Venture Development Associate

YOUR ROLE

We are looking for a Venture Development Associate to work closely with the leadership team on some of the most strategic and operationally critical parts of our business. This role is ideal for someone who thrives at the intersection of operations, product, and strategy, is passionate about electrification and sustainability, and wants to build processes from the ground up in a fast-growing venture-backed startup.
You will play a pivotal role in scaling Circu Li-ion’s battery data intake and sourcing function, connecting the dots between batteries, platforms, and vehicles, and ensuring that the data backbone we build fuels our products, services, and business growth.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

Core Focus (≈70%)

• Lead battery sourcing, intake, and data workflows: Ensure relevant battery packs are sourced and delivered to our facilities, disassembled on time, and documented properly.
• Interface with engineering and innovation teams: Translate disassembly requirements into actionable specs and ensure teardown processes run smoothly.
• Build scalable data infrastructure and processes: Design the workflows and tools that capture, structure, and deliver high-quality battery data — including planning the required budgets and resources.
• Drive commercialization of battery data: Ensure data collected is ready for use in our digital products and services, from customer-facing applications to internal analytics.

Strategic & Operational Support (≈30%)

• Automation champion: Be the internal point of contact for implementing no-code automations to streamline workflows and reporting.
• Strategic analysis: Contribute to analyses that turn battery data into actionable business insights and support leadership decisions.
• Cross-functional collaboration: Bridge the gap between business and tech teams by injecting commercial context into product and engineering discussions.

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

• A reliable battery sourcing and intake process that delivers relevant battery packs on time and in full.
• A clean and scalable data link between batteries, platforms, and vehicles that powers internal analytics and digital services.
• A repeatable teardown and data harvesting workflow built in collaboration with engineering and innovation teams.
• Automation processes in place to streamline outreach, admin, and data handling tasks.
• Data-driven analyses delivered to inform strategy, partnerships, and product development.
• The foundation laid for scaling the team, including leadership of interns as the company grows.

Mandatory Qualifications & Experience

• Master’s degree in a STEM field (e.g., engineering, data science, or related) from a top-tier university.
• Prior experience in the battery value chain, ideally with a battery manufacturer 
• Proven experience managing operations processes in a fast-paced environment (startup, consulting, or industrial tech).
• Demonstrated track record of machine learning projects successfully completed, ideally supported by relevant academic publications.
• Fluent English (written and spoken) is required.

Mindset & Skills

• Hands-on, proactive, and entrepreneurial — you turn ideas into action.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a structured approach.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to bridge technical and business teams.
• Passion for sustainability, electrification, and the circular economy.
• Unmatched growth: Work side by side with the leadership team at a fast-scaling, VC-backed startup.
• Steep learning curve: Gain exposure to operations, strategy, data, and product all in one role.
• Cutting-edge environment: Access to advanced technologies and deep industry knowledge.
• Impact from day one: Own critical projects with real influence on our business trajectory.
• Attractive compensation: Competitive salary, Employee Stock Option Pool, and complementary health insurance.