Sr. Materials Engineer

Sr. Materials Engineer

The Sr. Materials Engineer is responsible for the development and modification of processes and methods to introduce materials to the production process of Li-ion batteries. In addition, the Sr. Materials Engineer will collaborate broadly within Panasonic to analyze materials and material components, to establish operating data, conduct experimental tests and evaluate results, with the overall goal to introduce new materials/suppliers to PECNA's products and processes.

Essential duties include:

• Promote collaboration with suppliers in North America to accelerate multi-sourcing and localization.
• Serve as Panasonic Energy's overall technical point of contact or point of contact support for existing and potential material suppliers in North America.
• Establish and maintain the evaluation system(s) for specific materials systems within the battery.
• Work with process and manufacturing engineering teams for evaluation of materials on the production lines.
• Utilize knowledge of Panasonic's manufacturing process (specifically related to material of expertise) to lead and support modification of supplied components and improvement to PECNA's products and processes.
• Provide deep technical expertise and resource to the internal team and external vendors.
• Create and nurture relationships within the greater Panasonic platform to support economic and performance improvements to materials in PECNA's products.
• Collaborate with greater Panasonic platform in their communication with material suppliers related to the development and validation of detailed material specifications for new materials and the resolution of quality issues.
• Independently developing analytical strategies to evaluate performance and failure origins.
• Independently create standard operating procedures to be used by external suppliers as well as internal process engineering and supplier quality teams to establish the compliance of materials and/or chemicals with PECNA's products and processes.
• Use manufacturing data such as defect rate and alert rate to evaluate supplied materials.
• Draw conclusions that lead to improved manufacturability and cell performance.
• Lead internal team initiatives and mentor junior engineers to achieve team targets.
• Lead and maintain the establishment of safe working procedures and best practices surrounding analytical and laboratory techniques.
• Support all corporate EH&S, Governance and Quality initiatives.

Other duties may be assigned.

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 requirement for some roles at PECNA 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.

Qualifications:

Requirements - Required and/or Preferred Education: Education – Bachelor's from four-year college or university in Electrochemical Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, or similar discipline. Preferred: Master's Degree and/or Ph.D in Electrochemical Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, or similar discipline.

Essential Qualifications: 7+ years of engineering experience in areas such as manufacturing, product development, design, quality control, or other area. Evidence of exceptional ability. Strong analytic and decision-making abilities. Able to influence others to move towards a common goal. Able to work independently and in a team environment, as well as with cross-functional groups. Expert fundamental understanding of analytical methodologies key to specific role within Materials Development Team. Strong knowledge of commonly used materials in battery manufacturing and the analytical techniques associated with qualification and testing of those materials. Track record of effective problem solving and ability to gather, analyze, and report data to arrive at clear conclusions. Ability to use statistical analysis to derive conclusions and provide direction in investigations, new parts integration, defect reduction, and productivity improvements. Experience using Design of Experiments concepts to develop better assembly conditions, part applications, and measurement methods. Able to propose and align a material specification requirement to the supplier. Ability to lead large, complex projects internally, as well as with several related functional sections. Ability to perform statistical analysis to improve processes, both internal and external. Ability to mentor junior engineers.

Preferred Qualifications: Strong background in high-volume manufacturing Knowledge of commonly used materials in battery manufacturing and the analytical techniques associated with qualification and testing of those materials. Materials development in a battery manufacturer through collaboration with material suppliers, Fundamental understanding of battery materials, their selection, and their impact on electrochemical performance of cells Basic knowledge of battery cell design

Physical Demands:

Physical Activities: (Percentage of time (equaling 100%) during the normal workday the employee is required to) Sit: 40% Walk: 30% Stand: 20% Lift: 10% Required Lifting and Carrying: (Required frequency is: Not required (0%), Occasional (1-33%), Frequent (34-66%, Continuous (67-100%) 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:

• 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

Free Shuttle: Rides to and from work!

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.

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