Ara Cho

Experience

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  Self-employed

  Jan 2018 - Jan 2022

  Private Tutor

  - Provide one-on-one instruction to help various students achieve their academic (AP Math/Science courses, English, TOFEL) or personal academic learning goals.- Work with high school and college students to improve their English speaking and writing skills by conducting 1:1 tutoring sessions while utilizing self-made instruction manuals (Daily Conversation English Classes/ TED Video Discussion Classes).- Plan out various strategies for high school students to get accepted into their desired universities. Show less

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  University of Maryland

  Feb 2019 - Aug 2019

  Undergraduate Polymer Research Assistant

  - Synthesized layers of silica nanoparticles on wafers, including solid and KCC-1 type of silica, under the assistance of a Ph.D. student.- Participated in the weekly research-group meetings to share the summarized reports from various research papers regarding the Stober process when using Poly solution as a binding layer.- Worked closely with Chemical Engineering Department faculties to have proper research resources available for specific research projects.

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  Miltec UV

  Feb 2019 - Aug 2019

  Lithium-Ion Battery Lab Intern

  - Cooperated with R&D engineers to formulate UV-curable coatings for Lithium-ion battery components.- Tested and analyzed multiple coating properties: porosity, density, and heat resistance using various lab equipment such as Gurley High-Pressure Densometers, UV-integrated flexographic machines, roll-coasters, and slot die coaters.- Assembled battery coin or pouch cells in a glove box to test the power differences between Lithium cells to Alkaline, Zinc-air, and Manganese coin-cell powered batteries.Assisted manufacturing pilot-scaled coating equipment using the lab techniques and evaluated the deviation in the result.- Analyzed and assemble data and documented processes to write weekly reports on the design, analysis, and testing of the anode, cathode, and separator materials. Show less

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  University of Maryland

  Sept 2020 - Aug 2021

  Undergraduate Teaching Assistant - Courses: Separation Processes & Chemical Engineering Laboratory

  - Worked as a primary instructor for 3rd and 4th-year chemical engineering major courses and was responsible for holding weekly office hours and discussion sessions, exam review sessions, and grading assignments, reports, exams, and projects (class size: 32 - 68 students).- Conducted review sessions for freshmen/sophomore engineering students to get prepared for their upcoming exams.- Received 3.8/4.0 on average for the yearly TA feedback from students & awarded the Best-TA award from the University of Maryland Chemical Engineering Department. Show less

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  LG Energy Solution

  Oct 2021 - Sept 2023

  1. Project: Remote Operating System (ROS) Implementation• Spearheaded the ROS Task Force Team, employing a strategic mindset to design, create, and implement a cutting-edge Remote Operating System (ROS) for Automotive Lithium-ion Battery Electrode Technology team.• Established a state-of-the-art ROS control room enabling 100% remote monitoring, real-time adjustments to production quality specifications, and proactive data analytics.Key Achievements:o Strategic Workforce Optimization:- Orchestrated a 43.75% reduction in operators, streamlining from 32 to 18 per shift, resulting in annual cost savings of $645K.- Elevated operator's value-added activities by an impressive 178% (25.3% to 70.21%).o Innovative Cost Management:- Pioneered "job-base" operation and automatic material-change alarm systems, resulting in a 47% savings against the allocated project budget (Allocated project budget: $300K; Consumed project budget: $204K).o Global Impact and Collaboration:- Collaborated seamlessly with international LG Energy Solution sites (Poland, Korea, China, other United States plants) to implement smart factory solutions, fostering cross-cultural teamwork and knowledge exchange.o Strategic Data Analytics:- Applied advanced data analytics within the ROS framework, optimizing operational efficiency and foreseeing potential challenges.- Leveraged smart factory principles – interconnectivity, automation and control, data exchange and transparency – to enhance decision-making processes, ensuring a data-driven approach to manufacturing.o Business-Strategy Mindset:- Integrated a strategic business mindset throughout the ROS project, aligning technology solutions with overarching yearly business KPI goals. Show less 1. Project: Successful Launching & Digitalization of the Lean Six Sigma (LSS) Program• Initiated and coordinated three Green Belt & two Black Belt training courses, successfully certifying 141 engineers within 10 months.• Formulated and executed a comprehensive LSS program strategy, encompassing policy development, a bilingual training schedule, and examinations (Korean, English).• Cultivated strategic vendor partnerships, ensuring the timely and effective delivery of high-quality training within the LG organization.• Coached engineers in seamlessly integrating lean tools into diverse engineering projects, enhancing automotive battery production's quality, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.Key Achievements:- Spearheaded complete digitalization and automation of the LSS training program, recording lectures, implementing an auto-grading system, and developing an interactive online textbook.- Achieved $206K annual cost savings through strategic digital solutions.- Amplified LSS program completion by 76.6% and certification achievement by 28.1%. 2. Project: Spare Part Localization• Implemented improvements in the LG’s Electrode warehouse management strategy, achieving an overall cost saving of $16,633 per month.• Synchronized the EMS system and implemented a Warehouse Process Manual with barcode printers for accurate spare parts input/output.• Established a spare parts inventory Min/Max logic mathematical equation, streamlining categorization for optimal response to production breakdowns and minimized ordering time.• Enhanced warehouse security by installing IDP (Identity and Access Management), limiting access to reduce the risk of spare parts loss.Key Achievements:- Reduced internal order process by an 85.71%.- Decreased ordering lead time by 84.78%, particularly beneficial for international brands with historically long lead times. Show less

  • Mixing/Coating Process Engineer (Electrode)

    Dec 2022 - Sept 2023

  • Lean Manufacturing Engineer

    Oct 2021 - Dec 2022
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  Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA)

  Oct 2023 - now

  Paint Process Engineering Specialist

  1. Plant Construction and Preparation for New Model Production• Lead the oversight of the construction and commissioning of a cutting-edge Automotive Paint Process building, playing a pivotal role in the Mega-site construction project's development and execution.• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, construction/civil engineering groups, equipment contractors, and paint/filter suppliers to manage the construction process, ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols and project timelines.• Ensure compliance with SPCC (Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure) environmental regulations, focusing on sustainable and eco-friendly practices in automotive paint building construction.• Work closely with Paint supplier R&D teams, integrating innovative paint adhesion technologies into the manufacturing process to minimize major paint quality defects such as craters, pinholes, orange peels, and sags.2. EV Vehicle-Commissioning Regulation• Collaborate with SGS Group to ensure all equipment and electrical panels follows the OSHA’s NFPA79 regulation and coordinate with Georgia Bryan County governors daily on the United States Field Evaluation Label issuing processes.• Analyze various optimal options for minimizing wastewater generation during the commissioning phase.• Identify the need for NFPA70E training for all electricians and collaborate with PeakSafety to facilitate both onsite and online electricity safety training that complies with OSHA regulations.• Collaborate with paint, Korean equipment, and cleaning suppliers to develop an optimal Deep Cleaning schedule and method for T1, T2 commissioning, ensuring proper chemical usage for equipment materials and minimizing tack rag lint. Show less