Overview
Do you want to join a team that's changing the world? Do you have a strong background as a Manufacturing Engineer II? Then we're looking for you! Check out the job description and apply now! Put your skills to meaningful use, gain unique experience, and work with world-class team members with diverse backgrounds and expertise who share the same vision. Join the PECNA team today!
Responsibilities
Meet the Recruiter: (https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-laffey/) Eric Laffey
Summary:
Join us at Panasonic Energy as we expand to De Soto, Kansas, where we're building the world's largest lithium-ion battery factory. This is an exciting opportunity to grow your career while contributing to the future of electric vehicles. As part of our team, you'll help push the limits of battery technology, enhancing performance and efficiency in sustainable transportation.
Our state-of-the-art facility, just outside the Kansas City Metro, will be a hub for innovation in green energy solutions. If you're passionate about sustainability and eager to contribute to the electric vehicle revolution, we invite you to be part of our dynamic team. Join us and make a meaningful impact on the future of energy and transportation.
Job Summary:
The Manufacturing Engineer II is a self-directed professional responsible for optimizing production processes, driving efficiency, and maintaining high product quality in a fast-paced lithium-ion battery manufacturing facility. With a minimum of two years of experience, this engineer leads small-scale projects, resolves complex technical issues, and implements sustainable process improvements. The role collaborates cross-functionally and mentors junior engineers, contributing to a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement. Success in this role requires strong problem-solving skills, hands-on engineering ability, and a proactive approach to operational excellence.
Essential Duties:
Process Optimization & Documentation:
Independently analyze and improve manufacturing processes to reduce waste and increase efficiency
Conduct data-driven process analysis, including time studies and capability assessments
Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) and work instructions
Lead root cause analysis and implement corrective/preventive actions with minimal supervision
Equipment Troubleshooting & Maintenance Support:
Diagnose and resolve equipment malfunctions independently
Work with maintenance teams to support and improve preventative maintenance strategies
Support initiatives to improve equipment reliability and maximize uptime
Automation & Technology Integration:
Participate in and support the implementation and maintenance of automated systems
Lead small-scale automation tasks and coordinate with controls teams to optimize production technology
Apply understanding of control strategies, PLCs, sensors, and actuator systems in automation initiatives
Quality Assurance & Compliance:
Implement and maintain quality control systems to ensure product conformance to specifications
Use tools such as SPC, FTA, and FMEA to proactively identify and address quality issues
Collaborate with quality teams to monitor key process parameters and ensure regulatory compliance
Project Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration:
Lead small process improvement and equipment upgrade projects from planning through execution
Collaborate effectively with production, maintenance, quality, and engineering teams to ensure alignment and timely project delivery
Communicate technical findings and progress updates clearly across teams
Safety & Mentorship:
Promote a safe working environment by adhering to and supporting site safety regulations and initiatives
Participate in safety-related activities and equipment commissioning with an emphasis on safety compliance
Provide informal guidance to junior engineers, especially in areas of safety, equipment troubleshooting, and process optimization
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements:
To ensure health and safety in the workplace and for employee protection, wearing PPE is a possibility and includes equipment such as a full Tyvek suit, safety shoes, gloves, safety glasses, face mask, and a full hazmat suit that includes a respirator. A respirator fit test will be required based on functional area.
The foregoing description is not intended and should not be construed to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills and efforts or work conditions associated with the job. It is intended to be an accurate reflection of the general nature and level of the job.
Qualifications
Requirements - Required and/or Preferred:
Education:
Required: Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or a closely related engineering/technical field
Preferred: Master's degree in Engineering or related discipline
Essential Qualifications:
2+ years of engineering experience in a manufacturing environment
Proven engineering skills with a track record of independently leading tasks and small projects
Solid understanding of manufacturing principles and hands-on experience applying them
Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot mechanical/electrical systems and interpret engineering documentation (CAD, MPI, P&IDs, etc.)
Experience conducting root cause analysis and implementing effective corrective actions
Strong data analysis capabilities using SPC, capability studies, and process mapping tools
Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate across departments
Adaptable and proactive in managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
Must have working-level knowledge of the English language, including reading, writing, and speaking English
Alignment to Panasonic's seven (7) core principles (contribution to society, fairness and honesty, cooperation and team spirit, untiring effort for improvement, courtesy and humility, adaptability, gratitude)
Preferred Qualifications:
3 - 5 years of engineering experience, ideally in a high-volume manufacturing environment
Practical experience applying Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies
Experience designing and deploying fixtures, jigs, and custom tooling
Involvement in the installation, commissioning, and validation of production equipment
Familiarity with control systems, PLCs, and sensor-based automation
Exposure to Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) or basic industrial data analysis
Hands-on experience in high-volume manufacturing (1M+ units/day) such as batteries, semiconductors, or electronics
Practical experience with basic fabrication or machine shop tools and techniques
Preferred Certification(s):
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt
Certified Manufacturing Technologist (CMfgT)
PLC Programming Certification (e.g., Allen-Bradley, Siemens)
Certified Automation Professional (CAP) - ISA
OSHA 30-Hour General Industry Certification
Physical Demands:
Physical Activities: Percentage of time (equaling 100%) during the normal workday the employee is required to:
Sit: 30%
Walk: 30%
Stand: 30%
Lift: 10%
Required Lifting and Carrying: Not required (0%), Occasional (1-33%), Frequent (34-66%), Continuous (67-100%)
For this position, the required frequency is:
Up to 10 lbs.: Occasional
Up to 20 lbs.: Occasional
Up to 35 lbs.: Occasional
Team-lift only (over 35 lbs.): Not Required
Benefits & Perks - What's In It For You:
Panasonic Energy prioritizes total well-being and offers comprehensive benefits options to support physical, emotional, financial, social, and environmental health:
Highly inclusive and class-leading healthcare options to include family planning, mental health, and pet insurance
Employee assistance programs that support total well-being with complimentary session offered each and every month
Company-matched and fully vested 401K retirement program that starts immediately from date of enrollment
Annual bonus program, High5 employee recognition and awards platform, quarterly and annual employee recognition
Simplified access to self-guided and representative-supported short and long-term financial wellness and retirement planning
Educational Assistance & Reimbursement Program
Inclusion programs and associated employee resource groups that promote representation and belonging
Leadership, career, and mentorship development programs opportunities at all levels across the organization
Collaborative and motivating culture routed in continuous personal and professional growth and much more.
Where You'll Be:
For our onsite roles, Panasonic Energy is committed to fostering an ideal working environment that goes beyond the conventional. We understand the significance of moments that matter in your onsite experience, and we prioritize creating a workspace that not only promotes productivity but also ensures a fulfilling and positive work atmosphere. Join us at Panasonic Energy, where your onsite presence is valued, and we strive to make each moment count in your professional journey.
Who We Are:
Meet Panasonic Energy (https://careers.na.panasonic.com/life-at-panasonic) ! At Panasonic Energy, you'll do work that matters as we are dedicated to transforming the world through the acceleration of sustainable energy. By producing safe, high-quality lithium-ion batteries, you become part of a team that plays a crucial role in creating technologies that move us (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-x_hDfMqb0) .
This is an exciting time to join us as we expand our operations to De Soto, Kansas and build the world's largest lithium-ion battery factory. We will provide you with the opportunity to experience career growth in more ways than one.
As an innovative thinker, you'll thrive here, as we continually push the boundaries of lithium-ion battery technology and production capabilities to enhance efficiency and performance in EVs.
Being part of Panasonic Energy means positively contributing to society, aligning with our commitment to building a better world through sustainable energy solutions.
We care about what you care about, fostering an environment where your contributions make a meaningful impact on the future of energy and transportation. Join us and be part of a team that values your work, encourages innovation, and actively contributes to a positive societal impact.
In addition to an environment that is as innovative as our products, we offer competitive salaries and benefits.
We Take Opportunity Seriously:
At Panasonic Energy, we are committed to a workplace that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging. Fairness and Honesty have been part of our core values for more than 100 years and we are proud of our diverse culture as an equal opportunity employer.
We understand that your career search may look different than others and embrace the professional, personal, educational, and volunteer opportunities through which people gain experience. If you are actively looking or starting to explore new opportunities, submit your application!
Supplemental Information:
Pre-employment drug testing is required.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. All qualified individuals are required to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.
Due to the high volume of responses, we will only be able to respond to candidates of interest. All candidates must have valid authorization to work in the U.S. without restriction.
Thank you for your interest in Panasonic Energy Corporation of North America.
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