Overview
Do you want to join a team that's changing the world? Do you have a strong background as a Manufacturing Engineer? 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 I is an entry-level engineer who supports production optimization, quality improvement, and process reliability under the guidance of experienced team members. This role emphasizes learning core manufacturing engineering skills through hands-on involvement in troubleshooting, data collection, and process improvement activities. The engineer collaborates with cross-functional teams to implement sustainable solutions and contribute to operational efficiency. Success in this role requires curiosity, technical aptitude, and a strong interest in high-volume manufacturing environments.
Essential Duties:
Functional Operations:
Participate in data collection and basic process analysis (e.g., time studies)
Support the development of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and work instructions
Assist in technical equipment troubleshooting with supervision
Learn and support preventative maintenance activities to ensure equipment uptime
Performance Optimization & Continuous Improvement:
Assist in analyzing and improving manufacturing processes to identify efficiency gains and reduce waste
Contribute to process improvement and equipment upgrade projects
Gain exposure to and assist with automation implementation and integration projects
Collaborate on developing permanent countermeasures to resolve manufacturing issues
Training & Team Support:
Shadow experienced engineers to gain exposure to project workflows, documentation standards, and manufacturing problem-solving methods
Cross-Functional Collaboration & Communication:
Begin developing effective collaboration and communication skills with production, maintenance, quality, and engineering teams
Develop professional communication and documentation skills to support project execution and knowledge sharing
Quality, Safety, & Compliance:
Support the implementation of quality control systems to ensure product conformance to specifications
Participate in root cause analysis (RCA) activities and contribute to corrective and preventive actions (CAPA)
Learn and adhere to all safety regulations and procedures
Actively participate in safety initiatives and support safety planning for new equipment commissioning
Use and maintain required personal protective equipment (PPE), including Tyvek suits, gloves, respirators, and other safety gear, as required by functional area
Education, Certifications, and Licenses:
Required :
Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or a closely related engineering/technical field
Preferred:
Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt preferred; Green Belt a plus
Certified Manufacturing Technologist (CMfgT)
SolidWorks or AutoCAD Certification
OSHA 30-Hour General Industry Certification
Essential Qualifications:
Strong foundational understanding of core engineering principles
Demonstrated eagerness to learn and develop practical manufacturing engineering skills
Mechanical aptitude and interest in developing troubleshooting and root cause analysis capabilities
Willingness to learn technical documentation, including CAD drawings, P&IDs, and manufacturing process instructions
Ability to support process development and improvement initiatives using data-driven approaches
Collaborative mindset and developing communication skills for effective teamwork
Adaptability to work in both office and production floor environments with attention to detail and initiative
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:
Up to 2 years of engineering experience through internships, co-ops, or entry-level roles in manufacturing environments
Experience in high-volume battery manufacturing or a related industrial environment such as electronics, automotive, or energy storage
Exposure to lean manufacturing or Six Sigma concepts through coursework or internships
Familiarity with basic design tools (e.g., CAD) or hands-on fabrication projects
Interest in automation, PLCs, sensors, and control strategy concepts
Exposure to manufacturing data systems (e.g., MES) or industrial data analysis techniques
Hands-on experience or coursework involving machine shop equipment or fabrication tools
Interest in high-volume production environments (e.g., 1M+ units/day) such as battery, electronics, or semiconductor manufacturing
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements:
To ensure health and safety in the workplace and for employee protection, wearing PPE is required 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, 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. In addition, employees are expected to participate in cross-training and may be assigned responsibilities in other areas as business needs evolve.
Qualifications
Physical Demands:
Physical Activities: Percentage of time (equaling 100%) during the normal workday the employee is required to:
Sit: 30%
Walk: 35%
Stand: 35%
Required Lifting and Carrying: Rare (
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.): Rare
Who We Are:
Meet Panasonic Energy! 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.
Our journey began in 2017, and now, as the world's largest lithium-ion battery factory, we are expanding operations to De Soto, Kansas, providing 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!
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.
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:
Health Benefits - Offering medical, dental, vision, prescription plans, plus Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account options.
Voluntary Benefits - Life, accident, critical illness, disability, legal, identity theft, and pet insurance.
Panasonic Retirement Savings & Investment Plan (PRSIP) - 401(k) plan with company matching contributions and immediate vesting.
Paid Time-Off Benefits - Vacation, holidays, personal days, sick leave, volunteer, and parental & caregiver leave.
Educational Assistance - Tuition reimbursement for job-related courses after six months of service.
Health Management and Wellbeing Programs -Lifestyle Spending Account, EAP, virtual health management, chronic condition, neurodiversity, tobacco cessation, substance abuse support, and life stage and fertility resources. Available to eligible employees starting the first day of the month following your start date. Eligibility for each benefit may vary based on employment status, location, and length of service.
Employee Recognition Program - High5 employee recognition and awards platform, quarterly and annual employee recognition
Annual Bonus Program - Opportunity for an annual performance-based bonus.
On-site Food Options : Several on-site cafes, plentiful snack and beverage kitchens, revolving on-site vendor visits and employee events
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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