Director, Engineering

Company Overview

TexPower spun out of the University of Texas at Austin and established its headquarters in Houston, TX in 2020, continuing the disruptive innovations led by Profs. John B. Goodenough and Arumugam Manthiram on lithium-ion batteries. We aim to deploy cobalt-free, high-performing, cost-competitive cathode materials in lithium-based batteries used across North America and beyond. Our manufacturing site in Houston, TX focuses on development, optimization, and production of IRA compliant cathode active materials for a fast-growing North American market. Join our team to make a significant impact and help us develop products for electric vehicles, energy storage systems, and more!

Job Brief

We are looking for a Director, Engineering with extensive technical expertise, industry knowledge, and leadership experience to oversee the development of our Phase I commercial-scale manufacturing facility. They will report to the Chief Technology Officer and work closely with company leadership at the forefront of developing industry-leading, U.S. made, cobalt-free battery cathode materials for electric vehicles, energy storage systems, and beyond.

Responsibilities

1. Work with company executive team and our international partners on an overarching plan for the Phase I manufacturing facility including technical specifications, budget, and schedule for completion.
2. Review equipment and facility designs and integrate best practices in manufacturing such as throughput, efficiency, and safety.
3. Collaborate closely with domestic contractors and international original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to meet U.S. mechanical, electrical, and chemical regulations.
4. Oversee facility construction and equipment installation, commissioning, and start-up according to schedule.
5. Develop and implement testing protocols, data analysis, and quality control measures to validate deliverables upon facility completion.
6. Communicate regularly and promptly with the executive team on risks, challenges, achievements, and milestones.
7. When applicable, recruit key personnel and grow the company engineering department.
8. When applicable, interface with company patent team for Intellectual Property (IP) development in relevant fields (e.g., equipment design, process).

Required Qualifications

1. Bachelor’s degree or higher in Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or similar.
2. 10 years or more industry experience in relevant fields.
3. Leadership experience in working with company executives and stakeholders, and cross-functional teams.
4. Large-scale, cross-functional project management experience involving budget control, scheduling, and resource allocation.
5. Experience in design, construction, and commissioning of chemical manufacturing facilities. In-depth understanding of chemical manufacturing processes, equipment standards, and quality control methodologies.
6. Knowledge of U.S. chemical manufacturing safety regulations, including mechanical, electrical, and hazardous materials handling processes. Experience working with international OEMs on specialized commercial-scale manufacturing equipment to meet U.S. chemical manufacturing safety regulations.
7. Experience in developing and implementing testing protocols, quality control measures, and data analysis methods.
8. Excellent communication skills (written and verbal).

Preferred Qualifications

1. Full working proficiency in the Chinese language.
2. Experience in manufacturing lithium iron phosphate material for lithium-ion batteries.
3. P.E. (Professional Engineer) license.
4. Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
5. Familiarity with Intellectual Property (IP) development and collaboration with legal teams on patenting processes.

Why TexPower?

1. Be at the forefront of cutting-edge battery technology innovation.
2. Opportunity to make a significant impact in a fast-growing startup.
3. Collaborative and dynamic work environment.

Compensation

Competitive pay based on experience, starting at $175K per year.

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Stock package
• Medical insurance
• Life insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Paid vacation

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $175,000.00 per year

Ability to Relocate:

• Houston, TX 77041: Relocate with an employer provided relocation package (Preferred)

Work Location: In person