Head of R&D

Join to apply for the Head of R&D role at PowerCo PowerCo SE With whom you will CELLebrate Join our diverse and talented team at PowerCo’s new cell manufacturing facility in Valencia — a place where innovation meets collaboration. As Head of R&D, you’ll work closely with experts from Operations, Production, and Quality to transform cutting-edge battery designs into scalable, high-performance products. Here, flexibility, creativity, and ambition come together to shape the future of sustainable energy. How you will CELLebrate As the Head of R&D, you will play a key role in steering the New Product Introduction (NPI) department, leading the successful industrialization and launch of PowerCo’s next-generation battery cells. You will take ownership of technical leadership, product decision-making, and cross-functional coordination from the design phase to full-scale production. You Will Lead the technical response team to analyze root causes, prevent failures, and ensure consistent product quality. Drive the design-for-manufacturability process to guarantee efficient and scalable production. Oversee product sampling, qualification, and transition to mass production (C-Sample to SOP). Act as a strategic interface between R&D, Production, Quality, and Supplier Management, aligning innovation with operational excellence. Represent technical and development topics in high-level internal committees, influencing decisions that shape PowerCo’s product strategy. Mentor and manage a team of 16 employees, fostering technical growth, collaboration, and performance alignment across international sites. What you need for our CELLebration Master’s degree in Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical discipline. Proven experience in battery cell development, manufacturing, or industrialization within the automotive, energy, or chemical sectors. Strong background in root cause analysis, deviation management, and product qualification processes. Experience leading cross-functional engineering teams and managing complex technical projects. Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills in English; Spanish or German is a plus. A strategic mindset with a hands‑on approach to solving problems and driving results. What else can you bring Experience with APQP, PPAP, or other automotive quality systems. Knowledge of cell chemistry, electrode manufacturing, or process optimization. Familiarity with data‑driven decision‑making tools and predictive quality methods. International exposure and an ability to thrive in a multicultural, fast‑paced environment. Possession of a disability certificate of 33% or more is valued, and we encourage individuals of all abilities to apply. Our company is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive environment that embraces neurodiversity, functional diversity, and all facets of individual differences. We believe in the strength of diverse perspectives and are dedicated to creating a workforce where everyone feels welcomed and valued. What to look forward to A unique opportunity to join a fast‑growing organization driving the future of sustainable energy. A flexible, inclusive, and collaborative work environment where creativity and innovation thrive. Competitive salary package with short‑ and long‑term incentives (STI & LTI). 30 vacation days per year to recharge and enjoy life outside of work. Comprehensive health insurance covering you and your immediate family (partner and children under 18). Company car provided for your role. Gympass membership to support your well‑being. Monthly meal allowance via Cobee. The chance to grow your career alongside a diverse and talented international team. Be part of a multicultural company that will expand to over 2,000 professionals in the coming years. Seniority level Executive Employment type Full‑time Job function Engineering, Quality Assurance, and Research Industries Motor Vehicle Manufacturing Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at PowerCo by 2x #J-18808-Ljbffr