Manager, Battery Build and Test Lab

We made history and now we work to transform the future - for our customers, our communities and our families. You'll see your work on the road every day, helping people move freely and pursue their dreams. At Ford, you can build more than vehicles. Come build what matters.

Ford's Electric Vehicles, Digital and Design (EVDD) team is charged with delivering the company's vision of a fully electric transportation future. EVDD is customer-obsessed, entrepreneurial, and data-driven and is dedicated to delivering industry-leading customer experience for electric vehicle buyers and owners. You'll join an agile team of doers pioneering our EV future by working collaboratively, staying focused on only what matters, and delivering excellence day in and day out.

Join us to make positive change by helping build a better world where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams.

In this position...

The Manager of the Battery Build and Test Lab will be responsible for leading a high-performing team that enables innovation through the rapid testing and characterization of battery components and systems. A critical focus of this role will be spearheading the commissioning and operational ramp-up of the EVDC2 lab, bringing the facility up to speed to support world-class battery validation. This leader will manage daily lab operations, oversee test execution, enforce stringent safety protocols, and drive the strategic vision to successfully validate Ford's next generation of EV batteries.

The Manager of the Battery Build and Test Lab will be responsible for leading a high-performing team that enables innovation through the rapid testing and characterization of battery components and systems. A critical focus of this role will be spearheading the commissioning and operational ramp-up of the EVDC2 lab, bringing the facility up to speed to support world-class battery validation. This leader will manage daily lab operations, oversee test execution, enforce stringent safety protocols, and drive the strategic vision to successfully validate Ford's next generation of EV batteries.

What you'll do...

* Lead and Develop:
Manage, mentor, and grow a team of battery validation engineers and lab technicians, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and engineering excellence.

* Lab Commissioning:
Spearhead the operational ramp-up of the EVDC2 battery lab. Oversee facility upgrades, equipment installation, and capability expansion to bring the lab fully up to speed for next-gen programs.

* Lab Operations & Strategy:
Manage the lab's operational budget, resource allocation, and capital equipment procurement (including cyclers, environmental chambers, chillers, and DAQ systems).

* Validation Oversight:
Oversee the planning, coordination, and execution of comprehensive battery pack validation test plans, covering performance, durability, and abuse categories.

* Safety Leadership:
Establish, enforce, and continuously improve rigorous High Voltage (HV) and battery abuse testing safety protocols to ensure a secure working environment.

* Cross-Functional Alignment:
Collaborate with senior leadership and cross-functional teams (systems engineering, cell engineering, manufacturing, quality, and service) to align lab testing capabilities with future vehicle program requirements.

* Data & Infrastructure Strategy:
Drive the strategic roadmap for data storage, visualization, and automated test system architectures.

* Vendor Management:
Manage relationships, contracts, and capacity planning with external vendors, partners, and third-party test labs to supplement internal capabilities.

What you'll do...

* Lead and Develop:
Manage, mentor, and grow a team of battery validation engineers and lab technicians, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and engineering excellence.

* Lab Commissioning:
Spearhead the operational ramp-up of the EVDC2 battery lab. Oversee facility upgrades, equipment installation, and capability expansion to bring the lab fully up to speed for next-gen programs.

* Lab Operations & Strategy:
Manage the lab's operational budget, resource allocation, and capital equipment procurement (including cyclers,…