SSOE Group (www.ssoe.com), an internationally ranked architecture and engineering firm ranked #2 in Manufacturing Design in the U.S. by Engineering News-Record for the past two years, is excited to announce the strategic hire of Alex Kim, CGC, as Program Development Lead. Kim brings extensive experience in business development, strategic leadership, and project management, particularly in the battery, solar, and high-tech manufacturing sectors.
Kim officially joined SSOE on March 1, 2025, reporting to Perlita Schorfheide, PE, CCM, PMP, Principal Division Manager, Battery and Solar. Together with SSOE’s Scott Bussell, PE, Senior Vice President, Principal Account Executive, Battery and Solar, Schorfheide oversees the firm’s ever-growing Battery and Solar Division. With a remarkable 27-year career, Kim has successfully led large-scale projects, including the development of battery cell manufacturing plants and feasibility studies for renewable energy facilities. His expertise in onshoring technology and localizing design for international clients aligns perfectly with SSOE’s commitment to supporting the growth of the battery and solar markets in North America.
Bussell, who will represent SSOE at several battery events this year, including serving as an expert panelist at the Constructing Mega Facilities: Advances in Planning, Design and Engineering (CONMEG) event in April in Houston, commented on Kim’s appointment, sharing, “Alex is a great example of how we're attracting the best and brightest talent in the battery and solar space to join our team. He has a sensational portfolio of work and fantastic relationships. We're continuing to seek out and develop relationships with both domestic and international owners to reach clients globally. We’re well positioned to serve as the architect and engineer of record for clients supporting them to deliver start of production for these complex manufacturing projects, as we work in over 40 countries globally, and Alex certainly strengthens our delivery strategy.”
Kim has been involved in several high-profile projects, such as the Amplified Cell Technologies battery cell manufacturing plant in Mississippi and Ultium Cells facilities in Ohio and Tennessee. His role at SSOE focuses on overseeing projects enhancing the company’s capabilities in the battery and solar markets, ensuring quality, safety, and overall success.
Battery & Solar Market Trends Indicate Bright Future
Despite recent headlines suggesting uncertainty in the battery and solar markets, Goldman Sachs Research indicates a positive outlook for clean-energy technologies. Battery prices are expected to fall by nearly 50% by 2026, driven by technological advancements and a decrease in raw material costs. This trend supports the growth of electric vehicle (EV) adoption and the expansion of renewable energy infrastructure, in particular battery energy storage systems (BESS) to enhance the electric grid resiliency.
Volta Foundation reported there was a 55% year-on-year increase in BESS installations in 2024, adding 69 GW / 169 GWh of capacity—and 98% of these installations were from lithium-ion batteries.
Schorfheide emphasized SSOE’s commitment to these markets, stating, “SSOE remains dedicated to guiding clients through the complexities of onshoring, navigating uncertainties in incentives, and localizing their operations with our specialized Battery and Solar Division. As industries, particularly data centers and emerging technologies, increasingly rely on clean energy sources, the demand for solar panels and energy storage systems will continue to rise. Geopolitical challenges further underscore the need for onshoring manufacturing and securing a domestic supply of photovoltaic modules and energy storage systems. Manufacturing in this space will continue to accelerate, even in automotive, as EVs and hybrid vehicles will be integral to all major automakers’ transportation profiles.”
Kim is excited to join forces with Bussell, Schorfheide, and the rest of SSOE’s team, stating, “SSOE’s extensive team of highly skilled professionals, with deep expertise in Foreign Direct Investment, global technology onshoring, and a strong U.S. market presence, is well-equipped to deliver lasting value to clients worldwide. Their passion and vision align with my own, and I’m thrilled to join them on this continuing path to success.”
SSOE is currently hiring professionals experienced in the battery and solar markets to join its team; review these open positions here.
SSOE Group
As an internationally ranked architecture and engineering firm, SSOE is known for delivering unparalleled client value that advances the AEC industry. They have been named a “Great Workplace” (Great Place to Work®) and one of the “Best AEC Firms to Work For” (BD+C).
Over the company’s 76-year history, it has earned a reputation for providing quality project solutions to high-tech and general manufacturing clients in the semiconductor, automotive, battery, energy / solar, food, chemical, and glass industries. SSOE also provides forward-thinking design across healthcare and general building sectors such as corporate workplace, education, and judicial—with projects completed in 40 countries. Visit www.ssoe.com for additional information and career opportunities.