We are seeking a Technical Program Manager (TPM) to lead the development and deployment of next-generation Iron-Sodium Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). This role will oversee multiple concurrent programs spanning cell development, module and rack integration, and full system deployment for utility-scale and commercial applications.
The TPM will operate at the intersection of electrochemistry, mechanical/electrical engineering, and system integration—driving alignment across R&D, product engineering, manufacturing, and field deployment teams. The ideal candidate brings strong technical depth, program execution rigor, and experience scaling complex energy storage systems from prototype through commercialization.
Key Responsibilities
- End-to-End Program Ownership: Lead multiple customer and grant programs from early-stage requirement definition through prototype builds and commercial deployment.
- Grant Management: Own application and report writing and team coordination to ensure all success metrics are met; assist with grant application project management and non-technical grant compliance such as budget and time management.
- System and Product Integration: Drive alignment between cell performance characteristics and system-level requirements including safety, thermal management, and grid integration.
- Program Planning & Execution: Develop and maintain integrated master schedules, critical paths, and milestone and financial tracking across hardware and software work streams.
- Technical Risk Management: Identify and mitigate risks related to production scale-up, performance, and system reliability.
- Validation & Compliance: Oversee test plans and validation efforts including performance, safety (UL 9540A, IEC standards), environmental, and lifecycle testing.
- Project Management: Project management of field deployments, commissioning, and early-life performance monitoring of installed BESS systems.
- Stakeholder Communication: Provide regular program updates to executive leadership, system integration and deployment partners and customer stakeholders, clearly communicating technical progress, risks, and trade-offs.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
- 3+ years of experience in technical program management, systems engineering, or product development.
- Experience in energy storage, batteries, or power systems (BESS, EVs, grid infrastructure).
- Demonstrated success managing complex, multi-disciplinary hardware programs.
- Strong understanding of battery fundamentals (electrochemistry, degradation, thermal behavior).
- Experience with system integration (cells modules racks containerized systems).
- Familiarity with program management tools (Asana, Jira, Google Workspace).
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with current or battery chemistries
- Knowledge of grid-scale energy storage applications and utility requirements.
- Experience with safety and certification standards (UL 1973, UL 9540, UL 9540A, IEC 62619).
- Background in DFMEA, PFMEA, and reliability engineering.
- Experience scaling products from prototype to mass production.
- PMP or equivalent certification.
Benefits
- Incentive stock options based on Bay Area comps regardless of location
- Medical, vision, and dental insurance and short term disability (100% of employee’s insurance premium and 75% of dependents)
- Unlimited PTO policy
- 40 hours of paid sick time
- Hybrid option for Bay Area employees
- Compensation range for Bay Area: $121,000 - $148,000 depending on qualifications, location, and experience