Equipment Engineer

Summary

The Equipment Engineer supports the installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of manufacturing equipment within a lithium-ion battery production environment. This role is responsible for supporting production operations by improving equipment reliability, reducing downtime, and implementing mechanical, automation, and process improvements that enhance safety, quality, and operational performance.

Working closely with Production, Maintenance, Quality, Controls, and Process Engineering teams, the Equipment Engineer supports equipment commissioning, preventive maintenance, root cause analysis, PLC modifications, and continuous improvement initiatives to maximize equipment uptime and manufacturing efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Support the installation, commissioning, and startup of new manufacturing equipment and systems
• Understand battery manufacturing equipment and processes and perform equipment evaluations and test runs to support production and quality objectives
• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and automation-related equipment issues and implement corrective actions to minimize downtime and improve operational performance
• Complete equipment-related work orders and maintain accurate maintenance and repair documentation
• Support equipment modifications and improvement projects including PLC logic updates, equipment redesigns, automation improvements, and process optimization initiatives
• Monitor equipment performance following repairs, upgrades, and improvements to verify effectiveness and sustainability
• Analyze equipment performance data, including OEE, downtime, breakdown frequency, yield losses, and micro-stoppages to identify root causes and support continuous improvement initiatives
• Prepare reports and present findings related to equipment performance, reliability, and continuous improvement activities
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Production, Maintenance, Quality, Controls, and Process Engineering to support manufacturing operations
• Communicate with Korean-speaking engineers, equipment manufacturers, and headquarters personnel regarding equipment performance, troubleshooting, engineering changes, and technical support activities as needed
• Assist in developing and maintaining troubleshooting guides, work instructions, preventive maintenance procedures, and technical documentation
• Support routine audits, inspections, and compliance activities as required
• Assist with training operators, technicians, and new engineers on equipment operation, troubleshooting techniques, maintenance practices, and process improvements as needed
• Follow established work instructions, standard operating procedures, and company policies
• Comply with all safety requirements including PPE usage, machine guarding, and Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures
• Participate in and successfully complete all required training programs
• Maintain regular and reliable on-site attendance
• Maintain cleanliness at work-site in accordance with 5S3R Standards:
  • Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain
  • Right Location, Right Quantity, Right Container
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field required
• Candidates with equivalent technical education, military training, internship experience, co-op experience, or demonstrated mechanical and technical aptitude may also be considered
• Proficiency in English is required; bilingual capability in Korean is highly preferred and considered a strong plus, but not mandatory.

Experience

• 1+ years of experience supporting manufacturing equipment, automation systems, maintenance, engineering, or related industrial operations preferred
• Experience installing, troubleshooting, repairing, modifying, or improving manufacturing equipment preferred
• Experience supporting Mitsubishi PLC-controlled equipment and industrial automation systems preferred
• Experience analyzing equipment performance, downtime, OEE metrics, or manufacturing process improvements preferred
• Internship, co-op, apprenticeship, military technical training, senior design projects, or equivalent hands-on technical experience may be considered in lieu of professional experience

Work Authorization

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship

Skills

• Strong understanding of mechanical equipment, industrial automation systems, and manufacturing processes.
• Technical proficiency with Mitsubishi PLC-controlled equipment and automated manufacturing systems preferred
• Proficiency with CAD software such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Creo, or similar platforms preferred
• Bilingual proficiency in Korean and English preferred to facilitate communication with Korean-speaking engineers, equipment suppliers, and global headquarters during equipment commissioning, troubleshooting, and technical collaboration
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and root cause analysis skills
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, electrical schematics, equipment manuals, and technical documentation
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• Demonstrated initiative, adaptability, and willingness to learn new technologies

Physical Requirements

Must be able to perform the following activities repeatedly for periods of up to 12 hours:

• Must be able to properly and continuously wear all required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, steel-toed shoes, hearing protection, and nitrile gloves for the entirety of a 12-hour shift.
• Lift, push, pull, and move materials, tools, and equipment weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Stand, walk, crouch, kneel, stoop, and reach overhead as required to perform maintenance and troubleshooting tasks.
• Sit or stand for extended periods and navigate safely throughout manufacturing and production areas.
• Use hands and fingers to operate tools, equipment, computers, and diagnostic devices

Work Environment

• Work is performed within a manufacturing facility and may include office, production, utility, maintenance, laboratory, and operational environments
• Frequent interaction with manufacturing equipment, automated systems, robotics, conveyors, and industrial machinery
• Exposure to noise, vibration, moving mechanical equipment, elevated temperatures, dust, and manufacturing-related hazards may occur
• Work may involve handling or working in proximity to industrial chemicals, regulated materials, and battery manufacturing processes
• Strict adherence to company safety policies, PPE requirements, machine safety protocols, and Lockout/Tagout procedures is mandatory
• May require occasional support during equipment installations, maintenance activities, production trials, shutdowns, or operational emergencies
• Flexibility in work hours may be required to support production operations, equipment troubleshooting, and project implementation activities

HL-GA Battery Company is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer that values the diversity of its workforce.