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Job Title:   Technical Director   

Organisation: Soleil Power

Duty Station: Kampala, Uganda

About Organisation:

Soleil Power is an ambitious young company building East Africa’s first lithium-ion battery assembly plant to serve the region’s growing EV and ESS markets. Soleil Power is building East Africa’s first production-scale lithium-ion battery assembly plant to serve the growing demand for stationary energy storage and e-mobility battery solutions.

Job Summary:   We are seeking a passionate and experienced Technical Director to help build and lead our team of engineers and production staff.

In this pivotal role, you will be responsible for the overall technical direction and success of our battery development and assembly operations. You will lead a team of engineers and technicians while overseeing the design, development, and production of a wide range of lithium-ion battery solutions for our key markets including 2-wheel EV companies, solar EPC’s and mini-grid developers.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the design team in developing and optimizing lithium-ion battery solutions for stationary energy storage and e-mobility applications.
• Oversee all aspects of battery production, including process engineering, quality control, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with relevant safety regulations and environmental standards for lithium-ion battery manufacturing.
• Help build and manage a team of engineers and technicians, providing direction, mentorship, and fostering a collaborative work environment.
• Create and oversee work plans for engineering and production staff.
• Ensure timely delivery of engineering objectives and product development milestones.
• Maintain a clean, safe and organized work environment and ensure equipment is properly maintained.
• Support team management functions and career development for direct reports.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and partners in the lithium-ion battery industry.
• Stay up to date on the latest advancements in lithium-ion battery technology and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Contribute to strategic planning and budgeting for the battery assembly facility.
• Represent Soleil Power at industry events and conferences (travel may be required).

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

Qualifications:

• Advanced degree (Ph.D. or Master’s) in materials science, chemistry, chemical engineering, electrical engineering, electrical and computer engineering or a related field. Bachelor degrees will be considered in combination with additional experience.
• Minimum 10 years of relevant experience, with at least 5 years directly with the battery or electrochemical energy storage industry, and 2 years in a supervisory role.
• Expertise with battery management systems (BMS) and cell balancing techniques.
• Deep understanding of lithium-ion cell chemistry, materials, and performance characteristics (e.g., energy density, power density, cycle life).
• Understanding of the different applications of lithium-ion battery packs, such as EVs, solar energy, and energy storage.
• Familiarity with battery manufacturing and assembly processes and testing equipment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools and expertise with CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD) for designing battery packs and related components.
• Strong project management and customer communication skills.
• Knowledge of relevant industry standards and regulatory requirements for lithium-ion batteries, including safety and environmental regulations.
• Proven track record of leading and motivating technical teams in a fluid, fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
• Ability to adapt and contribute to wide range of functions as the company grows and evolves
• Ability to travel for customer visits and industry conferences.
• Ability to obtain a Uganda work permit for foreign nationals
• Fluency in English is required

Technical Knowledge Requirements:

• Expert knowledge of lithium-ion battery chemistry and materials.
• Expertise in battery pack design and integration, including mechanical, electrical, and thermal aspects.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD) for designing battery packs and related components.
• Proficiency with battery testing tools and equipment.
• Proficiency in implementing BMS hardware and software.
• Understanding of critical safety features and parameters for BMS.
• Ability to integrate BMS into battery packs effectively.
• Ability to integrate BMS into IoT applications.
• Familiarity with cell assembly tools and equipment.
• Familiarity with setting up and optimizing production lines for battery pack manufacturing.
• Ability to use analytical tools to assess battery pack performance and reliability.
• Strong data analytical skills for interpreting test data and optimizing battery performance.

Additional Technical Knowledge Desired:

• Experience with implementing and maintaining quality management systems relevant to battery manufacturing (e.g., ISO standards).
• Battery product certification experience (UN, IEC, UL)
• Proficiency in data analysis software and tools such as Python, R, or MATLAB for statistical analysis and modeling.
• Skills in programming languages like C/C++ for developing BMS firmware.
• Experience with embedded systems development.
• Experience with simulation and modeling tools such as COMSOL, ANSYS, or MATLAB for thermal and electrochemical modeling of batteries and prediction of system performance.
• Knowledge of quality control and failure analysis techniques in manufacturing processes.

Benefits:

• Opportunity to be a pioneer in the East African battery sector.
• Be a part of a dynamic and growing company in a vibrant market.
• Make a real impact on the development of clean energy solutions in Uganda and the wider region.
• Competitive salary, staff housing, health care plan, performance bonus.
• Work permit and relocation support for the right candidate.

How to Apply:

Please submit your CV and cover letter to laura@aptechafrica.com and copy brendan@soleilpower.ug. In your cover letter, highlight your relevant experience and why you are passionate about leading engineering and product development for an ambitious startup in the East African lithium-ion battery sector.

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