Director of Research and Development

Company Description

EnPower, Inc. is a privately held company commercializing next-generation Li-ion batteries with an exceptional combination of energy, power, and cycle life, all in one package, that are critical enablers to the electrification of many industries. Headquartered in Indianapolis, IN, we have a state-of-the-art Pilot and Production line to spearhead domestic manufacturing. We are passionate about what we do, and are looking for high-voltage, high-ampere individuals to join our team! 

Job Description

You will lead a team responsible for creating design specifications and implementing process improvements for current and next generation batteries. You like challenges and you take pride in your work. You’re a detail-oriented technical leader that manages numerous projects simultaneously, delivering exceptional results on time and within budget. Moreover, when there are risks, you are transparent and communicative. You’re passionate and knowledgeable about: batteries, clean energy, advanced materials, powder processing, roll-to-roll coating, or related fields, sciences, technologies, and the link between product design and manufacturability.

• Lead both the R&D and Product Development teams to achieve short-term and long-term objectives.
• Develop and implement design change management process that complies with industry quality certifications and ensure seamless handoff of design to manufacturing.
• Hire strategically, coach, and support talent through consistent feedback, navigation of challenges, and celebration of wins.
• Lead the company’s technology roadmap and strategy to ensure alignment with its mission and business goals.
• Operate effectively in a rapidly evolving market that requires decisive, customer-focused decisions and ownership for the outcomes.
• Develop and execute upon IP strategy, including but not limited to: establishing and maintaining internal invention disclosure processes and documenting trade secrets, interfacing with IP attorneys on filing and prosecution, ensuring sufficient coverage and freedom-to-operate of EnPower technology in relevant jurisdictions, and performing competitive analyses and recommending legal strategies. 
• Drive efforts in R&D that result in technology advances that sustain and/or broaden EnPower’s competitive advantage.
• Support the budgeting and forecasting process and manage technical resources.
• Understand customer requirements, customer interactions, and oversee development of products and solutions that showcase the company’s innovation, optimizing its potential for commercial success.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and identify opportunities for incorporating and acquiring the latest technology through collaborations and M&A.
• Spearhead and lead company's collaborations and funded projects with research institutions and partners, including creating a network of research partners for EnPower.

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemical Engineering, Materials, Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 10+ years of relevant technology experience; 5+ years of demonstrated technical team leadership experience.
• Direct Lithium-Ion experience is preferred. Adjacent industry experience could be considered.
• Expert level knowledge of chemistry and chemical interactions.
• Knowledgeable, curious, and humble while being an incisive, clear, and effective communicator.
• Collaborative nature but owns the outcomes of collaborative efforts – the buck stops with you.

Additional Information

• Self-driven, independent, and capable of solving problems.
• Passionate about the work, the team, and the planet.
• Ability to work in a diverse, intellectually challenging, and fast-paced environment.