Program Manager/Senior Program Manager

Program Manager/Senior Program Manager

Solid Power is seeking a Program Manager or Senior Program Manager to lead a strategic internal and external customer program supporting the commercialization of next-generation solid-state battery materials. These roles have the opportunity to own end-to-end program delivery, from development through qualification and production and serves as the primary interface with a key customer and aligns cross-functional execution across R&D, engineering, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain. This role is critical to delivering customer commitments and advancing our commercialization strategy. This role may serve as the primary external-facing program lead, partnering closely with Solid Power's internal cross-functional teams and our SP Korea office to ensure flawless execution against customer commitments.

Job Duties:

• Serve as the primary program lead and single point of accountability for a key external customer program focused on Solid Power's electrolyte/powder products, owning scope, schedule, budget, risk, and quality.
• Build and maintain a trusted, professional relationship with the external customer, leading regular program reviews, technical exchanges, and executive cadences.
• Lead a cross-functional internal team (R&D, Process Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, EH&S, Commercial) through APQP phases, from inception through qualification and production.
• Partner closely with Solid Power's SP Korea office, as needed, to align customer expectations, technical deliverables, communication cadence, and cultural considerations.
• Drive phase-gate reviews and ensure program milestones are achieved on time, on budget, and in full.
• Translate customer requirements into clear internal program deliverables and translate internal technical progress into customer-ready updates and documentation.
• Manage external collaborators and vendor relationships critical to achieving program objectives.
• Regularly interact across functional areas and with senior leadership to ensure program objectives are met, and escalations are managed proactively.
• Review product documentation and collateral to ensure alignment between internal development and external messaging.
• Anticipate risks, develop mitigation plans, and communicate clearly to both internal leadership and external customers.

Qualifications/Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline (chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, or related) required; Master's preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of program management experience, with demonstrated end-to-end ownership of complex, externally facing programs.
• Proven experience as the primary customer-facing program manager for a strategic account or joint development partner.
• Thorough knowledge of APQP and phase-gate methodology.
• PMP certification or ability to obtain within one year of start date.
• Demonstrated cross-functional team leadership and consensus building skills.
• Ability to effectively communicate at all levels of the organization, including C-level executives, customer counterparts, and technical staff.
• Proven ability to lead and influence thinking and gain acceptance of others at all levels of an organization and in sensitive situations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical content into clear, customer-ready messaging.
• Expert level of Microsoft Project and proficiency in MS Office Suite and SAP.
• Rapid learner who thrives in a fast-paced start-up environment.
• Comfortable holding colleagues accountable for their commitments.
• Able to work independently and be self-motivated with a sense of urgency and drive for results.
• Ability to travel internationally if needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Battery cell or battery materials (electrolyte, cathode, anode, powder) development and scale-up experience.
• Automotive industry experience (OEM or Tier 1) with thorough APQP knowledge.
• Product development experience with joint development partners.
• Korean language proficiency is preferred but not required.
• Experience working across U.S. and Korea time zones and cultural contexts.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit, stand, or walk for long periods of time.

Salary Range: $115,000 - $160,000/year

Benefits: Solid Power offers a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical/dental/vision insurance, employer paid Life/AD&D/STD/LTD insurance, 401k with company match, 8 paid holidays + the week between Christmas and New Years off, Unlimited PTO, up to six (6) weeks paid FMLA leave, cell phone reimbursement and eligibility to participate in our bonus and equity plans.