R&D Lab Manager

We are building a state-of-the-art facility and a world-class team of technologists for R&D into next-generation battery cells, and we are now looking for an R&D Lab Manager to make it happen. You will lead the Cell Build Team and coordinate the research-oriented work we perform in our lab facilities. We are a diverse engineering team with a common goal to enable the future of energy.

Volvo Cars is one of the most well-known and respected car brands in the world. Northvolt is a leading supplier of sustainable, high-quality battery cells and systems, dedicated to delivering the world’s greenest lithium-ion battery.

Together, we have formed a joint venture, NOVO Energy, to power the next generation of pure electric Volvo and Polestar cars.

What You’ll Do

You and your team are responsible for the entire cell build process and cycling testing of battery cells. The team execute the battery electrode and process development for advanced high-energy density Li-ion batteries, by building and assessing new electrode material as well as conducting systematic processing experiments. The work is conducted in a lab environment with analytical equipment (XRD, SEM, DEMS, BIT, optical microscope, data logger, thermal sensing devices, voltmeter, oscilloscope, etc.). The team works closely with material, design, and manufacturing teams to ensure the successful development of battery cells.

You will be responsible for setting up the organization and way of working, from the in-going material need to end-of-life testing, implementing laboratory operational requirements to support analysis, all in all ensuring that laboratory operations run safely and efficiently. You will also focus on the people management responsibilities, handling hiring, scheduling, training, and development.

You will work closely with other engineering teams to coordinate cross-functional activities that improve laboratory operations. You will drive continuous improvement of methodology and technology in order to secure the highest standards of safety, quality, and output.

Your Background

We are looking for an enthusiastic R&D Lab Manager with experience in leading activities of lab/test engineers and with the ability to plan around multiple priorities and communicate the status of work activities. You take ownership and are eager to collaborate to achieve great results.

Further, you are a goal-oriented, curious, and persistent person that enjoys solving problems at their root causes and thrives in a multicultural and fast-changing environment.

- BSc or MSc. degree within relevant field of engineering
- Several years of experience in relevant lab positions
- Understanding of lithium-ion cell safety and its risk
- Experience in lab quality control systems
- English verbal and written communication, and detailed documentation skills



Volvo Cars is one of the most well-known and respected car brands in the world. Northvolt is a leading supplier of sustainable, high-quality battery cells and systems, dedicated to delivering the world’s greenest lithium-ion battery. Together, we have formed a joint venture, NOVO Energy, to power the next generation of pure electric Volvo and Polestar cars.

Our Gigafactory in Gothenburg will be one of the largest cell production facilities in Europe, with a potential annual cell production capacity of up to 50 gigawatt hours (GWh) - thereby enabling a supply of batteries for approximately half a million Volvo and Polestar cars per year. Our state-of-the-art R&D facility will gather leading expertise from all over the world, to create the next generation battery cells.

You can read more about this joint venture in these press releases, here and here.