Senior Manager (lead)_ Cell Technology

Senior Manager (lead) Cell Technology

Function: Battery Engineering | Experience: 7+ years | Location: Hyderabad | Reports to: Vice President Battery Systems & Engineering

Role Overview

We are seeking a Senior Manager – Cell Technology to lead the Cell Technology function within our Battery Engineering organization. The role will own Li-ion cell technology evaluation, characterization, qualification, supplier technical engagement, and cell-level engineering, supporting current and next-generation battery products across automotive/ESS applications.

The ideal candidate is a technically strong, hands-on leader with deep expertise in Li-ion cell chemistry, testing, characterization, aging, degradation, safety, and failure analysis, combined with the ability to build and lead a high-performing engineering team.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead cell technology strategy, roadmap, benchmarking, and technology selection across LFP, NMC/NCA and emerging chemistries.
• Own cell specifications, characterization, validation and qualification for new and existing cell technologies.
• Design and execute cell test programs covering capacity, energy, DCIR/ACIR, OCV, rate capability, fast charging, temperature performance, cycle/calendar life, self-discharge, aging and degradation.
• Establish cell-level performance, safety, reliability and lifetime requirements and internal testing standards.
• Analyze cell behavior, variability and degradation using statistical and data-driven methods; develop aging/lifetime models and provide inputs for BMS SOC/SOH/SOP algorithms.
• Lead cell failure analysis, root-cause investigations, abuse/safety testing and degradation studies.
• Drive technical engagement with cell suppliers and technology partners, including technical due diligence, cell development, qualification and improvement programs.
• Provide cell-level inputs to BMS, thermal, mechanical, pack and system engineering teams, including operating limits and thermal/electrical envelopes.
• Build and lead the Cell Technology & Characterization team, developing laboratory capabilities, test methodologies, technical standards and engineering talent.
• Track global developments in cell materials, manufacturing, fast charging, high-silicon anodes, solid-state, sodium-ion and other emerging technologies.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Master's degree in Chemical/Electrical/Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Electrochemistry, Energy Engineering or related discipline. Ph.D. is a plus.
• 7+ years of hands-on experience in Li-ion cell technology, testing and characterization; 10+ years preferred for senior candidates.
• Strong understanding of cell chemistry, construction, materials, manufacturing, formation, aging and degradation mechanisms.
• Proven experience with prismatic, cylindrical and/or pouch cells.
• Strong understanding of cell safety, thermal behavior, thermal runaway and abuse testing.
• Experience working with cell manufacturers/OEMs/suppliers on technology evaluation and qualification.
• Strong analytical capability with Python/MATLAB, statistical tools and battery test/data acquisition systems.
• Experience with EIS, dQ/dV analysis, accelerated aging, post-mortem/failure analysis and lifetime prediction is highly desirable.

Leadership Competencies

• Strong technical leadership with a data-driven, first-principles engineering approach.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and external technology partners.
• Excellent problem-solving, stakeholder management and technical communication skills.
• Ability to balance performance, safety, reliability, cost and time-to-market.
• High ownership, curiosity and passion for advanced battery technologies.

Key Success Outcomes

Right cell technology | Robust qualification | Reliable lifetime prediction | Reduced cell-related product risk | Strong supplier ecosystem | World-class cell characterization capability

Preferred backgrounds: Battery cell manufacturers, automotive OEMs, battery/ESS companies, advanced battery R&D organizations and leading research laboratories.