Background
Founded in 2021, NEU Battery Materials is a Singapore-based climatetech company that developed the world’s first patented electrochemical redox recycling method to recycle used lithium batteries. The company focuses on extracting critical lithium from lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries that are found in electric cars and energy storage systems, which will be key in developing a circular supply chain. NEU aims to be the largest, cleanest, and most neutral source of recycled lithium globally. NEU’s contribution to electrification and circularity has been recognized by the likes of the Temasek Foundation, BloombergNEF, Forbes Asia, and many others.
Job scope
Objectives
The candidate will be responsible for:
Timely project delivery: deliver key milestones on schedule and within approved capital expenditure plan
Performance: improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), uptime, yield, and cost-efficiency versus plan
Safety & compliance: ensure operational safety, and secure and maintain permits with the relevant regulatory authorities
Operating system & team: build the Operations & Engineering organization and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Responsibilities
Engineering Scale Up & Project Delivery
Lead the end-to-end scale-up of NEU’s proprietary recycling process from lab-scale to commercial-scale
Translate lab-scale and pilot insights into scalable, cost-efficient commercial engineering solutions
Serve as internal owner for EPCM contractors or third-party engineering consultants
Establish and enforce engineering quality, safety, and performance standards for commercialisation
Plant Setup & Execution
Lead the design, planning, construction, commissioning and technological deployment of of NEU’s semi-commercial facility
Oversee process layout, utilities, and infrastructure development
Define project scope, schedule, CAPEX, and resource plans, while ensuring delivery on time and within budget
Coordinate with internal teams, contractors, and suppliers to ensure alignment across all workstreams
Operations Leadership
Build, lead, and manage the Operations & Engineering departments across process, production, maintenance, and logistics
Lead and oversee day-to-day operations of the plant
Manage and own the full material flow, from feedstock intake to outboard materials
Drive OEE, uptime, cost-per-ton, and other plant performance KPIs
Plan and forecast operational budgets and capital expenditures
Regulatory & Compliance
Secure all relevant Singapore permits and approvals (e.g. NEA, SCDF, MOM, PUB)
Ensure compliance with chemical handling, safety, waste management, and environmental discharge standards
Establish scalable frameworks for regulatory compliance applicable to international markets
Technical Leadership & Mentorship
Guide and mentor junior engineers in plant design, vendor management, and commissioning
Translate R&D insights into robust, scalable process specifications
Support process validation, performance testing, and troubleshooting during commissioning
Contractor & Vendor Management
Identify, evaluate, and manage engineering consultants, EPCs, and contractors
Review engineering deliverables, drawings, and safety documentation
Ensure quality, safety, and technical standards are met at all stages
Cross-functional Collaboration
Collaborate closely with R&D, Operations, and Management to ensure plant design supports technical goals and long-term scalability
Report project progress, risks, and key decisions to the leadership team
Requirements
Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Chemical, Mechanical, Process, or Industrial Engineering; MBA or PMP is a plus
8-15 years of experience in scaling industrial processes from lab-scale to commercial-scale, EPCM, or operations leadership, ideally within lithium, chemical, or recycling sectors
Proven track record in taking technologies from pilot stage to full-scale operations, and EPCM or plant project management (concept to commissioning)
Deep understanding of plant engineering design, commissioning, and manufacturing systems
Strong operations management skills, including material handling, SOPs, logistics, maintenance, and EH&S
Strong understanding of Singapore’s regulatory landscape (NEA, SCDF, MOM) and chemical plant safety standards
Experience mentoring engineers and working cross-functionally in R&D-heavy environments
Possess good analytical thinking and problem-solving skills
Excellent communication in English
Familiarity with international (US/EU) environmental and industrial safety frameworks.
Good to have knowledge in any of these areas; flow battery, redox flow processes, electrochemical processes, fuel cell
Level of relevant working experience
6 - 10 years
Required Skills
Leadership