Lead Equipment Planner - Cell Assembly Manufacturing Engineer

We are proud to announce the launch of Volkswagen Group’s largest cell factory, PowerCo, in St. Thomas. This is more than just a job – it’s a unique opportunity to shape the future of sustainable energy. Join us as we ramp up operations and help build a world-class company. 

At PowerCo, we believe in fostering an environment where ambition meets collaboration, and where flexibility and creativity thrive.  You'll be part of a diverse, talented team that is shaping the future of battery production. You’ll have the chance to advance your career while working alongside passionate colleagues who share a vision of making a lasting impact on the world.

Are you ready to be part of something exciting? Power up your career with us!

PowerCo Canada Inc. is seeking a skilled Lead Equipment Planner – Cell Assembly Manufacturing Engineer to join our team for the battery cell production line in St. Thomas. In this role, you will be responsible for proposing, developing, presenting, and coordinating planning concepts for machinery and the plant, involved in the production of battery cell factories, covering process steps including notching, stacking, cell assembly processes, leakage test, material transport (conveyor system).

This is a flex hybrid model requiring 2 days in the St. Thomas office, subject to change based on the needs and nature of this project. Upon equipment installation, this role will transition to full onsite. 

Primary Responsibilities:

• Perform tasks related to cell assembly manufacturing for battery cell production plants, including notching, stacking, cell assembly processes, leakage test, material transport (conveyor system)
• Define manufacturing strategy for battery cell high-volume production.
• Lead multi-equipment planning from the concept phase through to process implementation in mass production, ensuring a smooth production start.
• Provide expertise on certification and permitting of cell manufacturing equipment in Canada
• Act as a subject matter expert in attending design reviews and FAT (Factory Acceptance Tests), and lead the effort of SAT (Site Acceptance Tests) while working with equipment suppliers for specific process areas
• Supervise the equipment supplier to install and commission the cell manufacturing equipment, and lead the activities of equipment handover to production team
• Plan and manage required post-handover tasks, including process optimization, ergonomic improvements, change request processing, and cost reduction.
• Lead efforts to work with cell manufacturing equipment suppliers on cell assembly related issues in production, and work with the team to assess path forward.
• Lead collaboration with PowerCo SE headquarters in Germany, and other PowerCo SE global factories and partners.
• Lead efforts to interface and exchange with other PowerCo departments including development, process, quality, automation, logistics, digitalization, maintenance, HSE (health safety environment) etc.
• Lead continuous improvement projects related to cell assembly manufacturing equipment
• Present necessary materials, information and data to project team and management
• Investigate and identify root causes of equipment failures and summarize/communicate lessons learned.
• Facilitate interaction with internal and external technical resources to exchange and transfer best practices.
• Develop cell production training plans and train other employees on technical topics.
• Provide technical support to task forces.

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in electrical, mechanical, materials, chemical or electrochemical engineering, or a related majo