ADVANCED PLANNING ENGINEER

Get to know East Penn!

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.

Overview

Navitas is ready to invest in you!  We are seeking an Advanced Planning Engineer who will be responsible for CAD drawings of all buildings, facility infrastructure planning, equipment procurement, production flow optimization, capacity planning, and other tasks to launch our new manufacturing facility.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and regularly update all building CAD drawings and ensure drawings reflect the latest as-built conditions, including equipment layouts, utilities, and infrastructure; collaborating with cross-functional teams to incorporate updates related to new equipment or facility modifications.
• Evaluate operational systems and infrastructure for efficiency improvements and ensure compliance with local, state, and federal safety, fire, and environmental regulations.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to define equipment specifications and ensure equipment meets technical requirements and quality standards; assess potential suppliers for capability, reliability, and cost-effectiveness; work with procurement and legal teams to finalize contracts and manage timelines for delivery and installation.
• Develop efficient production workflows and plant layouts utilizing Lean Manufacturing principles to minimize waste and improve efficiency; optimize equipment layout to minimize material handling time; and optimize storage solutions for raw materials and finished goods.
• Analyze production forecasts to determine equipment and staffing requirements; develop capacity models for cell, module, and pack production lines; identify potential production bottlenecks and propose mitigation strategies; and plan for future expansion, ensuring the facility can scale operations effectively.
• Collaborate with Process Engineers, Mechanical and Electrical Engineers, Controls Engineers, and MES Specialists; contribute to Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA) to identify and mitigate risks; and collaborate with Environmental Health and Safety teams to incorporate safety protocols.
• Prepare detailed process flow diagrams and layout drawings; maintain utility matrices including electrical, compressed air, and dust collection requirements; provide regular updates to stakeholders on planning progress and challenges using data-driven insights to support decision-making processes.
• Support the development of energy-saving initiatives and sustainability programs; manage building automation systems (BAS) to optimize energy use and environmental control.
• Ensure that manufacturing execution systems (MES) are integrated into planning for full traceability and coordinate with IT teams to ensure data capture and reporting align with operational needs.
• Physical presence on the job is essential and necessary
• Follow all safety guidelines and operate in a safe manner.
• Other duties as assigned by management.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Master’s degree or relevant certifications (e.g., Lean Six Sigma, Certified Energy Manager) preferred.
• 5 years of experience in manufacturing planning or a similar role with proven experience in large-scale manufacturing projects, preferably in the Li-ion battery industry or related fields.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Comfortable supporting US military-funded work and building products for military testing and use.
• Experience with CAD software for layout planning (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks).
• Understanding of facility utilities, including electrical systems, HVAC, compressed air, and dust collection.
• Proficiency in capacity planning software and tools, with a strong understanding of Lean Manufacturing principles.
• Familiarity with APQP guidelines and PFMEA processes.
• Knowledge of MES systems and their role in manufacturing operations.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to present complex information clearly
• Proven ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams.

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.

East Penn Benefits

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