Director of R&D FAB Operations

Who You Are

Lead, coordinate and grow the team of Research Associates, Technicians and Supervisors that produce the synthesized materials, batteries, and analytic data we use to invent and test our products.

Effectively prioritize the operational tasks and organize the lab capabilities and capacity to maximize delivery of results to our internal customers in the different R&D, Process and Product Development functions across Sila.

Compose and execute plans for growing and improving the operations of the R&D lab facility.

Coach, mentor, develop, and support your team through consistent feedback, navigation of challenges, and celebration of wins, encouraging technical and personal growth.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Oversee the safe synthesis of Sila R&D materials and the assembly of battery cells for testing purposes, ensuring output, cycle time, performance, and quality standards are consistently met;
• Develop, review and communicate operation reports and dashboard to ensure safety, quality and delivery goals are met;
• Foster strong relationships with all engineering functions to ensure collaborative and efficient execution of internal requests according to Sila priorities;
• Collaborate with R&D Operations Engineering in driving the implementation of process improvement tools and Lean principles and methodologies, while maintaining the flexibility and agility required in a R&D environment;
• Ensure a healthy and safe working environment, in compliance with federal and state regulations and through collaboration with EH&S personnel;
• Assist the Head of the R&D Operations department with long-range operating goals, expansion plans and implementation of new and improved capabilities. Support developing and controlling the operating budget;
• Organize the R&D Operations management structure, teams and schedules for optimal and efficient operations, leading the recruitment, hiring, and training of Research Associates and Technicians;
• Identify and share training opportunities for staff to build and improve skills and enhance capabilities. Maintain the personnel certification and training records;
• Continuously track personnel performance and development and conduct evaluations, handling discipline as needed and in accordance with company policies;
• Hire, coach, and support talent through consistent feedback, navigation of challenges, and celebration of wins

Knowledge and Skill Requirements

• Solid understanding of manufacturing best practices;
• Experienced with transferring new processes and tools to manufacturing operations;
• Excellent organizational and managerial skills, a great verbal and written communicator;
• Collaborative and self-motivated working style, with the ability to motivate and organize multiple efforts to accomplish goals;
• Proficiency in data analysis;
• Experience training, leading and coaching operations personnel and team supervisors;
• Degree in engineering or science and several years of industry experience in manufacturing and R&D environments, with a minimum of 5 years managing people and setting team objectives

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Pass a respirator fit test and be able to wear respiratory protection on a daily basis
• Wear personal protective equipment including, but not limited to, a lab coat, gloves, safety glasses, and steel toe safety shoes
• Move items up to 50 lbs with the assistance of lift equipment and carts
• Move long distances (such as from building to building) and be stationary for extended periods of time

The starting base pay for this role is between $175,000 and $250,000 at the time of posting. The actual base pay within these ranges depends on many factors, such as education, experience, and skills. Base pay is only one part of Sila’s competitive Total Rewards package that can include benefits, perks, equity, and bonuses. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future