Technical Program Manager (Japanese Speaker)

Founded to enable the coming electrification of everything, Group14 is the largest commercial manufacturer and supplier of advanced silicon battery technology, elevating performance for every type of battery application. With headquarters in Woodinville, WA, Group14 enables battery manufacturers and world-leading OEMs in automotive, consumer electronics, and beyond to achieve transformational milestones for a more sustainable future.

Backed by notable strategic investors and customers such as Porsche AG, Amperex Technology Limited (ATL), BASF, Resonac, and SK Inc, Group14 recently raised a $614 million Series C round and secured an additional $100 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to scale its technology.

WE'RE ON A QUEST TO ELECTRIFY THE WORLD

The electrification of everything starts with amazing people. We believe that a more sustainably powered world requires solutions for today, not years from now. The passion, collaboration, perseverance, and bravery of our team continually inspires us to push beyond the conventional to deliver the truly incredible with everything we do.

Group14’s dedication to meeting the battery demands of today through lithium-silicon battery innovation and scalable commercial manufacturing processes are what differentiates us and makes us a reliable partner. Recognized by the Department of Energy for its novel, drop-in ready nanomaterials and reliable industrial-scale process, Group14 serves the global transition to an all-electric future.

As a Technical Program Manager (Japanese Speaker), you will report to the Director of Technical Program Management. You are the link between R&D, product development, customers, and business development team. Your goal is to work with customers to generate technical solutions and successfully implement them into their battery technology. Curiosity is key and you will be required to provide expert analysis and support to the world’s leading battery scientists, enabling integration of our industry defining silicon-carbon composite active material into next generation battery technology.

This requires in-depth knowledge of Group14 products, as well as all aspects of battery manufacturing, battery chemistry, and an understanding of the industry as a whole: You will become an expert in the details from material introduction to implementation and SOP, shepherding early-stage programs into qualification and providing technical support as needed to assigned customers. You will be required to understand all technical needs from customers, including – but not limited to – slurry preparation and electrode manufacturing, anode chemistry, customer quality requirements, and customer performance targets. You will have daily contact with internal stakeholders and customers and must have excellent communication skills.

The Technical Program Manager will be responsible for engaging with Group14 customers, managing the support of product evaluations of Group14’s products. The candidate will assist, support, and advocate for customers in all phases of customer development and implementation in lithium-ion battery systems. To this end, the candidate will collaborate cross-functionally with the engineering, R&D, quality, operations, and business teams. Further responsibilities include supporting sales and marketing activities. Some domestic and international travel (Asia and Europe) will be required.

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING:

Be a customer “go to” product expert and support person for our silicon-based materials for Li-ion batteries.

You will be a subject matter expert in:

-Properties of Li-ion battery materials.

-Electrochemistry of Li-ion battery materials.

-Evaluation and testing of Li-ion / silicon anode materials.

-Customer qualification processes and activities.

-Battery industry needs.

-Future battery technology trends in consumer electronics, EV, and other industry segments.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR:

-M.S. or PhD in Material Science and Engineering, Electrochemistry, Battery Science or equivalent experience in a relevant field.

-Knowledge of energy storage devices and device components.

-Experience managing Technical Programs from development to mass production.

-Experience troubleshooting Li-ion battery failure mode analysis.

-Understanding of typical lithium-ion battery electrochemical test methods and analysis.

-Ability to clearly present results and make technical recommendations to customer and management.

-5+ years of sales and customer support experience.

-Experience integrating new products into complex chemical systems.

-Ability to work as part of a team in a fast-paced, self-directed entrepreneurial environment.

-Business and technical proficiency in speaking Japanese (for our customers in Japan).

OTHER QUALITIES WE’D LOVE FOR YOU TO HAVE:

-Experience with silicon-based materials for lithium-ion batteries.

-Experience in synthesis of battery active or silicon-containing materials.

-Industrial experience in supporting evaluations and qualifications of lithium-ion batteries.

-Industrial experience in supporting automotive and/or consumer electronics customers.

-Experience managing international customer relationships, especially in Asia and Europe.

-Experience documenting customer program progress (via CRM or other tool).

-Startup experience.

GROUP14 OFFERS COMPELLING BENEFITS:

-Medical, dental, vision, long-term and short-term disability insurance

-Benefits are 100% paid for by the company for employees (80% for dependents)

-Paid time off

-401(k) with company match

-Stock options

GROUP14 IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

We love creating opportunities for others by connecting people from widely diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and geographies. So, being diverse and inclusive isn’t just something we strive for, it is who we are, and part of what we do each and every single day. We want to ensure that as an employee, you feel Group14 is a place where, no matter who you are, you feel safe, included, and that you have the opportunity to bring your unique self to work.

Please note: We are not able to accommodate candidates in need of work sponsorship at this time.

The annual base salary range for this position is $100,000 - $150,000. All positions come with a company bonus and stock options. The actual base pay offered depends on a variety of factors, which may include, the applicant’s qualifications for the position; years of relevant experience; specific and unique skills; level of education attained; certifications or other professional licenses held; other legitimate, non-discriminatory business factors specific to the position; and the geographic location in which the position is located.