Technical Project Manager - San Diego - South 8 Technologies

Description

Technical Project Manager – Equipment and Automation

Position Type: Full-time

Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401k, and paid vacation.

JOB SUMMARY

The "Technical Project Manager – Equipment and Automation" leads the development and deployment of battery cell manufacturing equipment to support pilot-scale production and scale-up to high-volume manufacturing. This role owns equipment development projects end-to-end, from requirements definition through FAT/SAT, installation, and commissioning. The Project Manager independently drives day-to-day execution while partnering with senior technical staff for key technical decisions and acceptance signoff.

Projects utilize third-party engineering firms to design and build automated cell filling/injection and electrolyte processing systems. Equipment includes hardware and controls for automated fluid distribution, thermal control, sensors/I/O, robotic handling, and safety interlocks. Collaboration with internal and third-party technical staff is essential. Success in this role requires excellent communication skills, exceptional attention to detail, and solid working knowledge of equipment development.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support development and deployment of third-party-built equipment for battery cell and electrolyte manufacturing.
• Work with senior staff in engineering, science, and operations teams to develop project objectives and deliverables.
• Facilitate the creation and maintenance of system diagrams, functional breakdowns, I/O and control architecture summaries.
• Maintain project schedules, action items, risk logs, and documentation.
• Coordinate third-party firm engagement with appropriate internal technical staff.
• Coordinate internal teams (process, controls, mechanical, EHS, facilities, operations) to retire project risks.
• Organize design reviews, track open items, and manage documentation exchanges.
• Review and assess deliverables from third-party firm.
• Responsible for ensuring the development and release of project documentation including:
• Performance requirements
• Design specifications
• Failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA)
• Test specifications and test reports
• FAT/SAT requirements
• Support installation and commissioning readiness by coordinating utilities readiness, EHS reviews, training plans, and operational handoff activities.
• Provide regular project status updates to stakeholders and escalate risks/issues to senior staff.

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree in electrical, Chemical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Industrial Engineering or related field
• 3+ years of progressively increasing responsibility in technical project coordination and/or project management supporting equipment development, automation, process equipment, or manufacturing tools.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams (process, mechanical, controls, EHS, operations) to deliver equipment or systems.
• Experience working with external vendors/engineering firms and managing deliverables
• Familiarity with systems involving process equipment, automation, and instrumentation (fluid handling, robotic manipulation, thermal control, pneumatics, sensors).
• Ability to build and maintain:
• action registers
• documentation and reporting
• Strong written/verbal communication and documentation skills.
• Ability to prioritize and execute in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to lift 35 lbs.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

• Coordinating new equipment development from concept design through FAT/SAT
• Installation and commissioning support
• Experience in battery manufacturing or electrolyte processing environments.
• Familiarity with controls platforms (NI/LabVIEW, PLCs), instrumentation documentation (P&IDs/I/O lists), and change control basics.
• Familiarity with data acquisition and data analysis tools.
• Familiarity troubleshooting control or DAQ software issues (LabVIEW, PLC/HMI, Python-based tools) in collaboration with engineering teams.
• Experience managing document revision control and changing control processes with vendors.
• Experience using project tools (Smartsheet/MS Project/Jira/Asana).
• Familiarity with manufacturing/production execution systems.

COMPENSATION

At the time of posting, the expected starting salary range for this role is $105,000 – $155,000 annually. The actual pay depends on multiple individualized factors, including education, job-related knowledge, experience, and skills, which will be assessed during the interview process. The comprehensive compensation package for this position may also include other elements, such as health benefits, 401k, and company stock options. The base pay range and package is subject to change and may be modified in the future.

ABOUT SOUTH 8 TECHNOLOGIES

South 8 Technologies, Inc. is a fast-growing and well-funded group backed by leading global organizations. We have developed a breakthrough new Liquefied Gas Electrolyte chemistry for next-generation lithium batteries. Our patented technology enables a substantial increase in energy, improved safety, and an exceptionally wide operating temperature. Leveraging conventional materials and manufacturing, South 8 Technologies offers a unique solution for a variety of e-mobility, energy storage, and industrial applications.

South 8 Technologies, Inc. was founded in 2015 and spun out of UC San Diego's Jacobs School of Engineering. We are a diverse team, which values integrity and hard work in an environment that encourages creative thinking, collaboration, and honest feedback. Become a critical member of our team and grow alongside us as we transform the energy landscape.

JOB APPLICATION

• Please send resume to
• Candidates only – we will not respond to inquiries from third-party recruiters.