Formation Process Specialist

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!

We are seeking a highly skilled Formation Process Specialist to join our team at the PowerCo SE St. Thomas Gigafactory for our battery cell production line in St. Thomas. In this role, you will be responsible for planning, defining, and implementing formation processes, as well as ramping up the production line.  Reporting to the Head of Taskforce Management, you will play a crucial role in supporting and contributing to the PowerCo taskforce management team to achieve the objectives of the cell production line at our St. Thomas facility.

This is a temporary flex hybrid model requiring 2 days in the St. Thomas office, subject to change based on the needs and nature of this project. During certain phases of the build, a full-time onsite presence may be a requirement.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Implement and localize PowerCo SE standard formation processes and information flows with the main focus on line planning scheduling and troubleshooting for the St. Thomas cell production.
• Suggest, define and align local adaptations to formation processes based on standards and concepts provided by PowerCo SE, with an eye to increase efficiency and ensure scalability.
• Define regional guidelines for all formation equipment partners for a standardized process of PowerCo Canada, in alignment with PowerCo SE headquarters.
• Ensure detailed alignment of equipment providers, local Value Stream Management (VSM)/planning team, Battery Specific Infrastructure (BSI), logistics and facility construction teams.
• Participate in various project phases, ensuring all defined milestones are met including includes Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT), Site Acceptance Tests (SAT), final implementation, ramp-up, and go-live stages with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Integrate and optimize different formation processes, providing solutions for cross functional challenges as needed.
• Collaborate closely with production steering to align customer demands with manufacturing schedules and implement improvements to series production processes.
• Lead special tasks related to the formation process, ensuring effective communication between central planning, central R&D, and production departments.
• Anticipate and mitigate potential risks in formation processes while developing contingency plans to address unforeseen challenges and initiate and lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance formation process and equipment design.
• Implement best practices within and beyond PowerCo Canada by always remaining informed and abreast of staying informed about industry trends.
• Collaborate closely with other departments within PowerCo Canada, Volkswagen Group Canada, and PowerCo SE headquarters.
• Miscellaneous formation rollout-related tasks as required

• PhD or Master’s degree in electrical, mechanical, materials, chemical or electrochemical engineering, or a related major
• Green Belt Six Sigma certification is preferred
• 5+ years’ experience of working in Li-ion battery formation process and equipment, ideally within a large, global organization.

• Preferred 5+ years’ experience with formation process design and 3+ years’ experience with large scale production, and 3+ years in a management position
• Experience interpreting complex electrochemical data collected from multiple sources.
• Extensive experience working with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), Measurement System Analysis (MSA), and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC).
• Experience in working in corporate suppliers-customer relationships
• Experience in cell production handling hazardous goods would be considered an asset
• Ability to travel both within Canada/US and internationally up to ~ 30%
• German language skills are considered an asset

• Attractive Remuneration: We offer a competitive and attractive remuneration that reflect your skills, experience, and contributions.
• Vacation Allowance: We offer our employees competitive paid time off. Plus, you don’t need to take any vacation days from December 24 to December 31.
• Opportunities for development 
• Relocation Support
• Opportunities to participate in exciting company events that give back to the community. 
• Competitive employer paid benefits and overall compensation package with extended health care, dental, vision and mental health support.
• Pension and Retirement Savings: We contribute the equivalent of 5% to a Registered Pension Plan and matching contribution to a retirement savings plan.  
• And much more! 

*This is a flex hybrid work structure, where employees can work both remotely and on-site. However, please note all hybrid work arrangements are subject to the terms and conditions of our hybrid work policy as may be amended from time to time.

Please note that we appreciate the interest of all candidates, however only those under consideration will be contacted.

We believe that the best results are created in a diverse and inclusive environment.  Therefore, all qualified applications will be considered for employment regardless of age, race, religion, gender (identity), sexual orientation, national origin or disability.

PowerCo Canada Inc. is committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities including during the application process. If you require an accommodation because of a disability, we will work with you to determine what reasonable accommodation may be available to meet your needs whether it be as an applicant or an employee. Applicants need to make their needs known in advance. If you are selected for an interview and require an accommodation, you are encouraged to advise the Recruiter who will consult with you to determine an appropriate and reasonable accommodation.