The battery manufacturing process is dependent on having a suitable facility in place.
How you manage your facility systems will affect the efficiency of your manufacturing processes. Facility technology jobs serve as the control tower for the manufacturing facility, with a thorough understanding of the entire manufacturing process. In this episode, we interviewed LG Energy Solution facility technology employees to learn about their jobs and gain insight for job seekers.
Q. Please give me a quick summary of what you do.
(Associate Yoon-jeong Kim, FA System Team)
I’m in charge of the FA system, which connects the process equipment. I am specifically responsible for developing or improving systems that manage FA facilities.
(Specialist Tae-hyung Kim, RTS Facility Technology Team)
I am in charge of the electrode equipment. I collaborate with other relevant departments to determine the specifications required to operate this facility more efficiently and safely. I also inspect the facilities to ensure they are well-built before sending them to sites at home and abroad.
(Professional Ho-jeong Lee, Activation Facility Development Team)
A newly assembled battery cannot be used right away. It must be “activated” to have electrical properties. This is known as the formation process. I am in charge of developing and building formation equipment.
Q. What was the most memorable aspect of your job?
(Specialist Tae-hyung Kim, RTS Facility Technology Team)
In the past, my job was to build, ship, and install facilities in other countries. Now that I can see how it is used to manufacture batteries after installation, I feel rewarded.
(Professional Ho-jeong Lee, Activation Facility Development Team)
Things can go wrong in the facility at times. We are proud when our ideas and modifications solve problems causing issues during production and reduce defect rates.
(Associate Yoon-jeong Kim, FA System Team)
You both shared work-related experiences. I’d like to share something that might not be directly related to my job. When you log in to your job portal, you can see LG Days in the upper left corner of the screen, which shows how many days you’ve been working for the company. It was my first year at the company a few days ago, and there was a birthday cake image with fanfare next to the date. It is the most memorable thing. I thought to myself, “It’s already been a year!”
Q. Are there any employees in the facility technology division who have majored in something other than relevant studies?
(Professional Ho-jeong Lee, Activation Facility Development Team)
Just because we design facilities does not imply that everyone has a mechanical engineering background. In fact, because of the importance of smart factories, we are hiring more people with big data backgrounds. I don’t think your major is all that important.
(Associate Yoon-jeong Kim, FA System Team)
The paradigm is constantly shifting. Other skills, such as data analysis, are in high demand. So, even if you haven’t studied electronics or mechanical engineering, I encourage you to apply.
Q. What specifications are required to perform the job?
(Specialist Tae-hyung Kim, RTS Facility Technology Team)
Because automation is becoming increasingly important, you would be a better fit for the job if you have studied data collection and PLC (Programmable Logic Controller).
(Professional Ho-jeong Lee, Activation Facility Development Team)
You’ll probably have a lot of experience with 2D and 3D tools by the time you graduate from college, but it’s OK even if you don’t. LG Energy Solution has an excellent in-house training program. So you can learn them if you need to after you join the company.
(Associate Yoon-jeong Kim, FA System Team)
To be more specific, if you are proficient in AutoCAD, 2D, and 3D modeling, it would be advantageous because we frequently work with layouts for FA jobs. It will also be easier for you to become acquainted with the work if you have prior experience with data analytics.
Q. Do you have any tips for the personality and aptitude tests?
(Specialist Tae-hyung Kim, RTS Facility Technology Team)
In the personality test, there are several options for multiple-choice questions. Don’t be swayed by the options, but instead respond consistently.
(Associate Yoon-jeong Kim, FA System Team)
I agree. When I take the exam, I sometimes get confused and select the incorrect option. Before taking the test, I recommend reflecting on who you are.
Q. What personal strengths did you highlight during the interview?
(Associate Yoon-jeong Kim, FA System Team)
The team for which I applied works with various departments. So I emphasized that I have the necessary communication skills for effective collaboration. I also stressed that I am a responsible person, which is essential in leading facility operations.
(Specialist Tae-hyung Kim, RTS Facility Technology Team)
I emphasized how quick and sensible I am. The interviewer asked a follow-up question. I raised my hand first and said, “I answered fastest. Doesn’t that mean I’m the quickest and most sensible person?”
Q. Lastly, what would you like to say to those who are considering applying for this position?
(Professional Ho-jeong Lee, Activation Facility Development Team)
You’ll be proud to see how the equipment you designed is set up and producing batteries at an overseas location.
(Specialist Tae-hyung Kim, RTS Facility Technology Team)
If you get in, we will help you perform well, so don’t be afraid to apply.
(Associate Yoon-jeong Kim, FA System Team)
Putting yourself out there and failing is part of getting a job. So, even if you fail, don’t give up; instead, try again. I hope that many talented people apply and join us.