Controls Engineer - Laser Welding Engineer

AESC is looking to add a Controls Engineer - Laser Welding Engineer to our team in Florence, SC.

• Full-Time
• On-site

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 with gigafactories in Kentucky, South Carolina, and Tennessee to meet the growing demand for EV and BESS batteries and strengthen its presence in the North American market. AESC's Tennessee gigafactory in Smyrna, which has been operational and supplying electric vehicle batteries for the Nissan LEAF since 2012, was retooled in 2025 and now produces batteries for Energy Storage Systems. The South Carolina gigafactory in Florence will supply next generation cells for BMW starting in 2026. The Kentucky gigafactory in Bowling Green will supply high-performance batteries and components for other OEMs. AESC is committed to our local communities where it is making investments, creating jobs, and supporting local charities.

The Controls Engineer - Laser Welding Engineer is responsible for designing, programming, and optimizing laser welding systems within a high-volume battery manufacturing environment. This role focuses on ensuring precision, repeatability, and quality in laser welding processes by integrating PLCs, robotics, and advanced monitoring technologies. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience with laser welding technologies, quality inspection systems, and a deep understanding of welding parameters and metallurgy in automated applications.

• Set up, program, and operate laser welding equipment for battery cell production.
• Interface and integrate PLCs, HMIs, and robotic systems (e.g., Fanuc, Yaskawa) with laser welding equipment.
• Develop and refine welding process parameters (power, speed, frequency, focus) for optimal weld quality and reliability standards.
• Troubleshoot issues related to weld integrity, spatter, porosity, and part positioning.
• Monitor and maintain weld data using vision systems, laser monitoring tools, and quality inspection equipment.
• Collaborate with process, mechanical, and quality engineering teams to ensure robust weld designs and high first-pass yield.
• Perform root cause analysis on weld failures and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure all laser safety protocols are followed and that equipment is operated in compliance with ANSI Z136.1 standards.
• Create and maintain detailed documentation for laser welding processes, equipment, and preventive maintenance schedules.
• Lead continuous improvement efforts targeting cycle time reduction, scrap rate minimization, and throughput optimization.

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

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field experience.
• 3-5 years of experience in laser welding or related controls engineering roles in a manufacturing setting.
• Familiarity with laser welding systems (e.g., Trumpf, IPG, Coherent) and associated monitoring technologies.
• Deep understanding of metallurgical principles and weld joint design.
• Experience programming PLCs and robotics used in welding cell automation is plus.
• Ability to analyze weld data and use it to drive improvements in process control.
• Knowledge of industrial safety standards related to lasers and welding processes.
• Strong collaboration skills and the ability to lead cross-functional troubleshooting efforts.
• Understands and follows all standards of IATF16949 and VDA 6.3 quality standards. (training and awareness will be provided for those who are not familiar with these standards)
• Understands and follows all standards of ISO14001 environmental standards. (training and awareness will be provided for those who are not familiar with these standards)

• Advanced Certifications: Possession of advanced certifications in Six Sigma principles 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 would be beneficial, given our global presence and diverse team.
• Experience or familiarity with the dynamics of start-up environments, showcasing an ability to thrive in agile and fast-paced settings.

Even if you don't meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. Your application allows us to learn more about you and find potential fits within our team. We strive to respond to all applicants promptly, though times may vary with submission volume. If you don't receive an immediate response, it doesn't reflect on your candidacy; we'll keep your application for future opportunities. Thank you for your patience and enthusiasm as we improve our application process.

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.

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.

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 drug screen and background check. AESC US LLC is a drug-free workplace.

Occasional domestic and international travel required.

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