R&D Process Engineer M/F

Verkor is a French industrial company founded in 2020 that specializes in the production of low-carbon lithium-ion battery cells for electric mobility and energy storage applications. The company is headquartered in Grenoble and has developed its first Gigafactory in Bourbourg, near Dunkirk, which was officially inaugurated in December 2025 under the patronage of French President Emmanuel Macron. With an initial production capacity of 16 GWh per year, the facility represents a major step toward large-scale industrial battery manufacturing in Europe. Verkor's core mission is to produce low-carbon batteries in Europe while contributing to industrial sovereignty and decarbonization. The company positions itself as a key player in the European energy transition, addressing the dual challenge of reducing dependence on non-European battery supply chains and accelerating the shift to electric mobility. Its Gigafactory is expected to create 1,200 direct jobs and approximately 3,000 indirect jobs in the region. What sets Verkor apart is its 'digital by design' industrial model, which integrates digital technologies throughout its manufacturing processes to optimize ramp-up speed and production efficiency. The company has progressed rapidly through commissioning and line balancing phases, moving toward full-scale serial production. Backed by prominent industrial and financial partners, Verkor is establishing itself as a fully-fledged European battery manufacturer in a strategically critical sector.

Main missions :

Define and develop cell assembly processes from concept to pilot-scale validation (DoE, PoC, and scaling laws).

Design experiments to understand process windows, critical parameters, and failure mechanisms in cell manufacturing.

Lead pilot-line process definition, capability assessment, and technical readiness for scale-up.

Interface with equipment suppliers to translate process requirements into custom or semi-custom equipment specifications.

Collaborate with cell design and materials teams to optimize cell architecture for assembly robustness and yield.

Establish process targets, control strategies, and documentation for handover to industrialization or manufacturing teams.

Perform root cause analysis on assembly defects observed during development phases.

Benchmark assembly technologies and processes against top-tier lithium-ion battery manufacturers.

Requirements :

Bachelor’s degree or Master's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Materials, or Industrial Engineering.

At least 3 years of experience in lithium-ion battery process development, or 6 years for a senior role.

Strong experience in lithium-ion cell assembly or formation processes.

Proven experience in process development stages: concept definition, lab validation, pilot scaling, and technical transfer.

Strong knowledge of DoE, statistical analysis, and data-driven process optimization.

Experience with custom automation equipment development and technical specifications.

Hands-on experience in dry room or cleanroom environments.

Strong analytical skills using tools such as Python, Matlab, or Minitab.