Inspection Engineer

Ultium Cells, LLC is a joint venture lithium-ion automotive battery cell manufacturing plant between LG Energy Solution, Ltd., and General Motors. This high-technology facility features the latest in battery cell manufacturing technology and represents a $2.3 billion investment, positioning it among the largest battery cell manufacturing plants globally. Ultium Cells produces battery cells for General Motors’ North American electric vehicle applications.

About the role

Prevent quality issues in advance and maximize output (yield, OEE) through the establishment of an inspection system, management of inspection equipment maintenance, improvement of inspection equipment performance, and the introduction of new equipment.

Responsibilities

• Compliance with health, safety, environmental, and fire regulations.
• In case of emergency or danger, immediately stop work (e.g., safety accidents such as worker injury).
• Report singularities, accidents, and risk factors to Part Leader / Team Leader.
• Implement safety improvements.
• Inspection machine preventive maintenance (PM) management:
  • PM planning (work content, period, personnel input, time required).
  • Technician PM work order and result check.
  • Optimization of preventive maintenance items for inspection machine maintenance (PM Activity).
  • Establishment of inspection machine spare parts management system.
• Calibration to maintain inspection machine performance, management of Measurement Systems Analysis (MSA).
• Inspector equipment improvement activities:
  • Analyze and quantify equipment failure items (MTTR, MTBF).
  • Analyze the cause of equipment failure and derive improvement items.
  • Review, derive, and implement predictive maintenance plans for inspection equipment advancement.
• Prevention of recurrence through failure analysis report creation, education/dissemination, and improvement for breakdown maintenance (BM).
• Request and implement improvements on equipment makers for chronic problems.
• Improve and manage inspection machine accuracy and detection power:
  • Monitor inspection machine accuracy and detection power.
  • Derive and analyze major factors for major inspection items.
  • For process-borne issues, provide feedback to production and equipment departments.
  • For issues attributable to the inspection machine, derive improvement plans and optimize inspection conditions.
  • Continuously monitor the results of measures.
• Establishment of inspection information management system:
  • Investment review and capex execution approval based on the investment process.
  • Inspection information management system development schedule management.
  • Review compliance with system ordering specifications and monitor data interface stabilization.
  • System mass production transfer (to production department) and reporting (to supervisor).
• Expansion of equipment and dissemination/application of new technologies for inspection:
  • Investment review and capex execution approval based on the investment process.
  • Inspection machine setup schedule management.
  • Verification of facility production capacity and stabilization of operation quality in accordance with SAT standards and facility order specifications.
  • After completing inspection machine setup, transfer to mass production and carry out inspection report.
• Review and planning of inspection machine model development and model change:
  • Review of model development (investment, schedule).
  • Investment review and capex execution approval based on the model development process.
  • Inspection machine hardware production and inspection recipe development schedule management.
  • Model change recipe status management.
• Develop and implement technician skill improvement plans:
  • Develop and run training courses to improve technician skills.
  • Technician skill matrix management.
• Establishment and management of inspection machine standards (design, installation, operation):
  • Establishment and revision of inspection machine specifications and design standards.
  • Establishment and revision of inspection machine installation procedures (IP).
  • Establishment and revision of Process Flow Diagram (PFD), BM/PM/PD Manual (BM/PD Measures Guide).
  • Analyze the cause and check the action history for BM/PD issues.
  • Enactment/revision of PFD and BM/PD manual on BM/PD issues.
  • Production team sharing of BM/PM/PD Manual (EKMS, B-Lex registration) and inspection technician training.
• Developing competency:
  • Participate in LG Energy Solution Battery Academy (LBA).
  • Participate in business exchanges for each site.
  • Participate in online training (GMES platform, B-Lex case, etc.).
  • Participate in mentoring programs with new engineers.
• Perform other duties assigned by the superior.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree required in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a similar field.
• 0 to 3 years of experience in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or Mechanical Engineering preferred.
• Machine Vision Engineering experience in a manufacturing or automotive engineering environment through an internship, co-op, entry-level job role, or similar is preferred.

Skills

• Driven by objectives/KPIs; consistent and high personal ownership to uphold accountability to established standards and practices.
• Ability to use logical thinking and decision-making by focusing on identifying root causes objectively using data, analyzing production results, and following proven problem-solving methods.
• Knowledge of mechanical/technical curiosity and mindset.
• Commitment and desire to learn complex battery manufacturing processes with the goal of becoming a go-to resource for technical problem-solving discussions.
• Effective communication and presentation skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office tools for report writing and oral communication.
• Ability to work well with individuals and teams across the company to achieve team goals and targets.
• Good computer, troubleshooting, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to work well in a team environment.

Benefits

• Market-competitive compensation including base pay and incentive compensation opportunities based on the achievement of company goals.
• 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision.
• Generous paid holidays and paid time off to refresh and recharge.
• Tuition assistance for continuing education.
• Vehicle discount program on General Motors branded vehicles.
• Communication stipend for personal cell phone.

Employee may be exposed to or working with hazardous materials and/or hazardous waste. Upon hire, employees will receive initial environmental training over RCRA, SWPPP, SPCC, and emergency escalation. Annual refresher training will be completed every year thereafter to fulfill the requirements of 40 CFR. Additional training will be provided as required.