PROCESS ENGINEERING MANAGER

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 a Process Engineering Manager who will lead the development, optimization, and implementation of manufacturing processes for Li-ion cell and pack production. This role is critical to ensuring product quality, operational efficiency, and continuous improvement. 

Responsibilities

• Process Development: Independently lead the design, development, and optimization of manufacturing processes, including cell assembly, formation, and pack build, to meet quality standards, cost goals, and production targets.  Must be able to lead the development of Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs), Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA), Control Plans and Work Instructions
• Continuous Improvement: Identify and implement process improvements using lean manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies to enhance production efficiency, quality, and safety.
• Hands-On Role: Work directly on equipment setup and process testing, troubleshooting, and optimization until a full team is recruited.
• Documentation and Compliance: Develop and maintain detailed documentation of processes, including standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and process specifications. Ensure compliance with ISO standards and industry best practices.
• Safety and Quality Assurance: Promote a culture of safety and quality. Ensure that processes are designed and maintained to prevent defects and minimize waste while adhering to regulatory and company safety and ergonomic standards.
• Project Management: Oversee and execute process engineering projects, including equipment upgrades, new product introductions, and capacity expansion initiatives.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilize process data to make informed decisions on improvements, employing statistical analysis for problem-solving and root cause analysis.
• Future Team Development: Collaborate with HR and leadership to recruit and hire skilled process engineers, establishing a high-performance team to support long-term plant goals.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field. Advanced degree preferred. Minimum of 7 years of experience in process engineering, preferably in Li-ion battery manufacturing or a related high-tech manufacturing environment, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Comfortable supporting US military-funded work and building products for military testing and use.
• Expertise in Li-ion cell assembly, formation, and pack manufacturing processes.
• Proficiency in lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and project management skills.
• Strong analytical skills with experience in data analysis and statistical process control (SPC).
• Familiarity with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and ERP systems is a plus.
• Ability to work in a cleanroom environment as needed.
• Strong commitment to safety and quality.
• Capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing setting.

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