Director of Research and Development

Technology · Research & Development|Reno, NV (Onsite)|Exempt

Reports to

Chief Operating Officer

Direct reports

R&D Manager; R&D Office Coordinator; functional oversight of R&D engineers & technicians

Employment

Travel

Occasional domestic travel (research partners, conferences); under 10%.

POSITION SUMMARY

Lead Dragonfly's R&D organization across Battery Science, Materials Science, and Process Science — advancing the proprietary dry-electrode manufacturing process and all-solid-state cell roadmap that underpin the company's long-term technology strategy.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Own the R&D strategy and roadmap for dry-electrode and all-solid-state cell development.
• Direct research programs across battery, materials, and process science.
• Lead and develop the R&D Manager and research staff; set technical priorities and milestones.
• Partner with Manufacturing Engineering to scale lab processes to production (DFM and process transfer).
• Protect and grow the intellectual-property portfolio; support patent strategy with Government Affairs and legal.
• Feed proven technology into the Concept & Prototyping stage of the new-development workflow.
• Steward the R&D budget, capital equipment, and external research and partner relationships.
• Report R&D progress, risk, and roadmap to the executive team.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced degree (PhD preferred) in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical/Electrochemical Engineering, or related.
• 10+ years in battery/materials R&D with 5+ years leading technical teams.
• Deep expertise in Li-ion/LFP electrochemistry, electrode manufacturing and cell development.
• Proven track record translating research into manufacturable processes.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Direct dry-electrode and/or solid-state cell development experience.
• Patent authorship and experience within a scaling manufacturer.

About Dragonfly Energy

THE COMPANY

Dragonfly Energy Holdings Corp. (Nasdaq: DFLI) is a comprehensive lithium battery technology company specializing in cell manufacturing, battery pack assembly, and full system integration. Through its renowned Battle Born Batteries brand, Dragonfly has deployed hundreds of thousands of reliable battery packs through top-tier OEMs and a diverse retail customer base. The company's patented dry-electrode manufacturing process delivers chemistry-agnostic power solutions across energy storage, electric vehicles, and consumer electronics, and Dragonfly is advancing proprietary, nonflammable, all-solid-state cells. Its Battle Born portfolio spans LiFePO4 batteries, inverter/chargers, power stations, and solar panels serving the RV, marine, off-grid, trucking, and industrial markets.

LOCATION & WORK ARRANGEMENT

This position is based onsite at Dragonfly Energy's headquarters and 390,240 sq ft advanced-manufacturing facility in Reno, Nevada — part of the Reno-Sparks advanced-manufacturing cluster, with no state income tax and easy access to Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada. This is a full-time, onsite role. Certain positions require shift coverage or occasional after-hours support during production ramps and product launches.

TRAVEL

Most roles are primarily onsite with limited travel. Some positions involve periodic domestic travel (OEM and customer visits, trade shows, supplier and equipment sites), and roles that interface with overseas contract manufacturers may involve occasional international travel. Specific expectations are listed in the Travel field of each role.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Dragonfly offers competitive base pay, performance-bonus eligibility, and equity for eligible positions. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage; a 401(k) plan; paid time off and holidays; and additional employee programs. Final compensation is determined by experience, qualifications, and internal equity, and full plan details are confirmed by Human Resources.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work spans standard office settings and an active manufacturing and laboratory environment. Employees may be exposed to the production floor, batteries, chemicals, and powered equipment, and must follow all safety protocols and wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) in designated areas. Roles may involve prolonged sitting or standing, computer use, and — for hands‑on positions — periodic lifting (typically up to 25-50 lbs), bending, and fine manual dexterity.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Dragonfly Energy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Dragonfly provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities during the application and employment process.