Job description
The Director of Systems Strategy & Technology Planning connects customer needs with the Company’s technology strategy. This leader translates market and product requirements into technology roadmaps, development priorities, and executable engineering programs while aligning long-term investments, portfolio decisions, and execution. The role leads systems planning, technical strategy, technology portfolio governance, and Technical Program Management (TPM).
The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in battery technology, systems engineering, safety engineering, and product development, along with proven success building teams, developing talent, and driving cross-functional alignment. This role may be remote or based at ZincFive’s Tualatin, Oregon headquarters and reports to the SVP, Technology and Engineering.
Director of System Strategy & Technology Planning Job Duties:
Define and maintain multi-generation technology roadmaps across battery systems hardware, including battery cells and critical components, controls and software manufacturing technologies, and safety engineering and testing
Identify capability gaps and technology investment priorities
Serve as primary technical counterpart to Product Management in strategic planning and translate customer requirements and market opportunities into system-level product requirements
Lead technical feasibility assessments for future products and roadmap concepts and ensure technology roadmaps and product roadmaps remain synchronized
Establish system architecture strategy and standards across all product platforms and drive requirements flow-down from system-level requirements through target subsystem specifications, including battery cell specifications
Facilitate architecture reviews and alternative technology assessments, including assisting in trade-off analysis related to performance, cost, safety reliability, and manufacturability
Ensure architectural consistency across product families
Lead a team of Technical Program Managers responsible for converting technology and product strategy into executable new product development programs
Foster strong interdepartmental collaboration to enhance responsive customer service, timely issue resolution, streamline processes, and support shared business goals
Drive cross-functional alignment between Product Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, and Service organizations
Translate roadmap objectives into structured development initiatives
Manage technical dependencies across concurrent programs
Identify and mitigate technical risks before they become schedule risks
Lead technical readiness reviews and milestone assessments
Establish development metrics and portfolio health indicators
Ensure program execution remains aligned with intended system architecture and product strategy
Build and lead a high-performing team and foster a culture of rigorous systems thinking, accountability, and innovation
Job Requirements:
BS in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field
15+ years of experience in battery systems, energy storage, electrification, power systems, or related technologies
8+ years leading multidisciplinary technical organizations
Demonstrated success leading system-level product strategy and roadmap development
Experience in Model Based System Engineering (MBSE)
Deep understanding of battery cell technologies, BESS architecture, safety engineering, reliability engineering, and product development processes
Experience building and managing technical portfolios
Experience leading Technical Program Management organizations
Strong understanding of DFM, quality engineering, and manufacturing scale-up
Proven ability to recruit, develop, and retain high-performing technical talent
Preferred Experience/Skills
Advanced degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field
Key Competencies:
Strategic and operational leadership
Excellent verbal, written and presentation skills
Planning, organizational and problem-solving skills
Strategic thinking, strong business acumen and pragmatic decision making
Creativity and innovation
Teamwork and collaboration
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:
Work involves sitting, standing, and lifting up to 10 pounds
Repetitive typing and computer work for extended periods of time
Ability to wear PPE on face and body when required
Manufacturing, warehouse, lab, and office environments
Domestic and international travel (up to 25%)
Must be able to maintain a level state of alertness while performing this job
Salary offers will depend on factors that include the location you work from, your level, education, training, specific skills, years of experience and comparison to other employees already in this role.
In addition, the successful candidate for this position will become eligible for a comprehensive set of outstanding benefits, includingmedical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401k, paid sick time, paid time off for vacation, paid holidays, paid community service days, professional/personal learning program, and applicable state/federal paid family leave.
ZincFive is committed to employing a diverse workforce. As an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status. We maintain a safe workplace and perform pre-employment testing. ZincFive is a participant in E-Verify and receives employment authorization of new hires through Social Security and the Department of Homeland Security databases.
Originally posted on Himalayas
Who can apply
Eligible countries: United States. Accepted UTC offsets: UTC-10, UTC-9, UTC-8, UTC-7, UTC-6, UTC-5, UTC+14. Review the full description for employer-specific work authorization, residency and schedule requirements.