Cell Assembly Process Engineer - Entry level

HSBMA LLC•Kingston, GA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

HSBMA is the temporary corporate name of the joint venture company between Hyundai Motor Group and SK on. The joint venture plans to invest $5 billion to build an EV battery cell plant in Bartow County, Georgia. Hyundai Motor Group and SK On will each hold a 50 percent stake in the joint venture. The new plant created by the two companies is expected to start manufacturing battery cells in the second half of 2025 with an annual production capacity of 35 GWh, enough to support the production of 300,000 EVs a year. The future Bartow County plant in northwest Georgia is strategically located near Hyundai Motor Group’s existing and planned U.S. facilities. Hyundai Motor Group broke ground last year on the new Hyundai Motor Group Mega plant America in southeast Georgia to make future Hyundai, Genesis and Kia EVs. The new site also adds to SK On’s existing presence in Georgia. In 2022, SK started production of EV batteries at its SK Battery America site in Commerce, Georgia. SK Battery America, a $2.6 billion investment, has an annual capacity of about 22 GWh, enough to support the production of more than 200,000 EVs a year. Join us on the journey of two companies' massive electric vehicle project in Bartow County. Battery manufacturing is composed of electrode, assembly and formation processes. In the Electrode process, raw materials are mixed and coated on to foils to make electrode sheets. Then, electrode components are stacked, welded and packaged in a cell housing during the Assembly process. Finally, through the Formation process the assembled cell is activated with electric energy and tested to evaluate its performance and characteristics. Battery process engineer is responsible for work that includes but not limited to monitoring, analyzing, and reporting of production results, and ensuring high yield and productivity for each electrode, cell assembly and formation process by implementing and improving manufacturing methods and processes. This position will also need to interact with other teams and vendors to solve complex and/or urgent problems by identifying and evaluating alternatives or by providing needed information and advice. As working on a 24/7 facility, this position may require on-call support in various circumstances. Candidates should be motivated problem solvers that can provide creative solution approaches to your task with concern about effectiveness and quality that are well based in the technology expertise and best practices. Assembly Notching: Refers to the process where reel of electrode is cut into individual sheets with designed dimensions Vacuum Drying: Vacuum drying removes moisture from sheets of electrodes to ensure low moisture content in assembled battery cells Stacking: The cathode and anode foils are stacked together with a separator material in between to create a jelly roll-like structure. Tab welding: Tab welding connects a set electrode foils to tab. Packaging: The purpose of packaging is to place Jelly roll into formed pouch, fill with electrolyte and seal

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field
Knowledge of battery production processes and equipment
Proficiency in data analysis and statistical methods
Familiarity with IT systems related to manufacturing, including MES and data verification tools
Problem-solving and troubleshooting skills
Effective communication and teamwork abilities
Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality
Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards.
Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards.

Nice To Haves

Battery manufacturing experience
Manufacturing experience related to the process of batteries (mixing, coating, slitting, notching, stacking, welding, packaging, and degassing)

Responsibilities

Identify and resolve issues in processes, product quality, and equipment by developing effective solutions.
Examine production raw data to conduct defect analysis, determine root causes, and implement corrective actions.
Monitor and enhance yield, overall equipment efficiency (OEE), and parts per million (PPM) in electrode, assembly, and formation production processes.
Oversee operating conditions at each production stage to ensure adherence to process regulations and address malfunctions.
Provide technical support to ensure production aligns with quality, efficiency, and safety standards, including preparation for production runs, oversight during production, and managing changes in instructions or materials.
Regularly review and update Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA).
Communicate key production activities, results, and indicators on a daily or weekly basis.
Work collaboratively with Engineers, Supervisors, and Operators to achieve production milestones.
Prepare and update work instructions, and provide training for new employees.
Enhance the production environment using 5S (Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain) and 3R (Right Material, Right Quantity, Right Position) standards.
Utilize production-related IT systems such as MES and other data verification tools effectively.
Perform other duties as assigned.