The Director of Manufacturing Engineering develops scalable manufacturing solutions for ZincFive's nickel-zinc (NiZn) energy storage products. Serving as the link between product engineering and operations, this role defines, validates, and transfers manufacturing methods that support new product development and production scalability. The position leads process development projects involving automated assembly, supply chain resiliency, and end-of-life recycling. This role requires strong technical, team, and project leadership and will work onsite at ZincFive Headquarters in Tualatin, Oregon and reports to the Sr. VP of Technology & Engineering.
Director of Manufacturing Engineering Job Duties:
- Lead the end-to-end pilot manufacturing project portfolio, including scoping, budgeting, scheduling, risk management, and milestone execution
- Drive manufacturing scale-up of NiZn battery modules and packs from pilot to high-volume production, transferring validated processes and best practices to operations
- Develop manufacturing strategies, including process flows, line layouts, equipment selection, capacity planning, and techno-economic analysis
- Establish process controls, validation plans, and quality systems to achieve robust yield, manufacturability, and product reliability
- Implement advanced manufacturing technologies, including automation, robotics, machine vision, material handling, and ergonomic solutions
- Lead equipment procurement, installation, commissioning, acceptance testing, and process validation for pilot and production operations
- Manage technical relationships with equipment suppliers, contract manufacturers, and external partners
- Collaborate cross-functionally with R&D, Systems Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, EHS, Operations, and Data Science to ensure product manufacturability, quality, safety, and cost competitiveness
- Champion Design for Manufacturing (DFM), Design for Assembly (DFA), and Design for Serviceability (DFS), ensuring manufacturability influences product architecture decisions early in development.
- Build and mentor engineering teams, ensure regulatory, environmental, and safety compliance, foster cross-functional collaboration
- Domestic and international travel (up to 25%)
Job Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in chemical, industrial or mechanical engineering
- 15+ years leading manufacturing operations or manufacturing technology development
- 7+ years of progressive leadership experience, including responsibility for leading and developing teams
- Demonstrated process engineering capability for hardware and chemical manufacturing processes
- Experience with contract manufacturer relationship management
- Operates as a senior technical leader influencing manufacturing, operations, quality, supply chain, and commercial organizations
- Excellent communication skills at all levels to engage, technical deep‑dives, and cross‑functional decision making
- Ability to align large groups of stakeholders around technical priorities and tradeoffs
- Experience in assessing fixed and variable costs in pilot line operations to address performance - cost tradeoffs
- Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, sourcing considerations, and operational constraints
- Proven ability to prioritize engineering resources in a portfolio context
- Strategic thinking combined with strong execution discipline
- Ability to coach, mentor, and develop engineering talent
- Comfortable navigating ambiguity and guiding teams through evolving technical and business needs
Preferred Experience/Skills:
- Master's degree in chemical, industrial or mechanical engineeringKnowledge of Lean Manufacturing and Design for Six Sigma principles
- Experience in manufacturing battery products
- Familiarity with stage‑gate processes and product development environments
Key Competencies:
- Strategic and operational leadership
- Excellent verbal, written and presentation skills
- Planning, organizational and problem-solving skills
- Strategic thinking, strong business acumen and pragmatic decision making
- Creativity and innovation
- Teamwork and collaboration
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:
- Work involves sitting, standing, and lifting up to 10 pounds
- Repetitive typing and computer work for extended periods of time
- Ability to wear PPE on face and body when required
- Manufacturing, warehouse, lab, and office environments
- Domestic and international travel (up to 25%)
- Must be able to maintain a level state of alertness while performing this job
Salary offers will depend on factors that include the location you work from, your level, education, training, specific skills, years of experience and comparison to other employees already in this role.
In addition, the successful candidate for this position will become eligible for a comprehensive set of outstanding benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401k, paid sick time, paid time off for vacation, paid holidays, paid community service days, professional/personal learning program, and applicable state/federal paid family leave.
ZincFive is committed to employing a diverse workforce. As an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status. We maintain a safe workplace and perform pre-employment testing. ZincFive is a participant in E-Verify and receives employment authorization of new hires through Social Security and the Department of Homeland Security databases.