KORE Power, Inc. Careers

Director of Quality

Location: Buckeye, AZ (Phoenix, AZ)

Company Overview:

KORE Power, Inc. (KORE) is headquartered in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, with operations in Waterbury, Vermont, and Buckeye, Arizona, KORE is the leading U.S.-based developer of battery cell technology for the clean energy industry. With clients in energy storage, e-mobility, utility, industrial and mission-critical markets, KORE Power provides the backbone for decarbonization across the globe. As the first U.S.-based, American-owned, and fully integrated provider of cells, batteries, and solutions, KORE is uniquely positioned to serve these markets. Through the construction and operations of its large-scale battery cell manufacturing facility in the U.S., KORE is positioned to operate at 12 GWh per year capacity. The facility (the “KOREPlex”) will operate with net-zero carbon emissions through strategic partnerships and solar and storage co-generation.

KORE Power’s differentiated approach provides customers with direct access, unparalleled service, superior technology, and Tier 1 product availability. Focused on building sustainable communities, clean energy jobs, and green economic expansion, KORE Power is proud to offer a functional solution to real-world problems and fulfill market demand to deliver a zero-carbon future. The KOREPlex is expected to come to Buckeye, Arizona, and be the anchor to the development of the Sustainable Valley by the end of 2024. For more information, visit www.korepower.com.

Job Overview

The Director of Quality is part of the Operations team at the KOREPlex facility located in Buckeye, AZ.

Work is primarily based out of our Phoenix, AZ office.  However, you may be required to travel to vendors for acceptance testing, construction, integration, etc. 

As the Director of Quality, you will play a critical role in ensuring the highest standards of quality and safety throughout our battery manufacturing process. You will lead a team of talented professionals in developing and implementing robust quality systems, overseeing all aspects of quality control, and driving continuous improvement initiatives.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive quality management system (QMS) aligned with relevant industry standards and regulations.
• Lead the development and execution of quality control plans for raw materials, in-process components, and finished batteries, modules, and packs.
• Manage and oversee the quality control labs, ensuring accurate and timely testing of all materials and products.
• Conduct and participate in root cause analyses of quality issues and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Manage supplier quality, conducting audits and developing supplier quality programs.
• Oversee the calibration and maintenance of all quality control equipment.
• Train and mentor staff on quality procedures and best practices.
• Stay up to date on the latest battery manufacturing technologies and quality standards.
• Partner with other departments, such as engineering, production, and sales, to ensure quality is integrated into all aspects of the business.
• Support with the qualification of new suppliers and materials.
• Maintain and update process documentation.
• Manage and execute process improvement projects.
• Provide engineering support for production activities to ensure quality control and production efficiency.
• Follow safety procedures and report any safety concerns to the EHS group.

 Reports To

The position will report to the Senior VP of Manufacturing. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with lithium-ion battery manufacturing
• Experience with implementation ISO9001:2015 and IATF16949:2016
• Experience with battery cell, module, and pack assembly
• Experience with battery testing and qualification
• Experience with Lean manufacturing principles and practices

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field, preferably with a Master's degree.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in quality management, ideally in the battery manufacturing industry.
• Extensive knowledge of battery manufacturing processes and quality control techniques.
• Strong leadership and communication skills with the ability to build relationships across all levels of the organization.
• Proven ability to develop and implement effective quality management systems.
• Experience with root cause analysis and corrective action implementation.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• A firm grasp of engineering concepts; experience designing mechanical systems and products is helpful.
• Exceptional technical and problem-solving skills and reasoning ability.
• Ability to communicate effectively and clearly.
• Must be self-motivated and a great team worker.
• Strong understanding of battery chemistry, manufacturing processes, and process engineering principles
• Experience with statistical process control (SPC) and design of experiments (DOE)

Physical Requirements

• The ability to communicate orally with customers, vendors, management, and other co-workers.
• Standing for extended periods is common.
• Hearing and vision within normal ranges, with or without corrective lenses or an assisted hearing device, is essential for normal conversations, to receive information, and to prepare or inspect documents.
• Some heavy lifting is expected; occasional exertion of up to 50 lbs. of force may be required.
• Good manual dexterity is required for assembly and production work.

Work Environment

• The job is primarily performed indoors in a traditional manufacturing and production setting. Extended periods of standing are expected.
• Secondary job requirements include travel with fieldwork which can consist of hiking, construction work, moving heavy objects, and wearing PPE for specific tasks.

KORE Power is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristics with respect to employment opportunities.