Head of Product and Cell Design

at SOLiTHOR’s Centre of Excellence for SOLID-STATE rechargeable Lithium battery technology.

Who we are

SOLiTHOR is a recently created high tech company which is utilising 10 years of research and the facilities of imec, the prestigious Belgian R&D institute in nanoelectronics and digital technologies.

Building on this unique and patented research, SOLiTHOR aims to develop and commercialise the next generation solid-state lithium batteries for the electromobility sector. Our mission is to scale up the technology and apply our SSB to electric vehicles - in the Air, on Land and Sea.

To strengthen our growing team of engineers and technologists, we are looking for a motivated and talented Head of Product and Cell design.

Main responsibilities

• Collaborate with the management team, playing a crucial role in the design of our products and achieving the operational and strategic business objectives
• Design cell and products according to customer expectations and requirements
• Manage the integration of cell components in a timely manner to demonstrate the technology in line with milestones and goals
• Develop and translate the production strategies into actionable goals for performance and growth in order to help implement organisational goals settings
• Submit reports effectively on cell performances and write cell product datasheet

Skills, personality and experience

We are looking for an entrepreneurial individual who has a hands-on approach to work - a creative problem solver who is motivated and passionate about the profession and is keen to work in a start-up environment.

As Head of Product and Cell design, you will be responsible for translating customer requirements into a concrete pouch cell design in order to achieve Key Performances Indicators. In collaboration with the CTO, you will translate the cell KPI into components requirements. You will also plan and manage the integration of available components developed by the team. Together with the team leader, you will be accountable for the execution and close follow up of the cell development high and mid-level plan.

Qualifications

• 7+ years experience in a battery manufacturing environment with a mix of engineering and project management roles
• Proven track record in battery design, assembly, upscaling and new components integration
• Substantial experience in dealing with customers and suppliers.
• Experience in working within the automotive industry and technical knowledge about Hybrid or Electric Vehicles requirements at the pack/module/cell as well as familiarity with solid-state battery technology would be advantageous

Other considerations

• Results-driven and able to deliver quality output within tight deadlines
• The ability to thrive in a start-up and ambitious environment where teamwork is key
• Strong analytical mind, with a comprehensive understanding of the relationships between processes, material and interface characteristics and the performance of those materials in the battery device
• Lead or support intellectual properties or trade secrets to protect the company’s technology developments and secure a competitive position
• Strong communication and people skills. A good level of English is mandatory given the multinational character of the start-up.
• Flexible and able to respond to rapidly changing (technological/technical) circumstances
• Based in Belgium or willing to relocate
• Ready to work and collaborate with clients and partners worldwide

The opportunity

We offer you the opportunity to develop the next generation solid-state lithium batteries in a challenging environment. In doing so, you will take on a crucial role within our talented, passionate and multicultural team. You will have the opportunity to help build a company that will have a major global social impact.

SOLiTHOR not only offers you access to top class equipment and laboratory facilities, but also a competitive salary package with the following benefits:

• Contract of indeterminate duration (40h/week, 12 additional holidays)
• Fully electric car + charging budget
• Meal vouchers worth €8/working day
• Hospitalisation insurance
• Group insurance
• Home office compensation
• Stock options

Location

Initially, you will be based at Energyville in Genk, where you will be surrounded by like- minded, inspiring people. SOLiTHOR will move to our new premises, near Hasselt in August 2023.