Senior Materials Science & Localization Lead

The Company:

Faraday Future (FF) is a California-based mobility company, leveraging the latest technologies and world’s best talent to realize exciting new possibilities in mobility. We’re producing user-centric, technology-first vehicles to establish new paradigms in human-vehicle interaction. We’re not just seeking to change how our cars work – we’re seeking to change the way we drive. At FF, we’re creating something new, something connected, and something with a true global impact.

Your Role:  

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Materials Science & Localization Lead to spearhead our efforts in material innovation and regional sourcing optimization. This role will drive the development, validation, and localization of material solutions to meet performance, cost, regulatory, and sustainability goals across our global product portfolio. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in material science and a strategic mindset for managing localization initiatives and supplier partnerships. This role will act as the technical and regulatory bridge between U.S. and China materials compliance ecosystems, driving the localization of materials from China-regulated to U.S.-regulated standards. This position is critical to FF’s cross-border regulatory strategy and product localization success. The ideal candidate will bring both deep materials expertise and proven U.S.-China regulatory integration experience

Responsibilities 

• Material Selection and Testing:
  • Identify and evaluate materials (e.g., alloys, composites, polymers, and battery-related materials) for automotive components, ensuring performance, durability, and cost-effectiveness.
  • Conduct material testing and validation to meet automotive industry standards (e.g., SAE, ASTM, ISO).
  • Optimize material properties to enhance vehicle performance, safety, and sustainability.
• Supply Chain Compliance:
  • Collaborate with suppliers to ensure materials and components comply with U.S. Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and Chinese export control laws, including restrictions on critical materials (e.g., rare earths, graphite, gallium, germanium).
  • Verify supplier documentation, including export licenses and material origin certificates, to avoid disruptions due to trade restrictions.
  • Perform due diligence to ensure materials are free from forced labor concerns, in compliance with the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA).
  • Lead engagement with third-party compliance consultants to manage end-to-end materials regulatory conversion programs.”“Ensure full compliance of China-sourced materials with U.S. standards (DOT, NHTSA, EPA, FMVSS)
• Regulatory Adherence:
  • Determine Export Control Classification Numbers (ECCN) for materials and components, coordinating with the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) as needed.
  • Ensure compliance with environmental regulations (e.g., EPA, CARB) and automotive safety standards for material use in production.
  • Monitor updates to U.S. and Chinese trade policies, including tariffs and export restrictions, and adjust material sourcing strategies accordingly.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration:
  • Work with design and manufacturing teams to integrate materials into vehicle systems, including electric vehicle batteries, chassis, and electronics.
  • Partner with procurement to diversify material sources, reducing reliance on restricted or high-risk supply chains (e.g., single-source suppliers in China).
  • Support quality assurance teams in resolving material-related issues during production and testing.
• Innovation and Sustainability:
  • Research and recommend advanced materials to improve vehicle efficiency, such as lightweight alloys or sustainable composites.
  • Contribute to Faraday Future’s mission of sustainable mobility by evaluating eco-friendly material alternatives.
  • Develop structured materials compliance roadmap aligned with FF’s go-to-market timeline.
  • Monitor U.S.-China trade policy and adjust sourcing strategy accordingly.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience managing 3rd-party consultants
• 5+ years of experience with proven leadership in cross-border regulatory conversion projects, preferably in the automotive industry.
• Expertise in material properties and applications for automotive components (e.g., batteries, electronics, structural components).
• Strong knowledge of U.S. Export Administration Regulations (EAR), ECCN classification, and supplier due diligence.
• Experience managing third-party compliance consultants to ensure regulatory adherence.
• Proficiency in material testing and validation, with familiarity in ASTM/ISO standards.
• Exceptional communication and collaboration skills to thrive in a Lion-Wolf Culture, working with cross-functional teams and international suppliers to drive flywheel momentum
• A penchant for multi-tasking and self-starting

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree or PhD in Materials Science or a related field.
• Bilingual fluency in Mandarin and English preferred.
• Familiarity with CCC, REACH, RoHS, FMVSS, UFLPA, and related automotive material standards.
• Experience with EV materials (e.g., battery anode/cathode materials, high-performance composites).
• Proficiency in supply chain management tools (e.g., SAP, Oracle).
• Prior experience in high-volume automotive manufacturing environments.
• A creative curiosity, collaborative ethic, hardworking enthusiasm, and driving personal vision

Annual Salary Range:

($115K - $135K DOE), plus benefits and incentive plans

 Perks + Benefits

• Healthcare + dental + vision benefits (Free for you/discounted for family)
• 401(k) options
• Casual dress code + relaxed work environment
• Culturally diverse, progressive atmosphere

Faraday Future is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status.