Sr. Manager, Cell Quality Assurance

Job Description

Job Description

We awaken the world with energy.

LG Energy Solution is the global leader in lithium-ion battery technology for electric vehicles and energy storage solutions. Located in Queen Creek, Arizona, LG Energy Solution Arizona, Inc. is LG Group's first cylindrical battery manufacturer in North America, leading the widespread distribution of electric vehicles with the most advanced battery technology in the world.

Join us as we inspire our talent with growth, challenge, action and collaboration to Empower Every Possibility!

Title: Sr. Manager, Cell Quality Assurance

Location: Queen Creek, AZ

We awaken the world with Energy. LG Energy Solution Arizona, Inc. (LGESAZ) develops and manufactures cylindrical batteries for electric vehicles (EVs). Come join the leader in advanced IT and Mobility energy solutions to help us Empower Every Possibility!

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Summary:

The Senior Manager, Cell Quality Assurance (QA) is responsible for the implementation, oversight and performance of the quality management system and continuous improvement activities, methods and procedures across the battery cell manufacturing operation to ensure product meets customer satisfaction and LGES quality specifications. Additionally, the role will provide leadership to and on behalf of the Cell QA team, ensuring employees are developed in quality assurance activities and tools, including PPAP (product part approval process), PFMEA (process failure mode analysis), SPC (statistical process control), Gage R&R, calibration systems, and corrective and preventative actions.

Responsibilities:

• Drive and support quality improvement efforts for cell manufacturing.
• Collaborate with operations and engineering on process and engineering changes related to cell production.
• Develop and maintain recordkeeping systems and procedures specific to cell quality management.
• In conjunction with leadership, develop, plan, and implement short and long-term goals and metrics for cell quality assurance.
• Oversee audit procedures and processes related to cell manufacturing and quality management.
• Hire, train, and mentor team members; direct priorities; and manage team performance in the context of cell quality management.
• Responsible for implementation and compliance with IATF 16949 as the Management Representative.
• Lead improvements and corrective actions in response to identified product nonconformance (including field quality issues) and implement control plans in the manufacturing process to contain and resolve abnormalities.
• Develop inspection systems and escalation processes in partnership with production, materials management and supplier quality to ensure parts and material meet engineering requirements.
• Provide leadership in advanced product quality planning, new product introduction to ensure successful launch of products.
• Utilize analytical skill sets to implement root cause analysis for quality issues and provide recommendations for corrective action.
• Optimize process capability on critical characteristics within the quality team through effective application of statistical analysis techniques and problem-solving.
• Proactively work with suppliers to minimize and/or eliminate launch and ongoing quality/performance issues.
• Maintain cleanliness at the worksite in accordance with 5S3R Standards:
• 5S - Sort, Set in order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain
• 3R - Right Location, Right Quantity, Right Container
• Conduct thorough and timely layered process audits in appropriate work areas.
• Perform other duties as assigned in the context of cell quality management.
• Frequently communicate with teams at other global sites to share best practices and implement verified corrective actions.

Qualifications and Requirements :

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in quality, within a Tier 1 automotive environment strongly desired
• Minimum of 5 years of experience leading and managing a team, strongly desired
• Bachelor's Degree in engineering, quality or related field required
• Significant proven experience with IATF standards, as well as in quality assurance activities/tools (PPAP, PFMEA, SPC, Gage R&R, Calibration systems, corrective & preventative actions, etc.)
• Six Sigma certification preferred
• Proven problem-solving experience (8 Disciplines Methodology (8D), Corrective Actions, etc.)
• Battery manufacturing or chemical manufacturing experience highly desired, but not required
• Strong leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally
• Must be able to properly and regularly utilize the following Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for a period of up to 12 hours
  • Safety glasses
  • Steel-toed shoes
• Must be able to do perform the following over the course of up to 12 hours per day
  • Stand or sit for lengthy periods

Skills:

• Proven expertise in Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), including experience with inspection equipment, measurement techniques, and root cause failure analysis
• Strong understanding of statistical tools and methodologies such as capability studies, statistical distributions, and process analysis
• Hands-on experience with machine and assembly processes, structured problem-solving approaches, and core quality tools including Process Flow Diagrams (PFD), Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA), Control Plans, Production Part Approval Process (PPAP), 8D reports, and Five Whys
• Demonstrated ability to facilitate team-based problem solving and apply principles of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T)
• Familiarity with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Control Plans, Critical to Quality (CTQ) characteristics, and Statistical Process Control (SPC)
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and generate actionable insights, reports, and forecasts
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and statistical analysis tools, particularly Minitab
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate technical concepts clearly and concisely
• A proactive, goal-oriented mindset with a strong commitment to meeting deadlines
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced team environment
• Willingness and flexibility to work extended or non-standard hours as needed to support production and quality activities
• Strong sense of ownership and accountability, with a desire to mentor and develop team members

Why should you work here?

1. Growth - You are a self-driven individual who seeks and captures the opportunities for growth we offer by acquiring and solving tasks.

2. Challenge - You reach beyond expectations and strive for innovative methods beyond the traditional.

3. Action - You are driven, take initiative, can execute decisions with agility and fulfill tasks to completion.

4. Collaboration - You are enthusiastic about teamwork while respecting the different backgrounds and experience of colleagues.

EEO Statement

LG Energy Solution Arizona, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.