and zero-pressure formation - where no commercial off-the-shelf solution exists
• Organize and lead trial runs for new equipment and new process introductions, and ramp up production capacity
• Develop trial run plans, define success criteria, and coordinate cross-functional readiness (safety, quality, supply chain, maintenance)
• Lead systematic process qualification and capacity ramp activities, ensuring production targets are met on schedule
• Establish and track key process metrics during ramp; implement corrective actions as required
• Manage ramp of solid-state cell production in coordination with OEM program milestones, ensuring FEST?? process quality and yield targets are met at each capacity step
• Summarize and document process development and equipment development achievements; drive transformation and standardization
• Develop comprehensive process documentation, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and work instructions
• Maintain knowledge management systems to capture lessons learned, best practices, and technical know-how
• Report progress and results to senior leadership; present at internal and external technical reviews
• Standardize solid-state manufacturing processes across pilot and production lines to ensure repeatability, traceability, and readiness for automotive-grade quality systems (IATF 16949, APQP)
• Champion a culture of engineering rigor, continuous improvement, and cross-site knowledge sharing

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field; advanced degree preferred
• 5+ years of experience in battery manufacturing process and equipment development; experience with solid-state, electrode handling, or dry-electrode processes is strongly preferred
• 5+ years in a management or technical leadership role overseeing equipment engineering or process development teams
• Demonstrated experience with full equipment lifecycle management: concept, specification, procurement, installation, qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ), and ramp
• Deep knowledge of whole-cell solid-state battery manufacturing processes including electrode preparation, electrolyte coating/lamination, cell assembly, and formation; dry-room and cleanroom manufacturing experience strongly preferred
• Proven track record in pilot-to-production scale-up and capacity ramp in a manufacturing environment
• Hands-on experience developing or adapting equipment for electrode handling, solid-state electrolyte processing, or other next-generation cell chemistries
• Experience developing and introducing new manufacturing equipment and automation technologies
• Strong project management skills; ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously under tight timelines
• Proficiency in process documentation, SOP development, and engineering change management
• Experience conducting root cause analysis, FMEA, and implementing corrective/preventive actions
• Familiarity with automotive quality frameworks (IATF 16949, APQP, PPAP) applied to battery cell manufacturing preferred
• Good written and basic verbal communication skills in English; proficiency in Korean strongly preferred
• Fully located on-site in South Korea, working closely with the US team (requiring occasional late-night overlap)
• Ability to work collaboratively across engineering, operations, quality, and R&D functions