- Job Overview
This role is responsible for the maintenance, reliability, troubleshooting, optimization, and continuous improvement of mechanical systems and manufacturing equipment supporting lithium-ion battery production operations.The Mechanical Engineer provides technical leadership for equipment reliability, preventive maintenance, predictive maintenance, equipment commissioning, and continuous improvement activities throughout Electrode, Assembly, and Formation manufacturing processes.
This position plays a critical role in maximizing equipment uptime, improving Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), reducing equipment failures, and ensuring safe and stable mass production of high-quality lithium-ion batteries.
- Department & Collaboration Structure
- Department: Maintenance Team / Mechanical Engineer
- Collaborating Departments: Production, Quality Assurance (QA), Process/Manufacturing Engineering, Environmental Health & Safety (EHS), and domestic/international equipment and solution partners.
- Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Maintenance Team Manager/Lead, and participates as a core member in cross-functional projects across various departments.
- Core MissionDrive manufacturing stability, equipment reliability, and production efficiency by ensuring the optimal performance of automation control systems throughout Electrode, Assembly, and Formation manufacturing processes.
- Key Responsibilities & Detailed Tasks
- Mechanical Equipment Maintenance & Reliability Equipment Operation & Maintenance
- Perform preventive, corrective, and predictive maintenance activities.
- Maintain production equipment in optimal operating condition.
- Perform equipment inspections, adjustments, alignment, lubrication, and overhaul activities.
- Support equipment lifecycle management and reliability improvement programs. - Equipment Reliability Engineering
- Monitor equipment performance indicators and maintenance data.
- Improve equipment reliability through systematic failure analysis.
- Improve MTBF and reduce MTTR.
- Implement reliability-centered maintenance practices. - Manufacturing Equipment Support
- Support Provide automation and control support for Electrode Process / Assembly Process / Formation Process
- Logistics & Automation Systems
- Conveyor Systems, AGV Systems, Automated Warehouses, Stacker Cranes, Material Handling Equipment. - Equipment Troubleshooting
- Diagnose and resolve mechanical equipment failures.
- Support emergency equipment recovery activities.
- Perform troubleshooting for pneumatic, hydraulic, conveyor, and automated handling systems.
- Minimize production downtime through rapid response activities. - Root Cause Analysis & Corrective Actions
- Perform Root Cause Analysis (RCA).
- Develop and implement CAPA activities.
- Eliminate recurring equipment failures through engineering improvements. - Equipment Installation, Commissioning & Startup
- Support new equipment installation and modification projects
- Review equipment specifications and mechanical designs.
- Participate in equipment acceptance activities. - Commissioning & Qualification
- Support FAT, SAT, Dry Run, Wet Run, and production qualification.
- Verify equipment performance against specifications.
- Support production ramp-up and process stabilization. - Spare Parts & Asset Management / Spare Parts Management
- Manage spare parts inventory and critical spare strategies
- Establish minimum stock levels and inventory controls.
- Support purchasing and supplier management activities. - Asset Management
- Maintain maintenance records and equipment history.
- Track equipment lifecycle performance and replacement planning
- Mechanical Equipment Maintenance & Reliability Equipment Operation & Maintenance
- Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field.
- 3+ years of experience in maintenance or manufacturing engineering.
- Experience supporting automated manufacturing equipment.
- Knowledge of mechanical systems, pneumatics, hydraulics, conveyors, and industrial machinery
- Ability to read mechanical drawings, technical documents, and equipment manuals.
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
- Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
- Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in lithium-ion battery manufacturing facilities.
- Experience supporting Electrode, Assembly, or Formation production equipment.
- Experience with MES, SCADA, FDC, or manufacturing data systems.
- Experience with robotics, AGV, and material handling systems.
- Experience with machine vision systems.
- Knowledge of Python, C#, SQL, or industrial data analysis tools.
- Korean and English bilingual communication skills.
- Experience working with global equipment suppliers and international project teams.
- Skills & Competencies
Hard Skills
Mechanical Equipment Maintenance, Reliability Engineering, Pneumatic Systems, Hydraulic Systems, Conveyor Systems, Automated Material Handling Systems, Root Cause Analysis (RCA), Preventive & Predictive Maintenance, Equipment Commissioning, Spare Parts Management, OEE Improvement
Soft Skills
Cross-functional Teamwork, Analytical Problem Solving, Technical Documentation, Communication Skills, Leadership and Ownership, Adaptability in Fast-paced Manufacturing Environments, Proactive Safety Mindset.
- Work Environment Characteristics
- Support manufacturing operations in a high-volume lithium-ion battery production environment.
- Work inside Clean Room and Dry Room environments as required.
- Support shift operations, weekend coverage, and on-call troubleshooting activities when necessary.
- Frequently work around automated equipment, conveyors, robotics, and material handling systems.
- Maintain strict compliance with company safety, quality, and operational standards.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree or higher in mechanical, electrical, or a similar engineering discipline
- At least 3 years of relevant experience maintaining equipment in high-volume manufacturing
- Battery maintenance experience
- Experience with electrode, assembly, or formation equipment used in battery manufacturing
- Experience installing and setting up new battery production equipment
- Ability to safely perform the physical requirements of the role, including occasionally lifting or moving up to 50 pounds
- Ability to work in office, production, and construction-site environments while wearing required uniforms and PPE
What We Do
HSBMA (Hyundai-SK Battery Manufacturing America) LLC. is 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 2026 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 Metaplant 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.
