Job Description

About University of South Carolina
From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.
Benefits for Research Grant or Time-Limited Positions Are Indicated Below
The University of South Carolina (UofSC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. To learn more about UofSC benefits, access the "Working at USC" section on the Applicant Portal at https://uscjobs.sc.edu. Research Grant or Time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some, or no benefits, based on the grant or project funding.

South Carolina Retirement Yes
State Insurance Programs Yes
Annual Leave No
Sick Leave Yes
Position Description
Advertised Job Summary
The Battery Design and Pilot Manufacturing Manager will oversee the pilot manufacturing processes for various battery cell types and include working with customers to ensure that innovative battery solutions can be designed and built. The position plays a central role in our mission to advance battery technology.
Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience
Requires a bachelor’s degree and 5 or more years of experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of certification, training, education, and/or experience.
Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field. Five plus (5+) years’ experience in battery design and manufacturing.
Previous experience in battery manufacturing and new product integration. Familiarity with both process and discrete manufacturing operations.
Experience with data capture and standard data structures.
Knowledge of quality management systems and standards (e.g., ISO 9001).
Experience with quality control methods, statistical analysis, root cause analysis, and DFMEA. Proficiency in process simulation software and data analysis tools.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
Knowledge of the design and manufacturing of cylindrical and pouch cells. Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Siemens NX) and simulation tools. Excellent leadership and project management skills. Excellent communication and presentation skills. Ability to work collaboratively with academic and industrial partners. Ability to interface with new customers. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Job Duties
Job Duty
Hands-on Equipment Design, Setup and Troubleshooting – Responsible for the physical setup, operation, and maintenance of pilot-scale manufacturing equipment in battery cell production which includes configuring and operating machinery for key processes such as mixing, coating, calendaring slitting and cell assembly. Also responsible for reviewing, diagnosing, and repairing equipment malfunctions.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 30
Job Duty
Mentoring and Managing Others –Responsible for overseeing and guiding pilot line employees in their day-to-day task to include establishing and ensuring appropriate working conditions and process controls. Assigning and coordinating daily performance tasks to their pilot line team and ensuring completion. Providing ongoing feedback on individual performance and production outcomes. Responsible for overall pilot team is a well-functioning team and manufacturing electrodes and battery cells effectively.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 25
Job Duty
Work with Customers to Develop Cell Design and Build Plans – Responsible for working directly with customers and partners to develop customized battery cell designs and manufacturing plans. This includes communicating with the customer to partner and build cells to the customer specifications. Design and develop presentations, testing procedures and manufacturing workflows for customer approval. Successful delivery of the desired final elements to the customer.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 25
Job Duty
Writing Customer and Grant Reports –Responsible for compiling and presenting results from battery manufacturing and testing activities for external stakeholders, including customers and grant agencies. This includes analyzing data from manufacturing and testing processes using software tools to generate plots, charts, and written summaries. Preparing formal reports that communicate findings, methodologies, and outcomes ensuring deliverables meet customer expectations and grant requirements.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 10
Job Duty
Travel to Customers and Conferences – Attend trade shows, and customer sites to support battery cell development and promote institutional capabilities. This can include traveling via ground and air transportation to attend events and meetings, delivering presentations and participating in technical discussions, building new relationships and maintaining existing partnerships with industry stakeholders.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 5
Job Duty
Tours and Training Activities – Responsible for hosting visitors at the CIBI site, including academic, industry, and government stakeholders. This includes conducting guided tours of the facility, Explaining ongoing research, manufacturing processes, and equipment functions. Provide context and insights into the site’s role in battery cell development.