Equipment Manager

Gotion Inc. is based in Silicon Valley, CA, currently building a Manufacturing facility in Manteno, IL and has R&D centers in Ohio, China, Japan and Europe. We innovate in the next generation electric vehicle and energy storage technologies (lithium batteries and related systems) with the aim to accelerate electrified transportation and achieve sustainable development. Gotion is powered by a leading power battery technology company that provides solutions for vehicles including the world's first mass commercial e-bus route. Gotion is a career destination - we are not simply attempting to just fill another job, but to pursue a dream of global green energy together! We offer outstanding opportunities to individuals seeking an exciting and challenging working environment. Everyone is highly valued and plays a vital role in the growth of our organization. Position Summary The Equipment Manager is responsible for leading all equipment-related activities within Gotion Pack battery manufacturing in Manteno Illinois facility. This role oversees equipment calibration, validation, testing, commissioning, SOP development, future equipment projects and long-term reliability performance. Experience managing a team of more than 50 equipment engineers. This role requires strong technical depth, cultural adaptability, and unwavering commitment to safety, integrity, and innovation.   Key Responsibilities 1. Startup Leadership Lead equipment commissioning for new production lines. Coordinate factory acceptance testing (FAT) and site acceptance testing (SAT). Oversee equipment calibration, validation, and performance verification. Develop equipment startup timelines aligned with production ramp plans.   2. Equipment Installation, Calibration & Testing Manage installation of key battery pack production equipment Ensure precision calibration and alignment of automated and high-voltage systems. Develop standardized calibration procedures. Validate equipment capability against process specifications and yield targets.   3. SOP & Standardization Development Develop and implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for: Equipment operation Preventive & predictive maintenance Troubleshooting & escalation Safety compliance Establish equipment documentation control and revision management. Ensure SOP alignment with global headquarters standards and local regulatory requirements.   4. Reliability, Equipment Uptime & Continuous Improvement Establish preventive and predictive maintenance systems. Track KPIs such as OEE, MTBF, MTTR, and downtime trends. Drive root cause analysis (RCA) and corrective action implementation. Lead TPM and continuous improvement initiatives in a startup environment. Reduce unplanned downtime and improve overall equipment efficiency   5. Cross-Cultural & Global Collaboration Serve as the primary liaison between local operations and Gotion headquarters support. Collaborate with international OEM vendors and technical teams. Demonstrate cultural awareness, respect, and adaptability in communication styles. Support translation and technical alignment between global engineering standards and local implementation.   6. Leadership & Communication Build and lead a high-performing equipment engineering and maintenance team. Provide hands-on coaching during startup and ramp phases. Communicate clearly across engineering, production, quality, EHS, and executive leadership. Present technical performance updates to senior management and global support team.   7. Equipment Lifecycle Management Oversee installation, commissioning, qualification, and validation of new equipment and future equipment project. Develop long-term asset management strategies. Manage capital equipment planning and budget forecasting. Coordinate equipment upgrades, retrofits, and obsolescence management.   8. Manufacturing Process Support Support critical battery pack production processes of the equipment. Ensure equipment performance meets production yield and quality targets.   9. Team Leadership Lead a team of over 50 equipment engineers, technicians, and maintenance supervisors. Develop training programs for technical staff and operators. Build succession planning and technical competency development programs. Foster a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.   10. Safety & Compliance Ensure compliance with OSHA, NFPA, environmental, and battery safety standards. Enforce lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures and high-voltage safety protocols. Participate in safety audits and risk assessments. Ensure safe handling of materials used in battery pack production.   11. Continuous Improvement Drive Lean Manufacturing, TPM, and Six Sigma initiatives. Improve OEE and reduce scraps related to equipment performance. Implement digital maintenance systems (CMMS). Benchmark best practices across global battery manufacturing sites.   12.Budget & Vendor Management Manage maintenance and spare parts budgets. Oversee critical spare parts inventory strategy. Coordinate with OEMs and international equipment suppliers. Negotiate service contracts and support agreements.   Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field. 7+ years of experience in high-volume manufacturing. 3+ years in equipment engineering or maintenance leadership role. Experience with automated manufacturing lines. Strong knowledge of PLCs, robotics, servo systems, and industrial controls. Experience with CMMS systems. Strong leadership and team management experience.   Preferred Qualifications   Experience in Lithium-ion battery manufacturing (LFP preferred). Knowledge of dry room operations and humidity-controlled environments. Experience in battery pack production. Lean / Six Sigma certification. Experience working in union manufacturing contractors. Exposure to international equipment integration (Asia, Europe suppliers). Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) Equipment uptime percentage Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF) Mean Time to Repair (MTTR) Maintenance cost per unit produced Safety incident rate related to equipment   Core Competencies Strategic Equipment Planning Technical Troubleshooting & Root Cause Analysis Cross-functional Collaboration Budget & Capital Planning Safety Leadership Data-Driven Decision Making   Work Environment Manufacturing floor environment (dry rooms, high-voltage areas) Requires PPE and adherence to strict safety standards Occasional international travel for equipment validation or supplier visits On-call support for critical production issues Align it to battery pack production and pack line assembly.   The U.S. base salary range for this full-time position is $150,000 –$180,000, plus eligibility for bonus and benefits. Our salary ranges are determined by factors such as the role, level, and geographic location. The range listed in the job posting represents the minimum and maximum target salaries for this position across all U.S. locations. Actual compensation within the range will be influenced by the specific work location, along with factors such as job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter will provide more details about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process. Please note that the listed compensation reflects the base salary only and does not include bonus or benefits. Gotion Inc. is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are dedicated to fostering a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve, cultivating a culture of inclusion and belonging, and ensuring equal employment opportunities for all. We provide equal opportunity to all individuals regardless of race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related conditions (including breastfeeding), parental status, criminal histories consistent with legal requirements, or any other characteristic protected by law. At Gotion Inc., we strive to create an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. Offices: Manteno, Illinois, United States (Manteno, IL);