The manufacturing intelligence job at the battery company takes battery manufacturing to the next level by utilizing data and IT technology.
The position is central to the smart factory, which aims to boost production capacity and efficiency. In today’s episode, we met current LG Energy Solution employees in charge of manufacturing intelligence.
Q. Could you please explain your job briefly?
(Associate Joo-Eun Jang, Process PI team in charge of overall Manufacturing PI)
I am part of the Process PI team. I manage projects that design, build, and operate process-related information technology systems. Process Innovation (PI) refers to using IT technology to improve and innovate numerous tasks at the manufacturing site.
(Professional Jae-Seok Park, Technical Support Team in charge of Auto-calibration)
We are developing technology that will allow us to program and automatically calibrate steps in the mass production process that have previously required manual human adjustment. Additionally, we support the management of the development process, field validation, application, and planning and identifying using mass production evaluation.
(Professional Jong-Hwan Chae, Big Data Analytics Team 1)
The big data analytics team consults on the required data based on the data we receive from the field as the battery is manufactured. We help maintain a stable state by identifying solutions to problems and applying remedies to processes until the issues are resolved.
Q. What do you like best about your job?
(Professional Jong-Hwan Chae, Big Data Analytics Team 1)
Understanding multiple processes is required for big data jobs. The advantages are that you can learn from the individuals in charge of processes, address difficulties they encounter, and experiment with different processes. And I believe it’s appealing to do things that are current.
(Professional Jae-Seok Park, Technical Support Team in charge of Auto-calibration)
Auto-calibration would replace the role of the operator when applied to mass production. When you calibrate, you can immediately see a numerical representation of the calibration findings. The performance of technical progress can be checked using official data, making it easier for your job to be recognized. It is also satisfying to be able to see the results of your own work.
(Associate Joo-Eun Jang, Process PI team in charge of overall Manufacturing PI)
I believe that innovation is all about creating value that was not previously present. There are many pain points at the manufacturing site. We solve pain points by automating and systemizing them. It is the most satisfying component of the PI team’s work.
Q. What is the most memorable aspect of your job?
(Associate Joo-Eun Jang, Process PI team in charge of overall Manufacturing PI)
I discovered that what I thought was an anomaly in the system I manage was actually a problem. When field engineers give me positive feedback on how well the system I designed is being used, I feel rewarded.
(Professional Jae-Seok Park, Technical Support Team in charge of Auto-calibration)
We recently finished the electrode coater auto calibration task and got an excellent Innovation Award. We worked hard in Poland for a year. We went through a lot of trials and errors. I believe these efforts were officially recognized. Following that, we had a great meal together.
Q. Can someone apply even if they did not major in manufacturing intelligence?
(Professional Jong-Hwan Chae, Big Data Analytics Team 1)
Those with a background in chemistry, computer science, or statistics are given preference on the big data analysis team. However, our work is eventually all about solving problems with data from the field. Thus, if you demonstrate your strengths and how hard you worked on them, I believe you have a lot of potentials.
(Associate Joo-Eun Jang, Process PI team in charge of overall Manufacturing PI)
People from a variety of backgrounds can also apply for the PI team. There are people with majors that are not related to PI.
(Professional Jae-Seok Park, Technical Support Team in charge of Auto-calibration)
We also do not hire people based on specific specializations. But, you should have some data analysis, software programs, and coding-related abilities. For example, we recently hired a professional for an experienced position. He has liberal arts background but was hired for his competencies.
Q. Would it be helpful if you had prior experience in machine learning, deep learning, AI, or big data in other fields?
(Professional Jae-Seok Park, Technical Support Team in charge of Auto-calibration)
In the case of auto-calibration, we are currently working on technically upgrading existing algorithms through a model or predictive model. If you have AI, machine learning, deep learning, big data analytics experience or competence, please apply to our team.
(Professional Jong-Hwan Chae, Big Data Analytics Team 1)
Your background in machine learning or AI in other fields would be valuable for the big data analytics team. Say, if a person has internalized machine learning or AI through problem-solving experience in other areas, the person can use that insight on the data in our battery field.
Q. Could you provide examples of how DX is used in process technology tasks?
(Professional Jae-Seok Park, Technical Support Team in charge of Auto-calibration)
When products are manufactured, there are going to be quality gaps. Many variables determine where the quality gaps occur or why it occurs. We analyze it to identify correlation and determine what variables can be adjusted through potential control factors. This is where the DX concept comes into play to minimize quality deviation.
Q. Is there anything you need to do beforehand to prepare for the recruitment process or before joining the company?
(Professional Jae-Seok Park, Technical Support Team in charge of Auto-calibration)
I look for software capabilities. So I recommend you become acquainted with programming languages such as PLC / C / R / Python. It would be a significant advantage if you won a coding competition before.
(Professional Jong-Hwan Chae, Big Data Analytics Team 1)
Certifications such as a big data analysis engineer/ADP/ADSP would be helpful for the big data analysis team. But when you join, we offer all the support you need to get the certificates. So you can get the certificates while performing work if you need them. Even if you don’t have any certification, you still have a chance if you have other skills to highlight.
(Associate Joo-Eun Jang, Process PI team in charge of overall Manufacturing PI)
Of course, having an IT-related certificate would be helpful, but it’s not essential. In practice, I think it would be beneficial to study English or Chinese. Since we have factories overseas, you need to speak English when meeting with them. So studying a foreign language would be helpful.
Q. What is LG Energy Solution’s greatest strength?
(Associate Joo-Eun Jang, Process PI team in charge of overall Manufacturing PI)
It is a growing company. There are many things to learn, and you feel a sense of accomplishment and pride while working. If you can also feel accomplished while being paid to work, I think it is an outstanding strength of LG Energy Solution since that doesn’t come naturally.
(Professional Jong-Hwan Chae, Big Data Analytics Team 1)
I think LG Energy Solutions is a young and dynamic company. The fact that LG Energy Solution gathers a huge amount of high-quality data that can be used in the field is another reason why we think it is the best business in the world.
(Professional Jae-Seok Park, Technical Support Team in charge of Auto-calibration)
LG Energy Solution is a recent spin-off company that is very young. Since the company has many opportunities for new employees, I would like to ask many ambitious people to apply.
Q. Finally, what would you tell your job candidates?
(Associate Joo-Eun Jang, Process PI team in charge of overall Manufacturing PI)
Our manufacturing intelligence center is leading the smart factory operation of LG Energy Solution. It is one of the key projects of the company. So there is a lot you can learn here.
(Professional Jae-Seok Park, Technical Support Team in charge of Auto-calibration)
The manufacturing intelligence center is currently planning to hire a large number of people. We need a lot of young people. If you work hard, you will have a positive outcome.
(Professional Jong-Hwan Chae, Big Data Analytics Team 1)
There are many opportunities at LG Energy Solution. Please give it a go and grab the chance. When you join us, let’s work and grow the company together.