Job Description
Description & Requirements
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, and the Blythewood Repack Operation supports the broader South Carolina production network. AESC is committed to our local communities where it is making its investments, creating jobs, and supporting local charities.
About The Role
As a key member of AESC US LLC's Quality Management Systems (QMS) team, the QMS Engineer will lead Quality Management System initiatives and internal/external audit activities in line with required industry standards (including IATF 16949 and VDA 6.3), accreditation requirements, and business requirements across existing and new procedures. This role is based at our Columbia, SC facility and reports to the Sr. Manager of US Regional Quality, managing the audit program (internal and external) to ensure that all nonconformities raised against certification bodies and internal standards during audits are effectively corrected and independently verified.
The QMS Engineer leads the team to achieve quality management system targets for customers and continuous improvement objectives, working across our US manufacturing facilities. This role will directly impact our strategic goals and contribute to our position as a global leader in battery technology.
What You Will Do
- Spearhead deployment and maintenance of AESC's QMS (Quality Management System) and business processes, contributing to the overall success of our mission to be a leader in full-value-chain battery solutions for a sustainable future.
- Monitor, review, and work closely with plant operations, quality, and engineering teams to conduct internal audits.
- Coordinate external audit activities to support quality certifications such as IATF 16949, ISO 14001, and VDA 6.3.
- Monitor quality standards and provide guidance and recommendations for QMS changes.
- Manage and drive closure for identified non-conformances and audit gap analysis.
- Conduct job functions with minimal guidance and follow-up; lead and delegate responsibilities as required to project core team members.
- Outline and report on completion status, open issues, action plans, and problem analysis (including departmental or core team process issues), and make recommendations to the core team, manager, quality assurance, and core team management at planned milestones; consult and support other engineers on the above.
- Stay abreast of industry trends, technological advancements, and market dynamics, applying this knowledge to day-to-day activities and contributing to our competitive edge in the market.
- Develop, implement, monitor, and evaluate the company's quality strategy, objectives, and quality plans to ensure alignment with customer requirements, business goals, and regulatory expectations.
- Manage quality organization budgets, resource planning, and allocation to ensure effective utilization of personnel, systems, and operational resources while supporting continuous improvement initiatives.
- Drive implementation and effectiveness of automotive core quality tools such as APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, MSA, and Control Plans, ensuring compliance with customer-specific requirements and IATF 16949 standards.
- Complete other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
What You Need
- Five years of demonstrated success preferred in manufacturing, quality, and/or engineering, showcasing a track record of achieving key objectives and driving impactful results.
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Proficient in quality management tools, problem solving, and project management. Direct experience deploying or updating a QMS in a manufacturing environment is preferred; internal/external audit experience is also preferred.
- Ability to think strategically and contribute to the development and execution of key initiatives, demonstrating an innovative mindset and problem-solving skills.
- Experience or willingness to work in a global context, with an understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with operating in diverse international markets.
- Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced and evolving environment, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability to meet changing business needs and priorities.
- Understands and follows all standards of IATF16949 and VDA 6.3 quality standards.
What is "Nice to Have"?
- Possession of advanced certifications in quality, while not mandatory, would be a strong asset, showcasing a commitment to ongoing professional development.
- Proficiency in additional languages beyond English is advantageous, as it aligns with our global operations and enhances communication with diverse stakeholders.
- Previous experience working in cross-cultural environments, or a demonstrated understanding of cultural nuances, given our global presence and diverse team.
- Active involvement in industry associations, conferences, or relevant forums, demonstrating a keen interest in staying at the forefront of industry trends and networking with peers.
- Advanced degrees (Master's, PhD) in Engineering or Business may be considered favorably, though not a prerequisite.
- Experience or familiarity with the dynamics of start-up environments, showcasing an ability to thrive in agile and fast-paced settings.
Travel Requirements
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.
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 a drug screen and background check, and verification of the candidate's eligibility to work in the United States. AESC US LLC is a drug-free workplace.
