Chief Technology Officer (CTO)

The Chief Technology Officer (“CTO”) shall serve as a senior executive responsible for leading the Company’s global technology vision, research and development strategy, product innovation, and technical operations for advanced lithium-ion battery technologies serving transportation, energy storage, and specialty applications. The CTO shall devote substantially all business time, attention, and professional efforts to the performance of duties on behalf of the Company.The CTO shall report directly to the Chief Executive Officer and collaborate closely with executive leadership to support the Company’s strategic growth, operational excellence, intellectual property development, and long-term competitiveness.The CTO’s responsibilities shall include, but not be limited to, the following:Technology Strategy & InnovationDevelop, execute, and continuously refine the Company’s technology strategy, research roadmap, and innovation initiatives in alignment with corporate objectives, market opportunities, and customer requirements. Lead all research and development activities related to advanced lithium-ion battery technologies, including next-generation chemistries, high-performance cells, battery systems, and emerging energy storage technologies. Establish and maintain a comprehensive product and technology roadmap to ensure the Company remains competitive in transportation, commercial, industrial, specialty, and energy storage markets. Identify, evaluate, and integrate emerging technologies, materials, manufacturing methods, and strategic technical partnerships that enhance the Company’s competitive position. Battery Technology & Product DevelopmentLead the development, optimization, and commercialization of battery cell technologies and components, including cathode, anode, electrolyte, separator, current collector, and related materials systems. Direct the design, engineering, testing, validation, and continuous improvement of battery cells, battery packs, battery management systems (BMS), and integrated energy storage solutions for: Commercial vehicle (CV) applications Passenger vehicle (PV) applications Energy storage systems (ESS) Specialty and industrial applications Novel and next-generation battery platforms Oversee prototype development, pilot production, product validation, and scaling activities to ensure successful transition from R&D to commercial manufacturing. Ensure all products meet applicable performance, safety, reliability, durability, regulatory, and customer specifications. Manufacturing & Technical OperationsProvide technical leadership and support for manufacturing operations, process optimization, quality improvement, cost reduction, and operational troubleshooting. Collaborate with operations and manufacturing teams to improve production efficiency, yield, scalability, automation, and product consistency. Support supplier qualification, technical sourcing, and strategic vendor relationships related to battery materials, components, equipment, and manufacturing technologies. Drive continuous improvement initiatives across engineering, testing, validation, and manufacturing processes. Regulatory Compliance, Safety & QualityEnsure compliance with all applicable environmental, health, and safety (EHS) standards, labor laws, transportation regulations, and industry certifications related to battery development, testing, and manufacturing. Promote a strong culture of safety, technical integrity, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance throughout the organization. Support certification and compliance activities related to domestic and international battery standards and transportation regulations. Intellectual Property & Competitive PositioningLead the Company’s intellectual property strategy, including invention development, patent filings, trade secret protection, technology licensing, and IP risk management. Ensure Company activities, products, and technologies comply with applicable intellectual property laws and do not infringe upon third-party rights. Monitor industry trends, competitive technologies, and market developments to maintain the Company’s leadership position within the advanced battery industry. Leadership & Organizational DevelopmentBuild, lead, mentor, and retain a high-performing multidisciplinary engineering and R&D organization focused on innovation, accountability, execution, and continuous improvement. Foster a culture of collaboration, creativity, technical excellence, and high productivity across research, engineering, testing, and product development teams. Establish performance metrics, development objectives, and organizational structures that support rapid innovation and scalable growth. Executive Collaboration & Corporate SupportCollaborate with the CEO and other executive leadership team members to support strategic planning, fundraising, investor presentations, customer engagement, business development, partnerships, and commercialization activities. Provide technical expertise and support for customer meetings, strategic partnerships, government programs, and industry engagements. Assist in evaluating mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, licensing opportunities, and strategic investments involving technology or intellectual property. Perform such other duties and responsibilities as may reasonably be assigned by the Company consistent with the position of Chief Technology Officer.Required Education and ExperienceThe Chief Technology Officer shall possess the education, technical expertise, leadership capabilities, and industry experience necessary to successfully lead the Company’s advanced battery technology and product development initiatives. Preferred qualifications include the following:EducationAdvanced degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Electrochemistry, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline is strongly preferred. Ph.D. preferred; Master’s degree with significant industry leadership experience acceptable. Demonstrated specialization or technical expertise in lithium-ion batteries, energy storage systems, electrochemistry, battery materials, battery manufacturing, or related advanced energy technologies. ExperienceMinimum of 10–15 years of progressively responsible experience in battery technology, energy storage, electric vehicle systems, advanced materials, or related industries. Minimum of 5–10 years of executive or senior technical leadership experience managing research and development teams, engineering organizations, or technology commercialization programs. Proven experience leading the development and commercialization of lithium-ion battery technologies, including battery cells, battery packs, battery management systems (BMS), and energy storage applications. Demonstrated experience with battery chemistry development and manufacturing processes involving cathode, anode, electrolyte, separator, cell design, module integration, and battery system engineering. Strong understanding of battery manufacturing scale-up, pilot production, quality systems, process optimization, testing, validation, and reliability engineering. Experience supporting transportation, commercial vehicle, passenger vehicle, energy storage system (ESS), industrial, aerospace, marine, or specialty battery applications preferred. Demonstrated knowledge of applicable industry standards, regulatory requirements, environmental health and safety (EHS) regulations, transportation regulations, and product certification requirements applicable to battery technologies. Proven track record of intellectual property development, including patents, trade secret management, technology licensing, and IP compliance. Experience working with cross-functional teams including manufacturing, operations, supply chain, sales, business development, finance, and executive leadership. Strong strategic planning, organizational leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills with the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, innovation-driven environment. Experience supporting investor presentations, strategic partnerships, customer engagements, government programs, and commercial growth initiatives preferred. International business, manufacturing, or supplier management experience is a plus.