Technical Training Program Manager

Overall Summary:

The Program Manager, Technical Training will be responsible for developing and delivering technical training programs that empower our employees with the skills and knowledge they need to excel. You will be responsible for the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of technical training programs for our manufacturing workforce.

This role will be deeply embedded on the production floor, working side-by-side with operators, technicians, and supervisors to identify skill gaps, deliver impactful training, and oversee and further build-out a structured apprenticeship program Additionally, this role will work closely with subject matter experts and key stakeholders to create training content that is up-to-date, relevant, and effective.

Location: Onsite in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with travel as needed.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, implement, and manage technical training programs for manufacturing employees (new hires, cross-training, upskilling)
• Teach technical skills using a variety of instructional methods, including classroom-style lectures and hands-on demonstrations on the production floor, using real equipment and processes to ensure practical learning.
• Deliver essential soft skills training to manufacturing supervisors through strategies that seamlessly integrate with production schedules.
• Create engaging and effective training materials, including presentations, manuals, SOPs, and worksheets tailored to different learning levels
• Assess current workforce skills and create customized learning paths for various job roles and levels.
• Work closely with internal stakeholders, as well as subject matter experts, to develop, implement, and ultimately oversee apprenticeship curriculums that align with training and production needs and overall company goals.
• Serve as a coach and mentor to apprentices and frontline workers in their technical growth, partnering with supervisors and HR Business Partners (HRBPs).
• Implement tracking systems to measure training effectiveness, skill progression, and apprenticeship success, in partnership with HRBPs and the HRIS team.
• Produce training schedules and classroom agendas.
• Ensure training records are up to date and readily available to operations staff.
• Assist in training plans for grant-related purposes.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory and certification requirements (e.g., OSHA, DOL apprenticeship standards, etc.)
• Stay current with industry trends, technologies, and best practices to ensure training content is relevant.

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor's in Materials Science, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field required. Master’s degree preferred.
• Five (5 ) or more years of experience required, including experience in technical training, workforce development, or manufacturing leadership
• Strong background in hands-on manufacturing operations, and ability to train across mechanical, electrical, and process-based systems.
• Proven experience designing and delivering adult learning programs in an industrial or production environment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong understanding of electrochemistry and battery engineering principles.
• Experience with material characterization techniques and testing methods.
• Familiarity with competency models, skills matrices, and training documentation systems.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment.
• Strong communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills.
• Passion for workforce development and mentoring frontline employees.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing, safety practices, and technical troubleshooting.