Process Engineer I

Overview Join Panasonic Energy as a Process Engineer I in De Soto, Kansas. Help push the limits of battery technology, enhance performance and efficiency in sustainable transportation, and contribute to the world’s largest lithium-ion battery factory. Responsibilities Process Engineer I supports continuous improvement initiatives within cell manufacturing under supervision and guidance. Focus on defect reduction, specification validation, new material or model support, and equipment efficiency through basic engineering principles and established processes. Contribute to clearly defined tasks within projects, support data-driven problem solving, and assist with process optimization efforts. Work within Panasonic’s Cell and Process Engineering team in a structured, full-cycle engineering environment while developing foundational technical and manufacturing competencies. Essential Duties Functional Operations: Applies basic engineering principles, standard procedures, and documented methodologies to support cell manufacturing processes. Supports tasks within process improvement, equipment optimization, and manufacturing support projects. Assists with monitoring, auditing, and validating manufacturing processes to ensure compliance with specifications and standards. Supports documentation efforts, including SOPs, work instructions, and troubleshooting guides. Performance Optimization & Continuous Improvement: Works on clearly defined process improvement tasks under supervision to support defect reduction, productivity, quality, cost, and OEE improvements. Collects, analyzes, and summarizes production and process data using existing tools and systems. Applies established process engineering tools (e.g., SPC, basic FMEA concepts, standard problem-solving methods) to identify trends and opportunities. Assists in implementing approved process changes and countermeasures in production environments. Training & Team Support: Learns process engineering practices, manufacturing standards, and site-specific technologies through hands-on experience and mentorship. Seeks guidance from senior engineers and subject matter experts to build technical depth and manufacturing knowledge. Participates in training related to safety, quality systems, equipment operation, and engineering tools. Cross-Functional Collaboration & Communication: Communicates within the immediate team and functional partners using established communication channels. Supports collaboration with manufacturing, maintenance, quality, and engineering teams when addressing routine issues. Follows established escalation paths and procedures for technical issues and process deviations. Quality, Safety, & Compliance: Adheres to all safety, quality, environmental, and regulatory requirements. Supports quality investigations, corrective actions, and process validations as directed. Follows standard operating procedures and safety protocols, including PPE requirements. Contributes to maintaining a safe, compliant, and high-quality manufacturing environment. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements: PPE use may include items such as protective clothing, safety shoes, gloves, safety glasses, face mask, and other required gear as applicable. Qualifications Education, Certifications, and Licenses : Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field. Preferred Bachelor’s degree coursework or projects focused on manufacturing, process engineering, materials, automation, or data analysis. Six Sigma Green Belt or progress toward certification. Essential Qualifications Strong foundational understanding of core engineering principles and ability to apply them in manufacturing or industrial environments. Ability to apply structured problem-solving and analytical thinking to clearly defined technical challenges under supervision. Basic familiarity with manufacturing, process, or industrial engineering concepts, including process flow, variation, and standardization. Working knowledge of basic data analysis techniques and engineering tools (e.g., spreadsheets, charts, statistical summaries). Ability to read, interpret, and follow technical documentation, drawings, specifications, and SOPs. Demonstrated ability to learn new processes, tools, and technologies through training and hands-on application. Effective verbal and written communication skills in a team-based and cross-functional environment. Working-level English language proficiency. Alignment to Panasonic’s core principles: contribution to society, fairness and honesty, cooperation and team spirit, untiring effort for improvement, courtesy and humility, adaptability, gratitude. Preferred Qualifications 2+ years of engineering experience in manufacturing or industrial environments. Exposure to high-volume, highly automated manufacturing environments (battery, electronics, automotive, or energy storage). Familiarity with process engineering and continuous improvement tools (e.g., SPC, FMEA, Lean, Six Sigma). Experience with data analysis or visualization tools (e.g., Excel, Minitab, JMP). Exposure to production equipment, industrial automation systems, PLC-controlled machinery, or MES. Basic understanding of lithium-ion battery manufacturing processes, materials, or electrochemical principles. Physical Demands Sit: 20% Walk: 50% Stand: 30% Required lifting and carrying: up to 10 lbs. Frequent up to 20 lbs.; occasional up to 35 lbs.; team-lift over 35 lbs. Benefits & Perks Health Benefits – Medical, dental, vision, prescription plans, Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account options. Voluntary Benefits – Life, accident, critical illness, disability, legal, identity theft, and pet insurance. Retirement Savings & Investment Plan (PRSIP) – 401(k) with company matching 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 support, neurodiversity awareness, tobacco cessation, substance abuse support, and life stage resources. Availability and eligibility vary by status and location. Employee Recognition Program and Annual Bonus Program – recognition and performance-based bonus opportunities. On-site Food Options – on-site cafes and vendor options. Where You'll Be Onsite roles at Panasonic Energy foster an engaging, safe, and productive work environment that supports a positive experience. Supplemental Information Pre-employment drug testing is required. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other protected characteristics. All qualified individuals must be able to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation. Due to high volume of responses, only candidates of interest will be contacted. Valid work authorization in the U.S. required. #J-18808-Ljbffr Panasonic Energy Corporation of North America