Director of Engineering, Battery Systems

Description

WORK LOCATION: Ann Arbor, Michigan

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

SALARY RANGE: The anticipated salary range for this role is $185,000 to $210,000 annually. This range reflects a good faith estimate based on the targeted level for the role and typical compensation benchmarks across U.S. locations. Actual compensation may vary depending on the selected candidate’s qualifications, experience, geographical location, and internal alignment.

Summary

The Director of Engineering, Battery Systems is the senior technical and operational leader at Redwire Defense Tech (RDT) responsible for defining and executing the full lifecycle delivery of battery systems for Redwire’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UASs). Working in close partnership with the CTO and UAS product owners, this role has full responsibility for the development, test, production, and sustainment of battery systems for Redwire’s autonomous aircraft. The Director will lead a multidisciplinary engineering organization composed of hardware, software, and manufacturing engineers. This leader is accountable not only for innovation, but also for predictable program execution (cost, schedule, and quality), systems engineering rigor, production scalability, certification, safety, and customer satisfaction in an aerospace and defense environment.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the product owner and technical authority for battery systems at RDT
• Lead an engineering team to design and integrate emerging battery technologies into production end-user battery products, including battery cells, battery management system hardware and software, lightweight battery packaging, and battery chargers.
• Own the battery R&D budget, including forecasting, resource planning, and cost control.
• Lead engineering delivery across the full lifecycle: concept development, requirements definition, system architecture, design, integration, verification & validation (V&V), certification, production, and sustainment.
• Define and execute a multi-year battery technology and product roadmap aligned with business objectives, production quantity, technical performance requirements, and emerging market opportunities in the UAS domain.
• Act as a senior technical interface with customers, partners, and government stakeholders.
• Collaborate with product management, sales, and program management to define requirements, value propositions, and product strategies.
• Establish and monitor engineering KPIs and metrics, including quality, productivity, reliability, and delivery performance.
• Ensure adherence to safety, quality, and environmental standards.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulatory and industry standards (FAA, DoD, STANAG, UN 38.3, etc.).
• Drive workforce planning, hiring, and succession development aligned with business growth.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related technical field.
• 10+ years of progressively responsible experience in technology leadership roles, including experience in battery systems, UAS, defense, and/or robotics industries.
• Deep understanding of integrated battery systems for UAS applications including:
  • Battery cell technologies (e.g. lithium ion and lithium polymer)
  • Battery management systems (BMS), both hardware and software components.
  • Battery packaging approaches to minimize weight while meeting certification requirements and safely surviving end-user abuse.
  • Battery certification and safety requirements (e.g. FAA, DoD, UN38.3)
  • Battery charger technologies, integration and packaging approaches, technical tradeoffs, and requirements
• A functional understanding of drone systems and their associated battery constraints and operating requirements.
• Experience delivering real battery products to end users in a production environment.

Redwire Defense Tech Benefits

• Matching 401(k)
• Paid PTO
• Paid holidays
• Medical, vision, and dental insurance
• Group Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• HSA and FSA Options
• Critical Care Plan
• Accident Care Plan
• Employee Stock Purchasing Program (ESPP)

Clearance Requirements

This position may require access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). To comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants will be asked to provide specific documentation to verify a US person’s status under the ITAR and the EAR.

Work Environment And Physical Requirements

The work environment may involve a standard office setting while also incorporating elements of a production area. Employees will use standard office equipment, including computers, and must demonstrate stamina to sit or stand while maintaining attention to detail despite potential interruptions. The role may require occasional activities such as walking, climbing, stooping, crouching, and bending. Vision is necessary for reading printed materials and a computer screen, while hearing and speech are essential for effective communication both in person and over the telephone. Additionally, the position may necessitate travel by air or automobile. Employees may be required to use personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, safety shoes, and shop coats, to ensure safety in the production environment. Employees may be able to lift up to 50 pounds as needed.

REDWIRE DEFENSE TECH IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Redwire Defense Tech is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact Human Resources. Continued employment remains on an “At-Will” basis.