Our Next Energy
Sr. Director, Prototype and Advanced Manufacturing
Our Next Energy, Novi, Michigan, United States, 48377
Sr. Director, Prototype and Advanced Manufacturing
Define and execute the company's prototype and advanced manufacturing strategy
Build and manage a high-performing organization across battery pack assembly, component fabrication, vehicle builds, and advanced manufacturing
Drive alignment between engineering, program management, validation, and manufacturing teams
Oversee prototype pack and module builds, including laser welding, 3D printing, fixturing, and precision assembly
Ensure robust build processes to support rapid design iteration and validation
Establish and maintain prototype quality standards and traceability
Manage in-house machining, welding, and laser cutting/welding capabilities
Oversee design and fabrication of prototype fixtures, jigs, and tooling
Implement continuous improvement to increase throughput, accuracy, and efficiency
Direct prototype vehicle build operations, including integration of battery packs, drivetrains, and supporting systems
Collaborate with vehicle engineering and validation teams to meet program milestones
Ensure safety, compliance, and repeatability in prototype vehicle builds
Lead the specification, sourcing, and deployment of production equipment for both cell and pack assembly lines
Develop capital investment strategies and equipment roadmaps aligned with production growth
Work with suppliers and integrators to deliver state-of-the-art manufacturing systems
Ensure equipment meets safety, throughput, quality, and cost targets for future scale‑up
Develop and manage budgets, capital plans, and facility requirements for prototype and advanced manufacturing operations
Establish KPIs for build quality, throughput, and resource utilization
Mentor engineering and technician staff, fostering a culture of safety, innovation, and accountability
Present regular updates to executive leadership on status, risks, and resourcing
WE ARE SEEKING A LEADER WITH:
Strong organizational, decision‑making, and problem‑solving skills
Demonstrated ability to coach and develop technical teams
Excellent communication and cross‑functional collaboration abilities
A detail‑oriented, hands‑on leader with the ability to thrive in fast‑paced environments
Qualifications Skills Behaviors Motivations Education Preferred Bachelors or better in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
Experience Preferred Knowledge of fabrication processes: machining, welding, laser welding/cutting, 3D printing, fixture/tooling design
Familiarity with CAD (NX), Teamcenter, and PLM systems
Knowledge of fabrication processes: machining, welding, laser welding/cutting, 3D printing, fixture/tooling design
12+ years of progressive experience in prototyping, fabrication, or advanced manufacturing
Proven leadership experience managing multi‑disciplinary engineering and build teams
Direct experience with battery pack assembly, machining/welding processes, and prototype vehicle builds strongly preferred
Licenses & Certifications Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
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Define and execute the company's prototype and advanced manufacturing strategy
Build and manage a high-performing organization across battery pack assembly, component fabrication, vehicle builds, and advanced manufacturing
Drive alignment between engineering, program management, validation, and manufacturing teams
Oversee prototype pack and module builds, including laser welding, 3D printing, fixturing, and precision assembly
Ensure robust build processes to support rapid design iteration and validation
Establish and maintain prototype quality standards and traceability
Manage in-house machining, welding, and laser cutting/welding capabilities
Oversee design and fabrication of prototype fixtures, jigs, and tooling
Implement continuous improvement to increase throughput, accuracy, and efficiency
Direct prototype vehicle build operations, including integration of battery packs, drivetrains, and supporting systems
Collaborate with vehicle engineering and validation teams to meet program milestones
Ensure safety, compliance, and repeatability in prototype vehicle builds
Lead the specification, sourcing, and deployment of production equipment for both cell and pack assembly lines
Develop capital investment strategies and equipment roadmaps aligned with production growth
Work with suppliers and integrators to deliver state-of-the-art manufacturing systems
Ensure equipment meets safety, throughput, quality, and cost targets for future scale‑up
Develop and manage budgets, capital plans, and facility requirements for prototype and advanced manufacturing operations
Establish KPIs for build quality, throughput, and resource utilization
Mentor engineering and technician staff, fostering a culture of safety, innovation, and accountability
Present regular updates to executive leadership on status, risks, and resourcing
WE ARE SEEKING A LEADER WITH:
Strong organizational, decision‑making, and problem‑solving skills
Demonstrated ability to coach and develop technical teams
Excellent communication and cross‑functional collaboration abilities
A detail‑oriented, hands‑on leader with the ability to thrive in fast‑paced environments
Qualifications Skills Behaviors Motivations Education Preferred Bachelors or better in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
Experience Preferred Knowledge of fabrication processes: machining, welding, laser welding/cutting, 3D printing, fixture/tooling design
Familiarity with CAD (NX), Teamcenter, and PLM systems
Knowledge of fabrication processes: machining, welding, laser welding/cutting, 3D printing, fixture/tooling design
12+ years of progressive experience in prototyping, fabrication, or advanced manufacturing
Proven leadership experience managing multi‑disciplinary engineering and build teams
Direct experience with battery pack assembly, machining/welding processes, and prototype vehicle builds strongly preferred
Licenses & Certifications Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
#J-18808-Ljbffr