Principal Advanced Manufacturing Engineer

Get To Know East Penn!

Navitas Systems LLC, a leader in comprehensive energy storage solutions, was formed in 2011 with the merger of MicroSun Innovative Energy Storage Solutions and MicroSun Electronics, and the acquisition of lithium battery company A123 Systems’ Government Solutions Group. In 2019, East Penn Manufacturing, one of the world’s leading battery manufacturers, acquired majority interest in Navitas Systems. In SEVEN remarkable decades, East Penn has grown from a one-room shop with a product line of five automotive batteries to one of the world’s leading battery manufacturers with over 10,500 full-time employees, 515 product designs, operations around the world, and hundreds of awards for industry excellence.

At our Navitas facilities we engage in the research, design, development, and manufacture of advanced lithium cells and energy storage products and systems for both commercial customers and U.S. Government/military customers. We invest in our people, they are and always will be the heart of this company. Are you ready to join a family-owned enterprise committed to honoring the contributions of everyone? Then Navitas is the right place for you.

Overview

The Principal Advance Manufacturing Engineer is a key technical leader responsible for defining and executing the manufacturing strategy for lithium-ion cell production. This role drives innovation, process development, equipment selection, and scalability for high-performance, cost-effective, and reliable cell manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and industrialization of advanced manufacturing processes for lithium-ion cell components including electrode production, cell assembly, and electrolyte fill.
• Define equipment specifications and drive supplier selection, design approval, FAT/SAT activities, and commissioning of manufacturing systems.
• Partner with R&D, Process Engineering, and Operations to translate cell design requirements into scalable manufacturing processes.
• Lead DOE and process validation efforts to achieve PPAP readiness and compliance with quality standards (ISO 9001, IATF 16949, MIL-PRF requirements, etc.).
• Develop and maintain DFM, PFMEAs, control plans, work instructions, and process flow diagrams for new processes.
• Drive factory readiness including utility planning, floor layouts, cleanroom integration, and line balancing.
• Serve as the SME for troubleshooting complex cell process issues, identifying root causes, and implementing robust corrective actions.
• Lead cost, yield, and throughput improvement initiatives across new and existing lines.
• Mentor junior AME engineers and process development teams to ensure strong technical growth.
• Interface with MES, Controls, and Facilities teams to ensure full equipment integration (traceability, alarms, OEE, safety systems).
• Author technical reports, investment justifications, and participate in design reviews and gate meetings.
• Follow Company Policies and Procedures
• Physical presence on the job is essential and necessary
• Other duties as assigned by management

Qualifications

Education And Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical Engineering or related field (Master’s or Ph.D. preferred).
• 15+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, including at least 5 years in lithium-ion cell production.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Must be comfortable supporting US-military funded work and building products for military testing and use
• Demonstrated expertise in at least two core Li-ion cell processes (e.g., notching/e-cut electrode, stacking/winding, tab weld, electrolyte fill,).
• Strong understanding of process control, Six Sigma, and statistical analysis.
• Proficiency with CAD tools (AutoCAD, SolidWorks), data analysis (Minitab, JMP), and manufacturing documentation (PFMEA, Control Plans, etc.).
• Knowledge of equipment automation, PLCs, robotics, and integration with MES systems.
• Hands-on experience in cleanroom environments and dry room operations.
• Excellent communication, project leadership, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Up to 25% travel including supplier visits, equipment FATs, and production support at global sites.
• Working knowledge of safety standards including NFPA 855, NEC, and ISO cleanroom classifications preferred.
• Familiarity with AI-driven process monitoring and digital twin technologies preferred.
• Experience in equipment procurement, vendor negotiations, and cost estimation preferred.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS: To conform to U.S. Government International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) the individual must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

East Penn Benefits

Navitas/East Penn Offers Excellent Benefits:

• Competitive compensation
• Group health insurance that includes high quality medical, dental, vision and prescription coverage with a low employee premium
• Retirement Savings Plan with company match and a 3% employer contribution
• Paid company holidays and Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Employee assistance program
• Fitness Discounts
• Promotional opportunities

At Navitas/East Penn, our employees are our culture; our employees will always be the heart of the company. We are a private, family-owned enterprise committed to cultivating an atmosphere that honors the contributions of everyone.  We want our employees to have long-term careers, and many do. More than 38% of our workforce has over a decade of service. Our open-door management policy, comprehensive benefits package, employee appreciation and recognition events, and career advancement opportunities are just some of the ways we show our employees how incredibly valued they are.

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