Quality Lab Technician

About Company:

HSBMA LLC is a groundbreaking partnership between Hyundai Motor Group and SK On, focused on promoting sustainable community growth. Our factory will produce 50 million battery cells, supporting around 300,000 electric vehicles as we prepare to fully launch in 2026. We prioritize green energy technologies that lower carbon emissions and boost the local economy. Our goal is to lead the way in clean transportation, showing that innovation and caring for the environment can go hand in hand. As we pursue electrification and sustainability, we invite communities, stakeholders, and eco-conscious groups to collaborate with us. Together, we can change the automotive industry and create a healthier planet for future generations. HSBMA isn't just about making electric vehicle batteries; it's about driving a change that benefits our communities and the environment.

Summary: The Quality Lab Technician is responsible for work that includes monitoring, analyzing, and reporting of production results and material to company staff members. Ensuring high yield and productivity for the cell production by implementing and improving manufacturing methods and processes. This position will also need to interact with other team members, customers, and vendors to solve complex and/or urgent problems by identifying and evaluating alternatives or by providing needed information and advice upon request. This role will work closely with other supervisors, quality engineers, safety, production team members, and process tech team members.

Key Areas of Responsibility:

•    Review periodic inspection and production schedules and make suggestions on the labor plans to meet the scheduled requirements

•    Assist with training operators to develop inspection skills and technical/general competencies related to Quality

•    Recommend continuous improvement activities to improve quality and reduce cost

•    Responsible for achieving, monitoring, and reporting Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) related to the Quality function

•    Conduct electrical and thermal performance testing of battery cells

•    Perform reliability evaluations (e.g., cycle life, high-temperature storage, short-circuit tests)

•    Disassemble and analyze battery cells showing abnormal behavior

•    Prepare cross-sectional samples using molding, cutting, and polishing techniques

•    Record test results in MES or QMS systems and report anomalies

•    Support team reviews with test data and participate in quality discussions

•    Maintain a clean, organized, and safe testing environment

•    Other job-related tasks as assigned

Inspection:

•    Inspect, data gathering, key-in the system (MES or QMS), and supervise the inspection listed. The inspection is mainly conducted by measuring instruments. (ex. Measuring dimensions and Using lab instruments for checking properties)

•    Monitor and inspect quality of raw materials, semi-finished products, and products.

•    Must learn and understand how to use the measurement systems

•    Before inspection, prepare and conduct the Gage R&R for measurement systems (MSA)

•    Monitor voltage, resistance, and temperature during testing

•    Detect signs of swelling, gas release, overheating, or other irregularities

•    Visually and structurally inspect cells post-test for degradation or defects

•    Ensure inspection processes follow quality standards and protocols

•    Document observations and compare them to evaluation criteria

Equipment Management:

•    Monitor the maintenance status of measurement system.

•    Report incidents or malfunctions of equipment and inquire maintenance according to the trouble correspondence manual

•    Create and update equipment operation manuals

•    Operate battery validation equipment such as thermal chambers and electrical testers

•    Utilize advanced tools including CT, SEM, microscopes, and ion milling machines

•    Perform routine equipment checks and basic maintenance

•    Keep tools and devices properly labeled, clean, and stored

•    Report equipment malfunctions and coordinate calibration or repair as needed

Work Environment/Safety Management:

•    Monitor and support inspection room environment improvement on light of 3R (Right material, Right quantity, Right position) and 5S (Sort, Set in order, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain)

•    Responsible for on-site S.H.E management activities

•    Wear required PPE (gloves, goggles, safety shoes, antistatic clothing, masks) at all times during operations

•    Handle equipment, batteries, sharp tools, and chemical substances safely in accordance with lab standards

•    Follow the company’s Emergency Action Plan in the event of a fire or other emergency

Supplies Inventory Management:

•    Manage inventory of Supplies Inventories for inspection room.

•    Improve the efficiency of materials management through inventory optimization

•    Manage inventory of inspection-related consumables (e.g., gloves, tapes, cleaning tools)

•    Ensure correct labeling and storage of samples, chemical agents, and battery waste

Qualifications:

•    High school diploma or equivalent (REQUIRED)

•    At least 1-2 years of quality experience in a manufacturing or laboratory environment

•    At least 1–2 years of experience in inspection, testing, or quality work in a manufacturing environment (preferred)

•    Knowledge of inspection systems and procedures obtained through work experience

•    Ability to perform all required inspections within each individual process. (Electrode, Assembly or Formation)

•    Ability to perform consistent, detailed, and accurate inspection work

•    Microsoft Office proficiency (especially Excel)

•    Experience in high-volume manufacturing, especially in automotive, electrical component, battery products and/or chemical manufacturing (preferred)

•    Experience with LEAN, SPC, Six Sigma programs (preferred)

•    Experience with MES or QMS (preferred)

•    Good communication skills and a proactive, responsible attitude

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.

•    Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards.

•    Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards.

•    May occasionally lift and/or move up to up to 40 pounds. (Sometimes need to change the gas cylinders)

•    Must be able to regularly stand, walk, go up/down stairs, sit, talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms to include stoop, kneel, bend or crawl.

Physical & Mental Demands:

•    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. (Sometimes need to wear gas mask during work)

•    Formation: Must wear company-provided uniforms, safety shoes, safety glasses, hats. In some case of inspection, need to wear cotton gloves, gas masks, flame-resistant suits, cut-resistant gloves, safety goggles.

•    Electrode & Assembly: Must wear company-provided uniform and PPE including safety shoes, helmet, safety glasses, clinical masks, respirators (must pass fit test & medical questionnaire), and portable gas measuring device.

Work Environment:

•    Working most time in Production line environment (Clean and Dry room)

•    Risks include noise (above 90 dB in compressor room), high temperatures (104–122°F in various rooms), and potential exposure to hazardous materials (e.g., heating medium oil, NMP, water treatment chemicals)

•    If needed, using cutter and gas mask for disassembling our products. 

•    Work performed in a clean inspection lab

•    Sometimes need to work in dry room or production line

•    Temperature-controlled, low-noise environment with safety ventilation

•    Occasional access to production areas for sample retrieval only

•    Minor exposure to fumes or powders during cell disassembly – proper PPE provided

•    Standard lab safety protocols and engineering controls are enforced

Non-Discrimination Statement

HSBMA LLC is an equal-opportunity employer. We do not discriminate against applicants or employees based on criminal history or any other protected category. We are committed to creating a workplace that is free from discrimination, harassment, and bias, and we encourage all qualified individuals, including those with criminal backgrounds, to apply for positions.