Fluence (Nasdaq: FLNC) is a global market leader delivering intelligent energy storage and optimization software for renewables and storage. Our solutions and operational services are helping to create a more resilient grid and unlock the full potential of renewable portfolios. With gigawatts of successful implementations across nearly 50 markets, we are transforming the way we power our world for a more sustainable future. For more information, please visit fluenceenergy.com.
Job Description:
Director, Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (AME) & Factory Readiness
The Director of Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (AME) will lead the development and execution of innovative manufacturing processes for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). This role bridges product design and high-volume production, ensuring all new products are manufacturable, scalable, and cost-competitive. As a key operations leader, the Director will drive factory readiness, process excellence, and new product launch execution across multiple global manufacturing sites.
Advanced Manufacturing Leadership
•Develop and implement the advanced manufacturing roadmap for BESS assembly, sub-system integration, and final system builds.
•Lead process development, qualification, and production ramp-up for new products.
•Define and manage factory layout, facilities, and equipment readiness to support scaling of production capabilities.
•Partner with Product Design, Quality, and Supply Chain teams and others to ensure manufacturability and operational excellence through Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles.
Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) Process Ownership
•Lead the APQP process across cross-functional and contract manufacturers to ensure product and process readiness through each launch phase.
•Oversee pilot and DVT builds to validate process capability, quality controls, and manufacturability, ensuring APQP deliverables are met and readiness gates are passed prior to production ramp with comprehensive report outs.
•Own and maintain PFMEA, control plans, process flow, quality control plans, and validation other NPI deliverables.
•Ensure adherence to manufacturing readiness levels (MRL) and traceability to customer and industry standards.
•Drive alignment between internal teams and CMs to close gaps and deliver production readiness.
•Champion Lean Manufacturing practices to enhance efficiency, productivity, safety, and quality across global production sites.
Contract Manufacturing Oversight
•Serve as the technical and operational lead with contract manufacturers from pilot through mass production.
•Ensure CMs meet company standards for safety, quality, cost, and delivery.
•Drive process standardization, consistent metrics, and operational governance across global CM sites.
•Partner with CMs to validate processes, implement best practices, and ensure efficient scaling of new production lines.
Manufacturing & Cost Management
•Execute the manufacturing plan and sourcing strategy in alignment with program and business goals.
•Support development and maintain total cost of ownership (TCO) models, product cost tracking, and cost reduction roadmaps.
•Support program management deliverables, including work breakdown structure (WBS) creation and execution.
Technical Operations Management
•Oversee a Technical Operations team providing hands-on support for production lines.
•Lead troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and resolution of equipment and process issues.
•Ensure uptime, throughput, and yield targets are consistently achieved for new products per APQP defined criteria.
•Drive process improvements to reduce cost, increase efficiency, and improve product quality.
Team Development & Leadership
•Build, mentor, and retain a high-performing team of manufacturing engineers and technical operations specialists.
•Set clear goals and provide coaching on both project execution and technical skills.
•Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous learning.
Manufacturing Readiness & Factory Preparedness
•Collaborate with strategic contract manufacturers to drive factory readiness for new products launches, ensuring all equipment, materials, documentation, and personnel are in place prior to pilot and mass production.
•Develop and manage readiness checklists and stage-gate reviews to verify build preparedness across global manufacturing sites.
•Partner with Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, and CMs to align on ramp-up strategy, tooling readiness, line qualification, and yield validation.
•Conduct pre-launch assessments and factory audits to ensure compliance with safety, quality, and operational standards.
•Drive lessons-learned reviews post-launch to identify process improvements and standardize best practices across facilities
Minimum Qualifications
•Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering; Master’s preferred.
•10+ years of experience in manufacturing, operations, or engineering leadership, with increasing responsibility.
•Proven track record of leading factory readiness and production ramp-up for complex products.
•Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, supply chain, and cost management principles.
•Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to influence leadership and cross-functional teams.
•Proficiency in project management tools, data analytics, and quality management systems.
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic, and global environment.
•Willingness to travel up to 50–75%, including international locations, based on product launch requirements.
Our Culture
At Fluence, our culture is the foundation that drives our ambitious growth strategy and fuels our mission to transform the future of energy. Our core cultural pillars empower us to innovate, collaborate, and lead with purpose, ensuring we continue to deliver unparalleled value to our customers and the world.
Unleash Voices
We believe every voice matters. We encourage openness, active listening, and decisive action to create a culture where everyone has the opportunity to contribute to our success. We foster an environment where diverse perspectives are heard and valued, driving innovation and progress.
Customer Fluent
Our customers are at the heart of everything we do. We’re committed to delivering exceptional value that exceeds expectations by understanding our customers' needs and adapting swiftly to meet them. Our deep focus on customer satisfaction drives us to continuously improve and innovate.
Infinite Impact
We are committed to creating the impossible. We push boundaries to deliver sustainable, game-changing solutions that shape a brighter, more energy-efficient future for all. Our team is passionate about making a lasting impact that will resonate for generations to come.
All In
We are all in for growth. Our teams are relentlessly focused on identifying and seizing opportunities that propel us forward. We embrace an ownership mindset, pushing ourselves and each other to accelerate progress and create lasting success.