Job Creation at Logistics Subsidiary Coupang Fulfillment Service
Over 750 Hired So Far This Month, with 180 More to Be Added by Year-End
Coupang’s logistics subsidiary, Coupang Fulfillment Service (CFS), announced on September 23 that the number of employees in its automation division has more than doubled compared to last year, following the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI)-based automation and robotics technologies.
Sojin Park, an automation engineer at Coupang Fulfillment Service (CFS), is maintaining the automated roller conveyor equipment at the fulfillment center. Photo by Coupang
The automation division is primarily composed of full-time engineers who operate, maintain, and service AI-based automated equipment and robots. As of this month, CFS employs approximately 750 logistics field technicians specializing in automation and AI-driven automation, a figure that has increased by more than 100% from 330 in January of last year. Compared to September last year, this represents an increase of about 50%.
In addition to staff responsible for equipment maintenance, new roles have emerged that specialize in AI technologies, such as industrial engineering and transportation equipment. CFS plans to hire an additional 180 automation professionals by the end of the year.
The automation division, which covers machinery, electrical, control, and robotics fields, mainly attracts applicants who have relevant academic backgrounds-such as mechanical engineering and mechatronics-or hold certifications like numerical control lathe technician. Recently, the applicant pool has become more diverse, including not only experienced professionals but also early hires before college graduation and experienced workers from outside the Seoul metropolitan area.
Coupang Fulfillment Service (CFS) automation engineers are maintaining the automated equipment chute rails at the fulfillment center. Photo by Coupang
Byunghyun Kim, an engineer who joined in January and currently works at Incheon Center 4, said, "The number of AI-based robots such as autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs), sorting bots, and robotic baggers is steadily increasing in the workplace. Gaining hands-on experience with these AI-based robots in the logistics field significantly enhances career competitiveness. It is especially meaningful to be able to effectively manage automation technologies, as this helps reduce the workload for fellow employees and boosts productivity and efficiency."
As Coupang continues to invest in fulfillment centers across various regions, AI-based technology jobs are also expanding into local areas. Kyungju Han, an engineer at Gwangju Center 1, said, "There aren’t as many job opportunities in Gwangju as there are in the Seoul metropolitan area, but Coupang offers an excellent work environment and a satisfying salary. I am very pleased that I can build my career at a global company without having to leave my hometown."
Coupang plans to establish new fulfillment centers in Jecheon, Busan, Gimcheon, and other regions nationwide by 2026, focusing its investments on automation technology and operational personnel. Notably, the Gwangju Advanced Logistics Center, the largest nationwide Rocket Delivery fulfillment center in the Honam region, which was completed last year, has been equipped with state-of-the-art automated logistics facilities such as AGVs, sorting bots, and robotic baggers.
A CFS representative stated, "Investments in AI and automation technologies are creating new, high-value-added jobs that did not exist before. We will continue to grow together so that talented individuals from all over the country can develop and thrive."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
