Electrical Engineer

The Asahi Kasei Group operates with a commitment of creating for tomorrow.  Our business sectors, Materials, Homes, and Health Care, contribute to the development of society by anticipating the changing needs of those around the world. We look for candidates that offer a fresh perspective and a variety of skills to help us achieve our commitment.

Asahi Kasei is a long-trusted supplier of lithium-ion battery separators – polymer-based microporous membranes that are a key component of the lithium batteries used to power electric vehicles, renewable energy storage systems, and more. We are currently seeking applications to fill the following job opening at Asahi Kasei Battery Separator Canada, where we are in the process of constructing a new lithium battery separator manufacturing facility to support increasing North American demand.

Company:

Asahi Kasei Battery Separator Canada​ Corporation

Job Description:

Asahi Kasei Battery Separator Canada, an Asahi Kasei Company, is a pioneer in battery technology and a long-trusted supplier of lithium battery separators, which are polymer-based microporous membranes that are key components of lithium-ion batteries (LIB).

The company’s Hipore™ brand of separators have been commercially available since the lithium battery market’s inception in the early 1990s and they are found primarily in electric drive vehicles (EDVs) as well as in consumer electronics (CE) such as smartphones, tablets and personal computers. Hipore™ membrane separators bring high porosity and excellent energy transfer, while contributing to battery safety and reliability and they are especially well matched for the high-capacity batteries required for power plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and full battery (BEV) vehicles.  

Asahi Kasei is accelerating its next phase of global growth with proactive investment and capacity expansion in battery separators to meet increasing demand for electric vehicle applications. Expansions have been announced at existing Asahi Kasei LIB separator facilities in the United States, Japan, and South Korea, with start-up scheduled in succession from the first half of fiscal year 2026.  Asahi Kasei will continue investing to further build its LIB separator infrastructure for automotive applications to meet growing demand in North America where significant expansion of electric vehicle production is forecasted. 

We are now in the early phases of staffing our new greenfield site, in Port Colborne, Ontario, Canada, that will have an investment of about 1.57 billion CAD$ to further build its LIB separator infrastructure for automotive applications to meet growing demand in North America where significant expansion of electric vehicle production is forecasted.  

The Asahi Kasei Group is a diversified group of companies led by holding company Asahi Kasei Corp., with operations in the material, homes, and health care business sectors. With more than 48,000 employees around the world, the Asahi Kasei Group serves customers in more than 100 countries. We are Creating for Tomorrow!

We are seeking an Electrical Engineer to be a part of a new plant start-up based in Port Colborne, Ontario.   The incumbent will be responsible for the entire project life cycle from scope determination through timely project closure on assigned construction and manufacturing projects.

This position directly reports to the Sr. Director of Operations or designate and does not supervise others.

• Sincerity – Being sincere with everyone
• Challenge – Bolding taking challenges, continually seeking change
• Creativity – Creating new value through unity and synergy

• Management of construction and capital projects from concept to project closure.
• Specification of equipment, control systems, and process function for new equipment.
• Electrical design of low voltage utility power for machinery and facilities.
• Supervise and support electrical installation contractors on project work.
• Supervise and support start up and internal checkout of electrical installation on project work.
• Update electrical drawings in the document control system.
• Occasional support of maintenance personnel with troubleshooting electrical breakdowns.
• Evaluates performance of mechanical, electromechanical, electrical, and other plant systems and makes recommendations for improvements and cost savings.
• Knowledge and appreciation of safe work practices and environments; maintains high level of safety among all employees throughout project process.
• Uses technical knowledge and awareness of details to recognize when technical problems are developing in the various disciplines and initiates appropriate corrective actions.

• Installation and commissioning of extrusion equipment, bonding, ovens, winding, conversion slitting and packaging, thin film web handling and tension control, online analyzers, and inspection equipment.

Education Background:

• Bachelor’s or master's degree in electrical engineering required.

Knowledge & Experience: 

• 3+ years of experience with electrical design of machines, utilities, and facilities in a manufacturing or industrial environment required.
• Previous experience with capital projects is required; experience with new site construction is required, including installation of equipment, startup and testing.  Must be able to interpret detailed construction plans and electrical line drawings.
• Must have demonstrated experience with a strong emphasis on execution of multiple projects in support of other disciplines.

• Must be proficient in use of AutoCAD (standard or electrical) and MS Office products.
• Must be proficient in the application of NEC, ISA, NEMA codes and standards.
• Must be familiar with the application and design of power circuits at 480v and below; the application of motors and motor controls; and the application of temperature and pressure controls.

• Experience working for a global organization with cross cultural interaction is strongly preferred. 

Key Attributes:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills with ability to communicate effectively to diverse audiences across all levels of the organization is required
• Must have strong interpersonal skills
• Must be adept at influencing others to move projects forward

Travel:

• Must be able and willing to travel up to 15% domestically and abroad for training and visiting other company locations.

Schedule:

• Must be able and willing to work a flexible schedule for emergencies and to attend in-person meetings and conference calls outside of normal business hours.  The incumbent can flex working hours to accommodate.

This position will be based in a temporary structure on or near a construction site until the permanent office is built in 2026. The final work environment will be at a 24/7 manufacturing operation.  This position is in support of manufacturing and requires working in a production environment around chemicals. The manufacturing facility will be a state of the art in terms of automation and being temperature and humidity controlled.  This will be a clean and comfortable environment due to the nature of the products being produced.

This position is in a manufacturing plant setting that would require working in a production environment around chemicals. Work is 80% desk-based but will require standing and walking for 20% of the time.  You may be required to lift up to 35 pounds and/or push, pull, or otherwise move objects.

This position has been identified as safety sensitive and involves frequent exposure to chemicals, moving mechanical parts, and heavy machinery in a construction and manufacturing environment.

Port Colborne, Ontario is a charming harbour town situated in the Niagara Region on the coast of Lake Erie.  The Niagara Region is made up of 12 municipalities and has a population of approximately 478,000.  It is an international trade hub with industry ranging from agriculture, construction, manufacturing, technology, tourism, transportation and warehousing.  There are two regional airports, easy access to four international airports, railway, and other public transportation.  It is home to Brock University, Niagara College Canada, McMaster University, as well as public and private schools that offer a selection of concentrations.  The area offers a safe, affordable lifestyle with a hometown community feel.  Recreational attractions include Humberstone Speedway, Niagara Falls, Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, the Welland Canal, Canada’s largest casino, wineries, sporting and entertainment venues for concerts and festivals.  Other amenities include the Niagara Heath System, a variety in dining, farmer’s markets, ample parks, trails and outdoor activities.  Within driving distance, the greater Ontario province offers modern cities and countryside that are rich in culture, history, and natural beauty.  It is about a 90-minute drive to Mississauga, Toronto, and Brampton. 

The Company is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities in its workplaces. If accommodation is required in the application process, please contact Human Resources at careers@ak-bsc.ca.

Asahi Kasei Battery Separator Canada is an equal opportunity employer that embraces diversity in the workplace and encourages applications from qualified women, men, visible minorities, aboriginal peoples, and persons with disabilities. We are committed to providing accommodations throughout the interview process for needs that are made known in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).

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As an equal opportunity employer, Asahi Kasei is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce. Asahi Kasei believes that its diverse workforce strengthens the company’s ability to adapt and thrive in a changing world .