Lead Equipment Planner - F&A Manufacturing Engineer

We are proud to announce the launch of Volkswagen Group’s largest cell factory, PowerCo, in St. Thomas. This is more than just a job – it’s a unique opportunity to shape the future of sustainable energy. Join us as we ramp up operations and help build a world-class company. 

At PowerCo, we believe in fostering an environment where ambition meets collaboration, and where flexibility and creativity thrive.  You'll be part of a diverse, talented team that is shaping the future of battery production. You’ll have the chance to advance your career while working alongside passionate colleagues who share a vision of making a lasting impact on the world.

Are you ready to be part of something exciting? Power up your career with us!

PowerCo Canada Inc. is seeking a skilled Lead Equipment Planner –Formation and Aging Manufacturing Engineer to join our team for the battery cell production line in St. Thomas. In this role, you will be responsible for proposing, developing, presenting, and coordinating planning concepts for machinery and the plant, involved in the production of battery cell factories, covering process steps including cell baking, electrolyte filling, leak test, formation, grading, aging, DCIR, OCV, wrapping, sorting, EOL testing, packaging.

This is a flex hybrid model requiring 2 days in the St. Thomas office, subject to change based on the needs and nature of this project. During certain phases of the build, a full-time onsite presence may be a requirement. Upon equipment installation, the role will transition to fully onsite. 

Primary Responsibilities:

• Perform tasks related to cell formation & aging manufacturing for battery cell production plants, including cell baking, electrolyte filling, leak test, formation, grading, aging, DCIR, OCV, wrapping, sorting, EOL testing, packaging.
• Define manufacturing strategy for battery cell high-volume production.
• Lead multi-equipment planning from the concept phase through to process implementation in mass production, ensuring a smooth production start.
• Be an internal expert on certification and permitting of cell manufacturing equipment in Canada.
• Act as a subject matter expert in attending design reviews and FAT.
• Supervise the equipment supplier to install and commission the cell manufacturing equipment.
• Lead the effort of SAT and work with equipment suppliers for specific process areas.
• Lead the activities of equipment handover to production team, and plan and manage tasks that required after equipment handover, including process optimization, ergonomic improvements, change request processing, and cost reduction.
• Lead the efforts to work with cell manufacturing equipment suppliers on cell formation and aging related issues in production, work with team to assess path forward.
• Lead the collaboration with PowerCo SE headquarters, and other PowerCo SE global factories and partners
• Lead the efforts to interface and exchange with other PowerCo departments including development, process, quality, automation, logistics, digitalization, maintenance, HSE (health safety environment) etc.
• Lead the projects for cell formation and aging manufacturing equipment continuous improvement.
• Present necessary materials and information to project team and management
• Investigate and identify root causes of equipment failures and summarize/communicate lessons learned.
• Facilitate interaction with internal and external technical resources to exchange and transfer best practices.
• Train other employees on technical topics
• Develop cell production training plans.
• Provide technical support to task forces as needed

• Bachelor’s degree or higher (Master’s or PhD is preferred) in electrical, mechanical, materials, chemical or electrochemical engineering, or a related major.
• PhD degree with 5+ years’/Master’s degree with 8+ years’/ Bachelor’s degree with 10+ years’ experience of working in Li ion battery cell industry, ideally within a global organization.

• Attractive Remuneration: We offer a competitive and attractive remuneration that reflect your skills, experience, and contributions.
• Vacation Allowance: We offer our employees competitive paid time off. Plus, you don’t need to take any vacation days from December 24 to December 31.
• Opportunities for development 
• Relocation Support
• Opportunities to participate in exciting company events that give back to the community. 
• Competitive employer paid benefits and overall compensation package with extended health care, dental, vision and mental health support.
• Pension and Retirement Savings: We contribute the equivalent of 5% to a Registered Pension Plan and matching contribution to a retirement savings plan.  
• And much more! 

*This is a flex hybrid work structure, where employees can work both remotely and on-site. However, please note all hybrid work arrangements are subject to the terms and conditions of our hybrid work policy as may be amended from time to time.

Please note that we appreciate the interest of all candidates, however only those under consideration will be contacted.
 

We believe that the best results are created in a diverse and inclusive environment. Therefore, all qualified applications will be considered for employment regardless of age, race, religion, gender (identity), sexual orientation, national origin or disability.
PowerCo Canada Inc. is committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities including during the application process. If you require an accommodation because of a disability, we will work with you to determine what reasonable accommodation may be available to meet your needs whether it be as an applicant or an employee. Applicants need to make their needs known in advance. If you are selected for an interview and require an accommodation, you are encouraged to advise the Recruiter who will consult with you to determine an appropriate and reasonable accommodation.