Company Overview
Elysian Aircraft are not just building a company; they are crafting a vision for the future of aviation. The sky being the canvas, they see endless possibilities in the journey ahead. With industry leaders, experts and global organisations backing the vision, their mission to create the aircraft of the future and to transform the aviation industry has taken off. They are building a team of passionate, creative and ambitious individuals who want to join them in redefining the way that the world flies.
Job Description
We are seeking a highly experienced and motivated Director of Battery Technology Development to lead their aircraft battery pack technology initiatives. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in battery technology development, battery team leadership, and program management, with a proven track record of leading successful projects. This role requires a visionary leader who can drive the battery pack development and integration programs for aerospace applications, build and manage a talented team, select and manage strategic partnerships with suppliers, and contribute to the advancement of our electric aircraft technology.
Key Responsibilities
Tech Expertise, Innovation and Program Development:
Lead the development and execution of battery technology programs, ensuring alignment with company goals and timelines.
Oversee all aspects of battery development, including material selection, chemistry optimization, pack development, and integration into the aircraft systems.
Develop and implement strategic plans for battery technology advancements, staying ahead of industry trends and emerging technologies.
Monitor and manage project risks and issues, developing mitigation strategies as needed.
Complete ownership of the battery pack integral production project & budget and project management directly contributes to the overall business case.
Partnership & Stakeholder Management:
Select and manage partnerships with suppliers, e.g. battery cells or other materials related to battery packs for aircraft.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including design, engineering, and manufacturing, to ensure seamless integration of battery systems.
Drive the creation of technical documentation, including design specifications, testing protocols, and validation reports.
Ensure compliance with safety, regulatory, and performance standards for battery systems.
Purposeful Leadership & Team Building:
Build, manage and mentor a team of engineers and technicians, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment.
Represent the company as a thought leader in battery technology at industry events, conferences, and through publications.
Experience
10-15 years of experience in battery technology development and/or program management.
5 years of experience leading programs or product development teams.
Proven experience in managing complex technical projects and delivering results on time and within budget.
Extensive experience with battery cell and pack design, development, testing, and validation.
Demonstrated experience with energy storage systems, including lithium-ion batteries, solid-state batteries, or other advanced battery technologies.
Experience with battery management systems (BMS) and battery safety standards and regulations.
Desired Qualifications:
Bachelor's or Master’s Degree in Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field; specialisation in battery technology is highly preferred.
Extensive knowledge of battery materials, chemistries, and pack development.
Strong technical project and program management skills, with the ability to handle multiple priorities and projects simultaneously.
Excellent leadership and people management skills, with a track record of building and leading high-performing teams.
Deep understanding of the battery technology ecosystem, with a network of industry contacts.
Proven ability to think strategically and execute methodically.
Strong communication and presentation skills, capable of conveying complex technical concepts to various stakeholders.
Proficiency in the use of project management tools and software (e.g., Microsoft Project, Asana, Jira).
In-depth understanding of electrochemical principles and battery performance metrics.
Experience with battery life cycle analysis, aging mechanisms, and degradation models.
Proven ability to lead failure analysis and root cause investigations for battery systems.
Familiarity with manufacturing processes for battery cells and packs, including quality control and assurance protocols.
Deep understanding of the battery technology ecosystem, with a network of industry contacts.
Proven ability to think strategically and execute methodically.
Strong communication and presentation skills, capable of conveying complex technical concepts to various stakeholders.
Experience in the mobility or aerospace industry is a plus.
Excellent communication in English.