Cell Assembly Process Engineer - Entry level

HSBMA is the temporary corporate name of the joint venture between Hyundai Motor Group and SK On, investing $5 billion to build an EV battery cell plant in Bartow County, Georgia. The plant 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 per year. The facility is strategically located near Hyundai Motor Group’s existing and planned U.S. facilities, as well as SK On’s Georgia operations.

About the role

Battery manufacturing consists of electrode, assembly, and formation processes. This role focuses on the Assembly process, where electrode components are stacked, welded, and packaged into cell housings. The Process Engineer is responsible for monitoring, analyzing, and reporting production results to ensure high yield and productivity by improving manufacturing methods. This position requires collaboration with other teams and vendors to solve complex problems and may include on-call support for a 24/7 facility.

Key Assembly Processes

• Notching: Cutting reels of electrode into individual sheets with designed dimensions.
• Vacuum Drying: Removing moisture from electrode sheets to ensure low moisture content in assembled cells.
• Stacking: Assembling cathode and anode foils with separator material to create a jelly roll-like structure.
• Tab Welding: Connecting electrode foils to tabs.
• Packaging: Placing the jelly roll into a formed pouch, filling with electrolyte, and sealing.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot and resolve issues in processes, product quality, and equipment by developing effective solutions.
• Analyze production data to conduct defect analysis, determine root causes, and implement corrective actions.
• Monitor and improve yield, overall equipment efficiency (OEE), and parts per million (PPM) in electrode, assembly, and formation processes.
• Oversee operating conditions to ensure compliance with process regulations and address malfunctions.
• Provide technical support to align production with quality, efficiency, and safety standards, including preparation, oversight, and change management.
• Regularly review and update Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA).
• Report key production activities, results, and indicators on a daily or weekly basis.
• Collaborate with engineers, supervisors, and operators to achieve production milestones.
• Prepare and update work instructions and train 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.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Battery manufacturing experience.
• Manufacturing experience in battery processes (mixing, coating, slitting, notching, stacking, welding, packaging, and degassing).

Skills

• Knowledge of battery production processes and equipment.
• Proficiency in data analysis and statistical methods.
• Familiarity with manufacturing IT systems, including MES and data verification tools.
• Problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Effective communication and teamwork abilities.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to safely perform essential job functions consistent with ADA, FMLA, and other standards.
• Regular, punctual attendance.
• Occasional lifting and/or moving of up to 50 pounds.
• Regularly required to stand, walk, sit, talk, or hear; occasionally required to reach, stoop, kneel, bend, or crawl.

Work Environment

• Office Environment: Must wear company-provided uniforms.
• Production Site: Must wear company-provided uniform and PPE, including safety shoes, helmet, safety glasses, and portable gas measuring device.
• Exposure to noise (above 90 dB in compressor room), high temperatures (104–122°F in various rooms), and potential hazardous materials (e.g., heating medium oil, NMP, water treatment chemicals).