Program Manager, Product Development

We are Sila, a next-generation battery materials company. Our mission is to power the world’s transition to clean energy. To create this future, our team is building a better lithium-ion battery from the inside out today. We engineer and manufacture ground-breaking battery materials that significantly increase the energy density of batteries, while reducing their size and weight. The result? Smaller more powerful batteries that can unlock innovation in consumer devices and accelerate the mass adoption of electric cars to eliminate our dependence on fossil fuels. We’re tackling one of the biggest challenges of our time every day, and together we’re redefining what’s possible. Are you ready to be a part of a team committed to changing the world?

Who You Are

As a Program Manager at Sila, you ensure internal and external programs progress towards timely success by detailing program timelines and key deliverables, anticipating roadblocks and coordinating mitigation approaches, and communicating program status and risks to our executive leadership team. You will act as the primary internal point of contact for our commercial team and technology teams, fostering strong relationships and serving as an advocate for their needs within Sila.

You are an experienced program manager, who combines a technical background with demonstrated commercial aptitude. You have demonstrated excellence in leading technical development programs, and have ideally brought new materials or hardware to market. Ideally, you also have some customer-facing experience, either in managing customer-interfacing programs, business development, or sales. 

You thrive in fast-paced environments, are an independent thinker, but also excel in highly collaborative teams of internal and external partners.

Responsibilities and Duties  

• Align and drive macro- and micro-level internal and customer plans for product development programs, ensuring alignment with the company’s critical milestones
• Proactively identify and highlight critical-path dependencies, risks, and opportunities to accelerate
• Communicate, plan, create alignment, and take action on tactical decisions with partners representing different functions
• Crisply and clearly communicate program status to executives, partners, and across Sila
• Refine program management tools and processes, with a focus on purpose and value
• Cultivate strong, collaborative relationships and promote an encouraging program team environment

Knowledge and Skill Requirements 

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher in engineering or physical sciences
• 5+ years of program management or similar experience, preferably in the automotive, battery, consumer electronics, or material / chemical industries
• Ideally 2+ years of proven experience in externally facing roles
• Experienced in establishing and effectively using a variety of Gantt, collaboration, and communication tools
• Experience establishing decision-making frameworks for managing program life cycles, including deep knowledge of stage-gate methodology
• Demonstrated ability to consolidate and communicate data and trade-offs clearly to varied audiences
• Experience bringing together cross-functional needs and expectations, gaining and maintaining cross-functional stakeholder support, and closing gaps in differences to drive alignment
• Excellent leadership, analytical thinking skills, organizational skills, and high attention to detail

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Operate a computer and other office equipment, such as a laptop, copier/printer, etc in a fixed location
• This in-person role is based at our facility in Alameda, CA. 
• Occasional (<5%) travel to program meetings with external partners

Work Schedule

Regular Shift: Monday – Friday, 9:00am – 6:00pm

Payscale Disclosure

The starting base pay for this role is between $151,000 and $191,000 at the time of posting. The actual base pay depends on many factors, such as education, experience, and skills. Base pay is only one part of Sila’s competitive Total Rewards package that can include benefits, perks, equity, and bonuses.  The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future.

Working at Sila

We believe that building a diverse team at Sila helps us amplify our individual talents. We are an equal opportunity employer and committed to creating an inclusive environment where good ideas are free to come from anyone. We are proud to celebrate diversity and all qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, national origin, or any other status protected by law.