Advanced Engineering & Planning Manager

Volklec is scaling fast and we need a hands‑on technical leader to turn our vision into a real, repeatable, safe production process at UKBIC.

You’ll be the technical architect of our manufacturing line: the person who turns the designs into the equipment, tooling, processes, and production plans required to build cells  you like precision, problem‑solving, and making things work in the real world, this role is for you.

This is not a desk job. You’ll be on the line, in the factory, solving problems in real time, and designing out the next ones. Safety, technical clarity, and practical engineering will drive everything you do.

• Translate the specs into UKBIC‑ready standards.
• Define process flows, cycle times, takt, throughput, and safe operating limits.
• Design/spec bespoke tooling, fixtures, and supporting equipment.

• Lead the technical side of CAPEX selection and vendor engagement.
• Map Volklec’s processes into UKBIC’s environment and engineer the gaps.
• Build the industrialisation plan from first article to stable production.
• Own IQ/OQ/PQ and line readiness.
• Solve commissioning issues using real engineering: data, root cause, iteration.
• Hand over a stable, safe, production‑ready line to our Process and Production Manager.

• Convert technical processes into executable production plans.
• Model cycle times, staffing needs, bottlenecks, and throughput constraints.
• Ensure every plan is safe to operate and aligned with HSE requirements.

• Strong background in Mechanical / Manufacturing / Chemical Engineering.
• Use of PLC's and automation would be an advantage
• Demonstrable experience in Li‑ion manufacturing (coating, assembly, formation) is preferred, but, if you have skills that would transfer from alternative manufacturing environments e.g. pharmaceutical, metal coatings, food & drink, plastics and you are a fast, independent learner who embraces new technology and automation we'd be interested in hearing from you.
• Proven delivery of CAPEX projects and line commissioning.
• Ability to read, challenge, and improve CAD/process drawings.
• Skilled in statistical problem‑solving (Cp/Cpk, DMAIC, root‑cause).

• Strong grounding in HSE within manufacturing environments.
• Experience designing safe processes, safe tooling, and safe commissioning.
• Able to embed risk control into production planning.

We hire people who think clearly, build foundations others can scale, and get things done.

We are builders and manufacturers at heart.

You’ve got real intellectual horsepower. You can break down messy problems, spot what actually matters, and explain your thinking without hiding behind jargon. You don’t need perfect information to move forward, and you’re comfortable making decisions and owning them.

You’re sleeves‑rolled‑up by instinct. If something’s broken, unclear, or slowing things down, you step in, fix it, and see it through to the end. You care about outcomes, not optics, and you’re willing to do the unglamorous work when it counts.

You’re a battery, not a drainer. People leave conversations with you clearer and more energised than when they arrived. You’re engaged, curious, and direct — not performative or political.

You’re honest about failure. You can talk openly about when things went wrong, what it cost, and what you changed as a result. No spin. No hero narratives.

You work well with others, even when it’s uncomfortable. You handle disagreement without drama, communicate clearly, and take responsibility — for your work and, if you lead, for the people you develop.

If you like thinking hard, getting stuck in, and being accountable for real results, you’ll fit right in.

We don’t do 'culture fit'; we do 'culture add'. Solving global energy challenges requires a diversity of thought to avoid blind spots. We hire for expertise and objective results, specifically seeking leaders from underrepresented backgrounds to sharpen our technical edge.

You’ll be responsible for turning our battery technology into a working production reality.

If you want to make something real, own something end‑to‑end, and shape the first independent UK battery manufacturing capability - this is your opportunity!

• Please answer the questions in the link
• Please attach your CV
• Please attach a cover letter telling us why you are a good fit for this role
• DC Pension Scheme (Employer contribution of 5%)
• Life Assurance (4 x base salary)
• Access to subsidised private medical insurance (after probationary period)
• Unique opportunity to join an exciting start‑up