• NextStar Energy employees Jessica Loebach, Razieh Kiani, and Minna Al Askary reflect on the experiences that shaped their careers and passion for engineering.
• Curiosity has been the driving force behind the careers of three women engineers and continues to inspire their work in battery manufacturing.

To highlight its deep commitment to diversity, inclusion, and employee growth, LG Energy Solution spotlights three leading female engineers from NextStar Energy, a key North American battery manufacturing hub within the company’s global network. Jessica Loebach, Razieh Kiani, and Minna Al Askary support battery manufacturing at NextStar Energy through their engineering expertise, commitment to operational excellence, and continuous focus on improvement.

The three engineers shared how their career paths took shape, what drew them to engineering, and what they hope future innovators will bring to the field. For each of them, curiosity has played a defining role, sparking an interest in how things work, inspiring new challenges, and motivating them to continuously improve in the work they do at NextStar Energy. Their reflections are shared below.

Jessica Loebach
Engineering Manager, Cell Equipment Team at NextStar Energy

1. What sparked your passion for engineering?

My passion for engineering began with curiosity. Growing up, I loved helping my dad with home improvement projects and was always fascinated by how everyday technology worked. I wanted to understand how things were built, repaired, and improved. That curiosity to understand and improve eventually led me to engineering.

Although my career began in maintenance and leadership roles, I always knew engineering was where I wanted to grow. I advocated for that goal, and the opportunity I received ultimately changed the course of my career.

2. What does your role at NextStar Energy involve?

Today, I lead the Cell Equipment Team, where we focus on improving equipment reliability and performance. Beyond solving technical challenges, one of the most rewarding parts of my role is helping team members develop their skills and confidence so they can continue growing in their own careers.

3. What advice would you give to aspiring engineers?

Don’t be discouraged if the journey feels challenging. Engineering is built on collaboration, curiosity, and continuous growth. The strongest teams are built from diverse experiences and perspectives. When everyone feels empowered to contribute, innovation naturally follows.

Loebach’s story shows how childhood curiosity about the way things work can grow into a career focused on engineering leadership and team development. Kiani’s path reflects the same curiosity in a different side of engineering: helping build and scale a battery manufacturing operation from the earliest stages.

Razieh Kiani
Module Process Engineer at NextStar Energy

1. How did your journey at NextStar Energy begin?

I joined NextStar Energy as one of the first seed engineers, which gave me the opportunity to help establish and scale our battery manufacturing operations from launch through mass production. Along the way, I contributed to building a strong operational foundation by optimizing processes and troubleshooting challenges, supporting new team members while driving continuous improvement.

2. What motivates you as an engineer?

What motivates me most is curiosity. I’m always interested in understanding not only what happened, but why it happened. To me, engineering is about discovering answers, challenging assumptions, and continuously looking for opportunities to improve.

3. What achievements are you most proud of?

One of my proudest accomplishments has been building both a career and a life in a completely new environment. Through persistence, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning, I achieved goals that once felt far beyond my reach.

4. What do you hope for the future of engineering?

I hope curiosity always remains at the heart of engineering. The willingness to ask questions and seek better answers is what ultimately uncovers fresh perspectives and breakthrough ideas.

Finally, Al Askary’s work demonstrates how collaboration, careful analysis, and an unwavering commitment to quality drive continuous improvement every day.

Minna Al Askary
Formation Process Engineer at NextStar Energy

1. How does your role reflect what you enjoy most about engineering?

I focus on cell appearance quality, helping ensure our customers receive products that meet the highest quality standards. Working closely with colleagues across the Quality, Equipment, and Inspection teams, I support our commitment to excellence and our goal of achieving zero defects.

For me, engineering has always been driven by curiosity and a passion for solving problems. I enjoy investigating complex issues, understanding why they occur, and finding solutions that improve both quality and performance.

2. What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned throughout your career?

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of patience and persistence. Not every challenge has an immediate answer, but by staying focused, following the data, and working collaboratively with others, meaningful improvements can be achieved.

3. What would you like to see for the next generation of engineers?

I believe diverse perspectives lead to stronger problem-solving and more innovative solutions. I hope to see more women pursuing careers in engineering and manufacturing, bringing their ideas, experiences, and talents to help shape the future of our industry.

Loebach, Kiani, and Al Askary are among the many skilled engineers strengthening the culture and capabilities of NextStar Energy. Their stories reflect the collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning that defines NextStar Energy, while highlighting LG Energy Solution’s broader commitment to developing the next generation of talent.

As LG Energy Solution continues expanding its global manufacturing network, engineers like Loebach, Kiani, and Al Askary show that growth is driven not only by advanced technology but also by the curiosity, expertise, and commitment of the people behind it.

Their experiences offer a closer look at the people who are helping shape battery manufacturing, where diverse perspectives and problem-solving foster day-to-day innovation. By continuing to invest in inclusive workplaces and support the growth of women professionals and future leaders, LG Energy Solution helps develop the talent that will enable the future of battery technologies.

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