Navitas Systems LLC, a leader in comprehensive energy storage solutions, was formed in 2011 with the merger of MicroSun Innovative Energy Storage Solutions and MicroSun Electronics, and the acquisition of lithium battery company A123 Systems’ Government Solutions Group. In 2019, East Penn Manufacturing, one of the world’s leading battery manufacturers, acquired majority interest in Navitas Systems. In SEVEN remarkable decades, East Penn has grown from a one-room shop with a product line of five automotive batteries to one of the world’s leading battery manufacturers with over 10,500 full-time employees, 515 product designs, operations around the world, and hundreds of awards for industry excellence.

At our Navitas facilities we engage in the research, design, development, and manufacture of advanced lithium cells and energy storage products and systems for both commercial customers and U.S. Government/military customers. We invest in our people, they are and always will be the heart of this company. Are you ready to join a family-owned enterprise committed to honoring the contributions of everyone? Then Navitas is the right place for you.

Navitas is ready to invest in you!  We are seeking an experienced Senior Product Engineer- Cell in Ann Arbor, Michigan that will design, develop, release, and validate lithium-ion battery cells for customized applications in the government, military, aerospace, and other specialty high-performance market segments. The successful candidate will have a proven track record in leading the design, development, and optimization of advanced battery cells, ensuring high performance, safety, and reliability. 

• Lead the planning, design, development, and validation of lithium-ion battery cells, including material components and product specifications
• Select, characterize, and validate materials and components such as cathodes, anodes, electrolytes, and separators
• Design and optimization of electrode formulations, including material characterization.
• Plan, develop, and execute Design of Experiments (DOE) for cell design and fabrication process optimization
• Analyze experimental data, identify potential failure modes, and assist in root-cause analysis and mitigation strategies.
• Prepare and maintain detailed technical documentation, including specifications, drawings, reports, DFMEAs, and DVPRs
• Prepare and conduct requirements reviews, test readiness reviews, and design reviews to ensure that the product meets all stakeholder requirements
• Drives compliance to customer requirements and maintains compliance matrix records against baseline throughout product development cycle
• Ensure that a common methodology is used to define critical characteristics and inspection criteria for incoming materials, components, and final assemblies
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including manufacturing, quality, and supply chain, to resolve issues and optimize cell performance
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior engineers and team members
• Support supplier evaluation and selection
• Provide engineering support to the manufacturing team to resolve quality issues during cell production
• Performs in a manner that will prevent errors and omissions
• Provides advisory support and assistance to the department manager as needed
• Responsible for meeting team targets and key performance indicators
• Follow all safety guidelines and operate in a safe manner
• Physical presence on the job is essential
• Other duties as assigned by management

Management Responsibilities:

• may have 1 to 2 direct reports

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Electrochemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field
• 7 years of experience in lithium-ion battery cell design and development

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Comfortable supporting US military-funded work and building products for military testing and use.
• Proven experience in the design and development of lithium-ion battery components, assemblies, cell, & formations
• Deep understanding of materials used in lithium-ion cells, including active materials, binders, separators, and electrolytes
• Actual lithium ion cell product development experience through DV, PV and launching of cell production in mass production
• Extensive experience with electrochemical characterization techniques such as cyclic voltammetry, impedance spectroscopy, cycle life testing, and abuse testing
• Strong expertise in statistical analysis and Design of Experiments (DOE) methodologies
• Demonstrated ability to conduct root-cause analysis and implement corrective actions based on DFMEA and PFMEA.
• Understanding on R&D next generation battery technology and able to discuss & communicate with R&D   
• Excellent technical documentation skills, with the ability to create detailed specifications, drawings, and reports
• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to mentor and guide junior engineers.

Preferred (Desired) Qualifications:

• Advanced degree (Masters or Ph.D.) in relevant technical field
• 10 years of experience in lithium ion battery cell design and manufacturing
• Data analysis skills in an Excel Macro language, Python, or MATLAB
• Six sigma green belt, design for six sigma, or robust design methodology expertise
• Proficient in SolidWorks CAD software and Simulation/Analysis tools
• Proficient in the application of GD&T for component and assembly prints and specifications
• Experience working in a product development environment using a phase gate process
• Experience working in medium to high volume manufacturing environment

ITAR REQUIREMENTS: To conform to U.S. Government International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) the employee 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.

Navitas/East Penn offers excellent benefits:

• 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

At Navitas/East Penn, our employees are our culture; our employees will always be the heart of the company. We are a private, family-owned enterprise committed to cultivating an atmosphere that honors the contributions of everyone.  We want our employees to have long-term careers, and many do. More than 38% of our workforce has over a decade of service. Our open-door management policy, comprehensive benefits package, employee appreciation and recognition events, and career advancement opportunities are just some of the ways we show our employees how incredibly valued they are.

EOE/VEVRAA