Manufacturing Engineer II

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! 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

Manufacturing Engineer II

by clicking this link you are being referred to an external site that is not part of Panasonic

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 an experienced individual contributor who works independently on routine assignments and impacts projects within the functional area. This role is responsible for optimizing manufacturing processes, improving equipment reliability, and maintaining high product quality in a high-volume lithium-ion battery manufacturing environment. The Manufacturing Engineer II applies sound engineering judgment to moderately complex problems, leads small projects or workstreams, and drives sustainable process improvements with limited guidance, while contributing to a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Essential Duties

Functional Operations:

• Expands technical depth to independently handle moderately complex manufacturing and equipment-related problems
• Manages defined workstreams or small projects within manufacturing, equipment, or process improvement initiatives
• Independently analyzes manufacturing processes using data-driven methods such as time studies, capability analysis, and process mapping
• Develops, updates, and implements standard operating procedures (SOPs) and work instructions
• Leads root cause analysis activities and implements corrective and preventive actions with limited guidance

Performance Optimization & Continuous Improvement

• Solves moderately complex process, quality, and equipment issues using structured problem-solving methodologies
• Suggests and implements improvements to manufacturing processes, equipment configurations, or tooling designs
• Supports initiatives to improve equipment reliability, throughput, and operational efficiency
• Applies lean manufacturing and continuous improvement tools to reduce waste and improve process stability
• Supports and leads small-scale equipment upgrades or process changes from concept through implementation

Training & Team Support

• Shares technical knowledge, lessons learned, and best practices with peers and junior engineers
• Provides informal guidance to Manufacturing Engineer I team members, particularly in troubleshooting, documentation, and safety practices
• Supports onboarding and knowledge transfer within the manufacturing engineering team

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Communication

• Communicates regularly with cross-functional partners including production, maintenance, quality, controls, and engineering teams
• Uses sound engineering judgment when addressing moderately complex technical and operational issues
• Communicates technical findings, risks, and project status clearly to stakeholders
• Collaborates cross-functionally to ensure alignment on project scope, timing, and execution

Quality, Safety, & Compliance

• Implements and maintains quality control systems to ensure product conformance to specifications
• Applies quality tools such as SPC, FMEA, and fault tree analysis to proactively identify and mitigate risks
• Ensures compliance with internal standards, regulatory requirements, and safety policies
• Actively promotes a safe working environment and supports safety initiatives and equipment commissioning activities
• Properly uses and maintains required personal protective equipment (PPE), including Tyvek suits, gloves, safety glasses, respirators, and other safety gear as required by the functional area

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements

• To ensure the health and safety in the workplace and for the protection of our employees, wearing PPE is a possibility and may include equipment such as a full Tyvek suit, safety shoes, gloves, safety glasses, face mask, bump cap, and a full hazmat suit that includes a respirator.

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

Required

Education, Certifications, and Licenses:

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or a closely related STEM field

Preferred

• Master’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or a closely related field
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (Black Belt coursework or progress toward certification a plus)
• Certified Manufacturing Technologist (CMfgT) or Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE)
• Proficiency in SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar CAD platforms; advanced modeling or drawing standards experience preferred
• OSHA 30-Hour General Industry Certification
• Training or certification related to automation, controls, PLCs, or industrial systems (preferred)

Essential Qualifications

• 2+ years of relevant engineering experience in a manufacturing environment
• Demonstrated ability to work independently on routine assignments and lead small projects or workstreams
• Solid understanding of manufacturing engineering principles with hands‑on application experience
• Proven capability to troubleshoot mechanical and electrical systems and interpret technical documentation (e.g., CAD drawings, P&IDs)
• Experience conducting root cause analysis and implementing effective corrective and preventive actions

  Preferred Qualifications

  • 4+ years of engineering experience in a high-volume manufacturing environment
  • Experience in lithium‑ion battery manufacturing or related industries such as electronics, automotive, or energy storage
  • Practical experience applying Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies
  • Experience designing or deploying fixtures, jigs, tooling, or equipment modifications
  • Involvement in equipment installation, commissioning, and validation activities
  • Familiarity with automation systems, PLCs, sensors, and control strategies
  • Exposure to Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) or industrial data analysis tools
  • Hands‑on experience in fast‑paced, high-volume production environments (e.g., 1M+ units/day)

  Physical Demands

  Physical Activities:

  • Sit: 10%
  • Walk: 70%
  • Stand: 20%

  Required Lifting and Carrying:

  Rare (<1%), Occasional (1-33%), Frequent (34-66%), Continuous (67-100%)

  For This Position, The Required Frequency Is

  • Up to 10 lbs.: Frequent
  • Up to 20 lbs.: Frequent
  • Up to 35 lbs.: Occasional
  • Team‑lift only (over 35 lbs.): Occasional

  Benefits & Perks - What's In It For You

  • 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.

  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! 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.

  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.