Director, Process Development

WHO WE ARE  

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