GENERAL INFORMATION

Job Title
Senior Engineer - Material Handling
Ref #
215
Employment Type
Permanent
Department
Manufacturing
Position level
Engineer
Date
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
AESC Office Location
Florence, South Carolina USA

DESCRIPTION & REQUIREMENTS

Job Description
About AESC US LLC
AESC is a global leader in the development and manufacturing of high-performance batteries for zero-emission electric vehicles and energy storage systems. Founded in Japan in 2007 and headquartered in Yokohama, AESC has been building manufacturing capabilities around the world in the U.S., U.K., Europe, Japan and China to serve key markets and leading customers locally for over 14 years. Today, AESC has become the partner of choice for the world’s leading OEMs and energy storage providers in North America, Europe, and Asia. Its advanced technology powers over one million electric vehicles and provides more than 15GWh of installed capacity for battery energy systems in over 60 countries.
AESC is expanding its footprint in the United States with gigafactories in Kentucky, South Carolina, and Tennessee to meet the growing demand for EV and BESS batteries and strengthen its presence in the North American market. AESC’s Tennessee gigafactory in Smyrna, which has been operational since 2012, produces batteries for Nissan. The Kentucky gigafactory in Bowling Green will supply Mercedes-Benz with high-performance battery cell modules. The South Carolina gigafactory in Florence will supply technology-leading battery cells for new electric models produced in BMW Group’s Spartanburg plant. AESC is committed to our local communities where it is making its investments, creating jobs, and supporting local charities.
About the Role
The Senior Engineer – Automated Material Handling Systems is a professional position that is responsible for safe, proper and efficient operation and maintenance of all plant automated material handling equipment (such as AGV, ASRS, etc.) at the AESC Battery Plant production facility. The Senior Engineer will be responsible for maintaining automated material handling system efficiencies, engineering and procurement of new equipment as required. Works with the maintenance department to recommend preventative maintenance on plant equipment. Works across the organization to foster continuous improvement for long-term success.

What You Will Do

• Works cross functionally with Operations, Maintenance and Quality to identify opportunities to continuously improve safety, quality, delivery and cost.
• Monitors automated material handling system efficiencies and makes recommendations to operations site manager if plant processes require adjustments. Analyzes data on the process to troubleshoot process issues and maximize plant performance.
• Plan, coordinate, and execute projects related to automated material handling systems (AGV, ASRS, etc.), including installation, programming, testing, and maintenance.
• Responds to operating needs. Provides a lead role for plant and equipment performance evaluation; optimizing resource use and maximizes reliable system operation and uptime.
• Supports process changes, design changes, trial parts, and Kaizen improvement activities.
• Leads equipment acquisition or modifications to support new model launches.
• Provides engineering representation for cross-functional activities involving other disciplines such as Facilities and Controls, etc.
• Demonstrates data driven problem solving methodology and can effectively present work to all levels of management.
• Conducts regular safety and process audits.
• Performs all other related assignments
• Understands and follows all standards of IATF16949 and VDA 6.3 quality standards.
• Understands and follows all standards of ISO14001 environmental standards.

What You Need

• 5 years of experience with automated material handling systems such as Automated Guided Vehicles (AGV), Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS) and like type equipment.
• Must be a self-motivated individual with good written and verbal communication skills and Data Driven Decision-Making skills.
• Ability to quickly obtain a working knowledge of lithium-ion batteries.
• Independent, driven, eager to learn, strong time management skills, and the ability to manage simultaneous and often changing priorities.
• New model experience and equipment design, installation, and commissioning
• Working knowledge of project management related to the introduction of products to market
• Able to work and lead contractors through the process of RFP to commissioning of equipment
• Ability to follow specific direction and to work independently in a fast-paced atmosphere
• Experience with contributing to the creation of reports, dashboards, and presentations
• Experience in information gathering, tracking, and consolidation
• Effectively coordinates schedules and meetings using tools such as Outlook, Google Calendar, Office 365, etc.
• Outstanding oral & written communication skills and ability to articulate complex information in a simple way
• Works well in a highly collaborative fast-paced environment with cross-functional teams
• Experience working and leading a team across cultural and discipline boundaries
• Understands and follows all standards of IATF16949 and VDA 6.3 quality standards. (training and awareness will be provided for those who are not familiar with these standards)
• Understands and follows all standards of ISO14001 environmental standards. (training and awareness will be provided for those who are not familiar with these standards)

What is “Nice to Have”?

• Previous experience in a high-volume manufacturing facility preferred.
• Automotive OEM or Tier 1 Supplier experience is a plus.
• High level of applicable technical skills with AutoCAD, Inventor, Statistics, Basic Engineering Principles and reporting of Technical Automotive OEM or Tier 1 Supplier experience is a plus.

Travel
Occasional domestic and international travel required.
What We Offer
Welcome to AESC, where you’ll have the opportunity to tackle the world’s most fascinating challenges alongside exceptionally talented individuals who are driven to make a difference. We strive to ensure that our employees are well taken care of, enabling them to focus on their work and contribute to our collective mission.

We offer:

• Comprehensive compensation packages including a competitive salary and a rewarding bonus program.
• An inclusive and diverse work environment that fosters and encourages professional and personal development.
• Highly automated, clean, safe, and temperature-controlled production environment
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• HSA and Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401K with company match
• Life Insurance (Company paid and additional voluntary life available)
• Paid Vacation and 14 Paid Holidays
• Short term and long-term disability coverage (Company Paid)
• Tuition reimbursement

Application Process
Even if you don’t meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. Your application allows us to learn more about you and find potential fits within our team. We strive to respond to all applicants promptly, though times may vary with submission volume. If you don’t receive an immediate response, it doesn’t reflect on your candidacy; we’ll keep your application for future opportunities. Thank you for your patience and enthusiasm as we improve our application process.
Equal Employment Opportunity
At AESC, we are committed to providing Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) to all individuals. We participate in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S Join us in our passion to design, manufacture, and sell high-performance products, contributing to a sustainable and zero-carbon emission future.
Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable otherwise qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

• Ability to sit for extended periods of time.
• Ability to read, write, speak, hear; stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach and lift with hands and arms frequently throughout the day.
• Required to occasionally lift, push, pull and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally required to lift, push, pull and/or move up to 35 pounds.

Work Environment
The work environment is primarily an automated manufacturing plant with a concrete floor and is characterized by some temperature extremes, moderate noise, and forklift traffic. The individual must be able to perform all essential functions as appropriate on the plant floor, in meetings, and with employees, management, customers and suppliers.
Candidate must perform the essential duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation efficiently and accurately, and without causing significant safety threat to self or others. The statements made herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this job classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive and inclusive list of all responsibilities, duties, and/or skills required of personnel so classified.
Hiring is contingent upon successful completion of drug screen and background check. AESC US LLC is a drug-free workplace.

LI-JH1

Qualifications

• 5 years of experience with automated material handling systems such as Automated Guided Vehicles (AGV), Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS) and like type equipment.
• Bachelor of Science in Engineering
• Must be a self-motivated individual with good written and verbal communication skills and Data Driven Decision-Making skills.
• Ability to quickly obtain a working knowledge of lithium-ion batteries.
• Independent, driven, eager to learn, strong time management skills, and the ability to manage simultaneous and often changing priorities.
• New model experience and equipment design, installation, and commissioning
• Working knowledge of project management related to the introduction of products to market
• Able to work and lead contractors through the process of RFP to commissioning of equipment
• Ability to follow specific direction and to work independently in a fast-paced atmosphere
• Experience with contributing to the creation of reports, dashboards, and presentations
• Experience in information gathering, tracking, and consolidation
• Effectively coordinates schedules and meetings using tools such as Outlook, Google Calendar, Office 365, etc.
• Outstanding oral & written communication skills and ability to articulate complex information in a simple way
• Works well in a highly collaborative fast-paced environment with cross-functional teams
• Experience working and leading a team across cultural and discipline boundaries
• Understands and follows all standards of IATF16949 and VDA 6.3 quality standards. (training and awareness will be provided for those who are not familiar with these standards)
• Understands and follows all standards of ISO14001 environmental standards. (training and awareness will be provided for those who are not familiar with these standards)

What is “Nice to Have”?

• Previous experience in a high-volume manufacturing facility preferred.
• Automotive OEM or Tier 1 Supplier experience is a plus.
• High level of applicable technical skills with AutoCAD, Inventor, Statistics, Basic Engineering Principles and reporting of Technical Automotive OEM or Tier 1 Supplier experience is a plus.

What You Will Do

• Works cross functionally with Operations, Maintenance and Quality to identify opportunities to continuously improve safety, quality, delivery and cost.
• Monitors automated material handling system efficiencies and makes recommendations to operations site manager if plant processes require adjustments. Analyzes data on the process to troubleshoot process issues and maximize plant performance.
• Plan, coordinate, and execute projects related to automated material handling systems (AGV, ASRS, etc.), including installation, programming, testing, and maintenance.
• Responds to operating needs. Provides a lead role for plant and equipment performance evaluation; optimizing resource use and maximizes reliable system operation and uptime.
• Supports process changes, design changes, trial parts, and Kaizen improvement activities.
• Leads equipment acquisition or modifications to support new model launches.
• Provides engineering representation for cross-functional activities involving other disciplines such as Facilities and Controls, etc.
• Demonstrates data driven problem solving methodology and can effectively present work to all levels of management.
• Conducts regular safety and process audits.
• Performs all other related assignments
• Understands and follows all standards of IATF16949 and VDA 6.3 quality standards.
• Understands and follows all standards of ISO14001 environmental standards

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable otherwise qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

• Ability to sit for extended periods of time.
• Ability to read, write, speak, hear; stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach and lift with hands and arms frequently throughout the day.
• Required to occasionally lift, push, pull and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally required to lift, push, pull and/or move up to 35 pounds