Training Specialist

Location ： Manteno, IL / Plant Site

Department: Human Resources / Talent Development

Employment Type: Full-time

About the Role

We are seeking a detail-oriented and operationally driven Training Specialist to design, coordinate, and deliver training programs for our U.S. new energy manufacturing facility. You will serve as the central hub for workforce capability building—covering production operators, maintenance technicians, quality inspectors, engineers, and expatriate staff—ensuring all programs align with OSHA, EPA, and industry-specific safety standards, while supporting our rapid operational ramp-up.

Key Responsibilities

1. Training Program Design & Delivery

- Develop and implement onboarding, OJT (On-the-Job Training), and continuous upskilling programs for hourly and salaried employees across production, process engineering, quality, EHS, and warehouse logistics.

- Build role-based learning paths (e.g., Cell Assembly Technician → Senior Technician → Lead) with clear competency milestones and certification criteria.

- Deliver instructor-led training (ILT) and coordinate virtual/hybrid sessions; facilitate both classroom and shop-floor practical instruction.

1. Technical & Compliance Curriculum

- Partner with EHS, Quality, and Engineering to create and maintain mandatory training modules on:

- OSHA 10/30, LOTO (Lockout/Tagout), confined space, hot work, and PPE protocols.

- Battery-specific safety: electrolyte handling, thermal runaway awareness, high-voltage safety, and hazardous material (hazmat) procedures.

- Quality systems: IATF 16949, ISO 9001, SPC, FMEA, and control plan fundamentals.

- Environmental compliance: EPA spill prevention, waste disposal, and stormwater protocols.

- Ensure 100% compliance training completion tracking and timely renewal reminders.

1. Training Operations & LMS Management

- Administer the Learning Management System (LMS); upload content, assign curricula, track completions, and generate monthly training dashboards for leadership review.

- Maintain training records in accordance with ISO standards, customer audit requirements, and state/federal labor regulations.

- Manage training logistics: scheduling, room/equipment booking, material printing, vendor coordination, and attendance tracking.

1. Expatriate & Cross-Cultural Support

- Coordinate technical and cultural onboarding for China-expatriate engineers and managers, including basic workplace English, local safety norms, and U.S. labor culture orientation.

- Support reverse-assignment programs (e.g., U.S. blue-collar staff training at China HQ) by preparing pre-departure briefings and cross-cultural communication guides.

1. Vendor & Budget Management

- Evaluate and manage external training vendors (e.g., community colleges, OSHA-authorized trainers, equipment OEM trainers).

- Prepare annual training budgets, track spend, and negotiate contracts to optimize cost per employee.

1. Continuous Improvement

- Conduct training needs analysis (TNA) via surveys, supervisor interviews, and skills-gap assessments.

- Measure training effectiveness through Kirkpatrick Level 1–3 evaluations (reaction, learning, behavior) and iterate curriculum accordingly.

Qualifications

Education

- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Education, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.

Experience

- 3+ years of training or L&D experience in a manufacturing environment; new energy, automotive, or battery industry strongly preferred.

- Proven track record of building shop-floor technical training for blue-collar and skilled-trade populations.

- Hands-on experience with an LMS (e.g., Workday Learning, Cornerstone, SAP SuccessFactors, or Docebo).

Skills & Competencies

- Strong instructional design ability: can convert SOPs and engineering specs into digestible training content.

- Excellent facilitation and presentation skills; comfortable training groups of 5–50 on the production floor.

- Proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with e-learning authoring tools (e.g., Articulate 360, Adobe Captivate) is a plus.

- Data-driven mindset: able to build Excel/Google Sheets training reports and analyze completion rates, test scores, and skills gaps.

- Bilingual in **English and Mandarin Chinese** is highly preferred to support expatriate integration and HQ collaboration.

Certifications (Preferred)

- ATD Master Trainer, CPTD, or equivalent instructional design certification.

- OSHA 10-Hour or 30-Hour certification; Train-the-Trainer credentials.

- Six Sigma Yellow/Green Belt or lean manufacturing training background.

Preferred Qualifications

- Experience in a **startup or greenfield manufacturing facility** (0→1 plant launch).

- Familiarity with battery cell manufacturing processes: mixing, coating, calendaring, slitting, winding, assembly, formation, and module/pack integration.

- Prior exposure to unionized workforce training protocols or joint labor-management apprenticeship programs.

- Knowledge of U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) registered apprenticeship frameworks.

Reporting & Collaboration

- U.S. HR Director of Training

- Collaborates closely with plant Manager, EHS Manager, Quality Manager, Engineering Managers, and China HQ Training Center

Position: Training & Development Intern (On-site, Chicago Factory)

Location: Chicago, IL (On-site at our manufacturing facility)

Duration: January 2026 (20 weeks, full-time)

Reports to: Training & Development line manager

 About the Role

We are seeking a motivated and hands-on Training & Development Intern to support our factory operations in Chicago. This role is ideal for a candidate with prior internship experience in training, instructional design, or workforce development, who is eager to apply their skills in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. You will work on-site to assist in the creation, delivery, and evaluation of training programs for factory employees, contributing directly to safety, quality, and operational excellence.

 Key Responsibilities

- Assist in the development and updating of training materials (e.g., work instructions, SOPs, safety guides, digital learning modules) for factory personnel.

- Shadow and support trainers in delivering on-the-job (OJT) and classroom-style training sessions for new hires and upskilling programs.

- Help coordinate training schedules, track attendance, and maintain training records in the Learning Management System (LMS).

- Observe and document workflow processes to identify gaps and recommend improvements to existing training content.

- Participate in safety training initiatives, including toolbox talks, safety walkthroughs, and compliance training support.

- Support the evaluation of training effectiveness through surveys, assessments, and feedback collection.

- Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Operations, Safety, Quality, HR) to ensure training alignment with plant goals.

- Assist in digitizing and organizing training assets for easy access and scalability.

 Qualifications & Requirements

- Currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s program in Human Resources, Organizational Development, Industrial Psychology, Education, or a related field.

- Prior internship or project experience in training, instructional design, or corporate learning is required.

- Basic understanding of adult learning principles and training evaluation methods (e.g., Kirkpatrick model).

- Comfortable working in a manufacturing environment; willingness to wear PPE and adhere to all safety protocols.

- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with ability to interact respectfully with diverse teams.

- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel); experience with LMS or e-learning tools (Articulate, Canva, etc.) is a plus.

- Self-starter with strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

- Must be able to work full-time on-site at our Chicago factory for the duration of the internship.

 Preferred Skills

- Familiarity with OSHA or manufacturing safety standards.

- Experience creating video or multimedia training content.

- Basic data analysis skills to interpret training metrics.

- Bilingual abilities (Spanish or Polish) are a strong asset in our diverse workforce.

Position Overview

We are seeking a Senior HR Manager to lead all human resources functions for our Gotion Giga Illinois brownfield manufacturing facility. This is a high-impact leadership role responsible for building and scaling HR infrastructure during plant ramp-up, while serving as a strategic partner to plant leadership.

The ideal candidate brings 8–10 years of progressive HR experience, including significant exposure to manufacturing environments, and thrives in fast-paced, high-growth operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Plant HR Strategy & Ramp-Up
  • Drive the full HR buildout for the Giga IL facility, including policies, procedures, and workforce planning.
  • Partner with leadership to support rapid scaling and operational readiness.
• Talent Acquisition & Workforce Planning
  • Lead recruiting efforts for hourly and salaried roles.
  • Develop workforce plans aligned with production and business goals.
• Employee Relations & Performance Management
  • Manage employee relations, investigations, disciplinary actions, and terminations.
  • Implement and oversee performance management processes.
• Training & Development
  • Design and implement training programs to support onboarding, compliance, and skill development.
  • Promote leadership development and succession planning.
• Compensation, Benefits & Payroll Oversight
  • Partner with corporate teams to administer competitive compensation and benefits programs.
  • Ensure accurate payroll processes and compliance.
• Compliance & Risk Management
  • Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local employment laws (FLSA, OSHA, EEOC, etc.).
  • Maintain HR policies aligned with legal and corporate standards.
• Leadership Partnership
  • Act as a trusted advisor to plant leadership on organizational design, culture, and workforce challenges.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally to resolve HR-related issues.
• Culture & Engagement
  • Foster a positive, inclusive, and high-performance work environment.
  • Drive employee engagement and retention initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• 8–10 years of progressive HR experience, with strong manufacturing or plant environment experience required.
• Proven experience supporting high-growth, ramp-up, or startup operations (strongly preferred).
• Deep knowledge of employment laws and HR best practices.
• Demonstrated ability to influence leadership and drive change.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Prior leadership experience managing HR staff or teams preferred.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Salary: $130,000 – $150,000, commensurate with experience
• Performance-based bonus opportunity
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Generous PTO package
• Career growth opportunities within a rapidly expanding organization

Compensation & Performance Specialist

Position Summary

The Compensation & Performance Specialist is responsible for supporting the design, implementation, and administration of the company’s compensation and performance management programs. This role ensures alignment with business objectives, market competitiveness, internal equity, and regulatory compliance, while driving a high-performance culture.

Key Responsibilities

1. Compensation Management

• Support the development and maintenance of salary structures, job grades, and compensation bands
• Conduct market benchmarking and salary surveys to ensure competitiveness
• Assist in annual salary review processes, including merit increases, promotions, and adjustments
• Partner with HR and business leaders to design competitive offer packages
• Monitor and analyze labor costs, salary budgets, and headcount expenses
• Administer bonus programs, including annual and project-based incentives

1. Performance Management

• Support the implementation of performance management frameworks (KPI/OKR)
• Coordinate performance review cycles (monthly/quarterly/annual)
• Facilitate performance calibration processes to ensure consistency and fairness
• Track and analyze performance ratings and trends
• Ensure performance outcomes are effectively linked to compensation and talent decisions

1. Data Analysis & Reporting

• Prepare compensation and performance-related reports and dashboards
• Analyze workforce data, including labor cost, turnover, and productivity metrics
• Provide insights and recommendations to support business decisions

1. Policy & Compliance

• Ensure all compensation practices comply with federal, state, and local regulations (e.g., FLSA, Equal Pay Act)
• Support the development and communication of compensation and performance policies
• Maintain accurate documentation and audit readiness

1. HR Systems & Process Management

• Maintain compensation and performance data in HRIS systems (e.g., ADP, SAP)
• Support system updates, process improvements, and data integrity
• Assist in automation and optimization of HR processes

1. Business Support & Communication

• Provide guidance to managers on compensation decisions and performance management
• Respond to employee inquiries regarding pay and performance policies
• Support change management initiatives related to compensation and performance programs

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or related field
• 3–6 years of experience in compensation, performance management, or HR analytics
• Experience in manufacturing or fast-growing organizations preferred
• Strong analytical skills and proficiency in Excel
• Familiarity with HRIS systems (e.g., ADP, SAP)
• Knowledge of U.S. labor laws and compensation regulations
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with salary benchmarking tools (e.g., Mercer, Radford)
• Experience supporting bonus and incentive program design
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, cross-cultural environment

Key Competencies

• Analytical thinking
• Attention to detail
• Business acumen
• Confidentiality and integrity
• Strong execution and follow-through

Work Location

Manteno, IL (On-site)

Role Summary
The HR Coordinator will provide essential administrative and operational support to the Human Resources team with a primary focus on onboarding, training coordination, and day‑to‑day HR activities. This position plays a key role in ensuring an organized, efficient, and positive employee experience. The ideal candidate is detail‑oriented, dependable, and able to handle multiple tasks while maintaining accuracy and confidentiality. This role supports HR operations.

• Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• Sit in/be involved with employee relations/complaint cases, including documentation and note-taking
• Coordinate all onboarding activities, including scheduling, paperwork collection, new hire communication, and first‑day preparations
• Prepare onboarding materials and ensure new hires complete required documentation
• Educate new hires on basic HR policies, procedures, and site-specific expectations• Assist in planning orientation sessions and ensuring a smooth transition into the organization
• Support training initiatives, including scheduling, tracking attendance, and managing training materials
• Help coordinate external training programs, including partnerships with local colleges when applicable
• Maintain training records and update training databases
• Assist with maintaining employee personnel files, medical files, and compliance documentation
• Update employee information in HRIS under the direction of HR leadership
• Provide general administrative support to the HR team, including report generation, scheduling, and data entry
• Post communication materials throughout the plant (notices, announcements, reminders)
• Support employee inquiries by directing employees to appropriate resources or HR team members
• Assist with processing employee status changes, transfers, and leave documentation
• Respond to routine employee questions regarding onboarding, training, or basic HR procedures
• Maintain confidentiality of all employee and company information in compliance with policies and regulations
• Support HR team with special projects and additional duties as assigned

Required Qualifications:

• Associate degree preferred; Bachelor’s degree a plus
• 2-5 years of experience in Human Resources or administrative support
• Ability to read, write, and communicate clearly in English
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and comfort with HR systems/data entry
• Strong organizational skills with high attention to detail
• Ability to prioritize tasks and work independently with guidance
• Strong internal customer service mindset
• Reliable, punctual, and comfortable in a fast‑paced environment

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in manufacturing or high‑volume production environments
• Experience supporting training or onboarding programs
• Familiarity with both union and non‑union workplaces (not required)
• Experience with HRIS platforms

The US base salary range for this full-time position is $40.00/hr. - $43.00/hr. + benefits. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process.

Gotion Inc. is based in Silicon Valley, CA, currently building a Manufacturing facility in Manteno, IL and has R&D centers in Ohio, China, Japan and Europe. We innovate in the next generation electric vehicle and energy storage technologies (lithium batteries and related systems) with the aim to accelerate electrified transportation and achieve sustainable development. Gotion is powered by a leading power battery technology company that provides solutions for vehicles including the world's first mass commercial e-bus route.

Gotion is a career destination - we are not simply attempting to just fill another job, but to pursue a dream of global green energy together! We offer outstanding opportunities to individuals seeking an exciting and challenging working environment. Everyone is highly valued and plays a vital role in the growth of our organization.

Gotion Illinois is looking for a Senior Technical Recruiter to play a key role in scaling our U.S. operations. This individual will be responsible for driving the recruitment strategy to build high-performance technical teams critical to the ramp-up of our advanced battery production facility. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of technical recruitment in the manufacturing or technology space, with a strong emphasis on identifying top-tier talent in engineering and specialized technical roles. You will collaborate with hiring managers and leadership to anticipate workforce needs and build pipelines that support the rapid growth of our Illinois operations.

If you’re a Senior Technical Recruiter with experience in corporate and operational hiring, and you thrive in a fast-paced, growth-focused environment, Gotion is the place for you. Help us build the teams that will drive the future of energy!

What you’ll do

• Full-Cycle Recruitment: Lead and manage the end-to-end recruitment process for technical roles, including engineering, R&D, manufacturing, and technical leadership positions.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Partner with hiring managers, HR business partners, and senior leadership to define hiring needs, develop role profiles, and align on recruitment strategies.
• Sourcing Strategy: Develop and implement proactive sourcing strategies to attract top talent, utilizing a mix of channels, including direct sourcing, social media, networking, and industry events.
• Talent Pipeline Development: Build and maintain a robust pipeline of passive and active candidates in critical technical domains, ensuring that Gotion is positioned to attract top talent in a competitive market.
• Recruitment Metrics: Track and analyze key recruiting metrics (time-to-fill, cost-per-hire, candidate satisfaction, etc.) to continuously improve the hiring process and outcomes.
• Diversity and Inclusion: Champion Gotion’s diversity hiring initiatives, ensuring that recruiting practices align with our goals to build an inclusive workforce.
• Employer Branding: Work closely with the HR and marketing teams to enhance Gotion’s employer brand through external networking, partnerships with universities and industry groups, and innovative recruitment campaigns.
• Candidate Experience: Ensure an exceptional candidate experience from initial contact to onboarding, fostering a positive employer brand and positioning Gotion as an employer of choice.
• Compliance: Ensure all recruitment activities are in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, as well as internal policies and standards.

What you’ll bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years of experience in technical recruiting, preferably in manufacturing, engineering, or advanced technology sectors.
• Proven track record of successfully filling technical positions in fast-paced, high-growth environments.
• Expertise in direct sourcing, networking, and engaging with passive talent across multiple channels.
• Strong understanding of the full recruitment lifecycle, with demonstrated experience in both volume and niche hiring.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience using Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), HRIS, and other recruitment tools.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Commitment to promoting diversity and creating an inclusive hiring environment.

The U.S. base salary range for this full-time position is $100,000 –110,000, plus eligibility for bonus and benefits. 

Our salary ranges are determined by factors such as the role, level, and geographic location. The range listed in the job posting represents the minimum and maximum target salaries for this position across all U.S. locations. Actual compensation within the range will be influenced by the specific work location, along with factors such as job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

The ideal candidate will be comfortable meeting new people frequently and have an ability to determine a candidate's potential through questions. They should have excellent organizational skills in order to build and maintain a pipeline of prospective candidates. Additionally, they should be committed to both meeting and exceeding assigned hiring goals. 

Responsibilities 

• Design and deploy sourcing strategies, screen, and assess candidates for open positions at all levels with different business focuses
• Manage full life cycle recruitment process including, creating, and managing job postings, reviewing resumes, conducting phone screens and interviews, managing interview process and candidate communication, all the way through the entire offer process
• Identify and implement creative, impactful sourcing strategies to identify top talent. Source, select, sell, and close amazing technical talent.
• Maintain accurate records of all candidates, searches, and job requirements in ATS
• Provide direction & oversight and partner with HR generalist regarding job postings, interview scheduling, interview feedback collection, onboarding activities, etc.
• Manage hiring manager expectations and equip the interviewers to continually improve their interviewing capability.
• Nurture future hires and build a strong pipeline for the future.

Qualifications 

• Bachelor's degree 
• At least 2+ years of recruitment experience (automotive industry preferred) 
• Effective communication skills
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills
• Experience working with Microsoft Office suite
• High-energy and passion
• Demonstrated ability to meet hiring goals

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Partner with HR Manager and the company to develop innovative sourcing, recruitment strategies, and outreach opportunities to attract diverse, qualified candidates.
• Collaborates with recruiters and departmental managers to gather and analyze full cycle recruitment data with the ATS system.
• Support the onboarding process which includes working with hiring managers to schedule employee orientation, onboarding, and training for new employees.
• Participate in development and maintaining of HR objectives and systems, including metrics, queries, documents, and ongoing reports.
• Contribute actively to the development and implementation of human resources policies and procedures.
• Creating employee engagement plans, and team building program
• Support and administer the processing of nonimmigrant visas and green cards.
• Maintain and coordinate employee recognition programs, service awards, and monthly appreciation events.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum of 2-5 years of experience in Human Resources
• Experience in recruiting for highly collaborative teams
• Ability to acquire a thorough understanding of the organization's hierarchy, jobs, qualifications, compensation practices, and the administrative practices related to those factors
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills
• Excellent communication skills and strong command of assessment and selection methodologies, instruments, and process
• Strong intuition and natural problem-solving skills, with an ability to manage multiple projects/priorities using tactical and strategic analytical skills.
• Extensive experience with MS Office (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint), ATS, experience with SAP will be beneficial.