Program Manager​/Senior Program Manager

Overview

Solid Power is seeking a Program Manager or Senior Program Manager to lead a strategic internal and external customer program supporting the commercialization of next-generation solid-state battery materials. The role has end-to-end program delivery ownership from development through qualification and production and serves as the primary interface with a key customer; it aligns cross-functional execution across R&D, engineering, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain.

The role may serve as the primary external-facing program lead, partnering with Solid Power's internal teams and the SP Korea office to ensure flawless execution against customer commitments.

• Serve as the primary program lead and single point of accountability for a key external customer program focused on Solid Power’s electrolyte/powder products, owning scope, schedule, budget, risk, and quality.
• Build and maintain a professional relationship with the external customer, leading regular program reviews, technical exchanges, and executive cadences.
• Lead a cross-functional internal team (R&D, Process Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, EH&S, Commercial) through APQP phases from inception through qualification and production.
• Partner with Solid Power’s SP Korea office, as needed, to align customer expectations, technical deliverables, communication cadence, and cultural considerations.
• Drive phase-gate reviews and ensure program milestones are achieved on time, on budget, and in full.
• Translate customer requirements into clear internal program deliverables and translate internal technical progress into customer-ready updates and documentation.
• Manage external collaborators and vendor relationships critical to achieving program objectives.
• Interact across functional areas and with senior leadership to ensure program objectives are met and escalations are managed proactively.
• Review product documentation and collateral to ensure alignment between internal development and external messaging.
• Anticipate risks, develop mitigation plans, and communicate clearly to both internal leadership and external customers.

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline (chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, or related);
  Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of program management experience with end-to-end ownership of complex, externally facing programs.
• Proven experience as the primary customer-facing program manager for a strategic account or joint development partner.
• Thorough knowledge of APQP and phase-gate methodology.
• PMP certification or ability to obtain within one year of start date.
• Demonstrated cross-functional team leadership and consensus-building skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively at all levels of the organization, including C-level executives, customer counterparts, and technical staff.
• Proven ability to lead and influence thinking and gain acceptance at all organizational levels and in sensitive situations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to translate complex technical content into customer-ready messaging.
• Expert level of Microsoft Project and proficiency in MS Office Suite and SAP.
• Rapid learner who thrives in a fast-paced start-up environment.
• Ability to hold colleagues accountable for their commitments; able to work independently with a sense of urgency and drive for results.
• Ability to travel internationally if needed.

• Battery cell or battery materials development and scale-up experience (electrolyte, cathode, anode, powder).
• Automotive industry experience (OEM or Tier
  1) with thorough APQP knowledge.
• Product development experience with joint development partners.
• Experience working across U.S. and Korea time zones and cultural contexts.

• Ability to sit, stand, or walk for long periods of time.

$115,000 - $160,000/year

Solid Power offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical/dental/vision insurance; employer-paid Life/AD&D/STD/LTD; 401(k) with company match; 8 paid holidays plus the week between Christmas…