Specialist Pilot line Assembly

Agratas – A Tata Enterprise

Purpose of the Role

Manage the Cell Assembly team on the Pilot Line to execute trial builds and chemistry changeovers (e.g., LFP to NMC or other emerging chemistries), achieving trial-run SQDC KPIs. Organize and control Cell Assembly process operations Cutting/Stacking, Ultrasonic/Laser welding, CCD/Laser vision inspection including manpower deployment and line management within the shift. Handle process/quality abnormalities and exceptions, driving problem solving using the organisation's standard problem-solving tools.
Coordinate with R&D, Quality, and the Pilot Line Manager to align Cell Assembly trial plans, changeover schedules, and production deliverables. Ensure timely data inputs are captured in MES/SAP to drive data-based decisions. Ensure full compliance to statutory, safety, and quality requirements (including IATF 16949), timely disposal of waste per set standards, and effective handling of non-standard procurement/consumables needed for trial builds.

Key Responsibility Areas

Greenfield

Support execution of chemistry changeovers on the Cell Assembly Pilot Line adjusting Cutting/Stacking, Ultrasonic/Laser welding, and CCD/Laser vision inspection parameters (e.g., stack alignment tolerances, weld energy/pressure, inspection thresholds) for each new chemistry with minimal downtime.
Support qualification of new cell designs, materials, and process parameters on the Pilot Line ahead of scale-up to mass production; capture DOE trial data and document changeover process windows for technology transfer to the Gigafactory line.
Work closely and collaborate with CFTs process engineering (global/advanced PE and plant PE, ME), R&D, Quality, construction, HR, Maintenance to ensure the right physical and operational standards are in place for pilot-line trials.

Knowledge Generic

5–10 years leading Production/pilot-line operations in Li-ion cell, EV battery pack, or solar cell manufacturing, with NPI, process validation, or multi-chemistry changeover exposure
Strong knowledge of Cutting/Stacking, Ultrasonic/Laser welding, and CCD/Laser vision inspection, and how parameters shift across chemistries; skilled in exception/NG/CAPA handling and problem-solving tools (8D, Six Sigma, 7 QC, 5-Why, Fishbone, FMEA, DOE).
Working knowledge of IATF 16949, SAP/ERP, and MES
Proven cross-functional coordination with R&D and Quality to execute the Cell Assembly Pilot Line plan

Job Context

Functional

Ensure physicals like SOPs/WI/Check sheets are ready and well understood by Team Leaders/Operators and updated for each chemistry changeover.
Ensure Cell Assembly Pilot Line throughput is as per trial plan and issues are timely escalated.
Plan and manage manpower deployment and line management within the shift, including attendance, work allocation, and multi-skilling to support changeover-driven workload swings.
Drive a strong safety culture on the shop floor safety compliance, PPE discipline, risk assessments, and incident/near-miss reporting for the Cell Assembly Pilot Line, including chemistry-specific handling considerations.

Job Context Specific

Manage non-standard procurement and consumables required for trial builds (trial materials, spares, tooling, chemistry-specific PPE), coordinating with Maintenance/SCM to avoid trial downtime.
Ensure 100% compliance to all statutory, safety, and quality-management-system requirements, including IATF 16949.
Ensure Cell Assembly zone 5S and Autonomous Maintenance compliance is 100%.
Log and track production, quality, and changeover data in SAP and MES, ensuring accurate real-time shop-floor data capture for traceability and reporting.

Knowledge Specific

Role Specific Qualifications/Certifications 