Director of System Strategy – Tech Planning

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Oregon.

📋 Description

• Develop and uphold comprehensive multi-generational technology roadmaps encompassing battery systems hardware, battery cells, essential components, controls, software manufacturing technologies, and safety engineering and testing.

• Recognize capability deficiencies and prioritize technology investments.

• Act as the primary technical liaison to Product Management for strategic planning efforts.

• Convert customer needs and market opportunities into system-level product specifications.

• Oversee technical feasibility evaluations for prospective products and roadmap initiatives.

• Align technology roadmaps with product roadmaps.

• Formulate system architecture strategies and standards across product platforms.

• Manage the requirements flow-down from system-level specifications to specific subsystem specifications, including battery cell requirements.

• Conduct architecture reviews and assess alternative technology options.

• Support trade-off analyses focusing on performance, cost, safety, reliability, and manufacturability.

• Maintain architectural coherence across product families.

• Lead a team of Technical Program Managers in transforming technology and product strategies into actionable new product development programs.

• Encourage collaboration across Product Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, and Service departments.

• Convert roadmap goals into organized development initiatives.

• Oversee technical dependencies across overlapping programs.

• Proactively identify and address technical risks before they escalate into schedule risks.

• Lead technical readiness evaluations and milestone reviews.

• Establish development metrics and indicators for portfolio health.

• Ensure program execution is aligned with the system architecture and product strategy.

• Build and manage a high-performing team while promoting systems thinking, accountability, and innovation.

• Report directly to the SVP, Technology and Engineering.

• Engage in domestic and international travel up to 25% of the time.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related field.

• Over 15 years of experience in battery systems, energy storage, electrification, power systems, or related technologies.

• More than 8 years of experience leading multidisciplinary technical teams.

• Proven track record in leading system-level product strategy and roadmap development.

• Proficient in Model Based System Engineering (MBSE).

• In-depth knowledge of battery cell technologies, BESS architecture, safety engineering, reliability engineering, and product development processes.

• Experience in constructing and managing technical portfolios.

• Background in leading Technical Program Management teams.

• Strong grasp of DFM, quality engineering, and scaling up manufacturing processes.

• Demonstrated ability to recruit, develop, and retain top-tier technical talent.

• Capacity to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when necessary.

• Ability to operate in manufacturing, warehouse, laboratory, and office settings.

• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally up to 25% of the time.

• Must maintain a vigilant state of alertness while performing job duties.

• An advanced degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related field is preferred.

🏝️ Benefits

• Medical insurance

• Dental insurance

• Vision insurance

• Life insurance

• 401k

• Paid sick time

• Paid time off for vacations

• Paid holidays

• Paid community service days

• Professional and personal learning programs

• Applicable state and federal paid family leave