Overview
Do you want to join a team that's changing the world? Do you have a strong background as a Process 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
Process Engineer I
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Meet the Recruiter: 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 Process Engineer I supports continuous improvement initiatives within cell manufacturing under close supervision and guidance. This role focuses on defect reduction, specification validation, new material or model support, and equipment efficiency through the application of basic engineering principles and established processes. The Process Engineer I impacts their own work and immediate team by contributing to clearly defined tasks within projects, supporting data-driven problem solving, and assisting with process optimization efforts. As part of Panasonic’s Cell and Process Engineering team, this position operates within 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 assigned 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:
- 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
Qualifications
Requirements - Required and/or Preferred
Education, Certifications, and Licenses:
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related engineering or technical field
Preferred:
- Bachelor’s degree coursework or academic projects focused on manufacturing, process engineering, materials, automation, or data analysis
- Six Sigma Green Belt certification or progress toward certification
Essential Qualifications:
- Strong foundational understanding of core engineering principles, with the ability to apply them in a manufacturing or industrial environment
- 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 standard operating procedures
- Demonstrated ability to learn new processes, tools, and technologies through training, mentorship, and hands-on application
- Effective verbal and written communication skills within a team-based and cross-functional 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:
- 2+ years of engineering experience gained through internships, co-ops, academic projects, or entry-level roles in manufacturing or industrial environments
- Exposure to high-volume, highly automated manufacturing environments, including battery, electronics, automotive, or energy storage industries
- Familiarity with basic process engineering and continuous improvement tools (e.g., SPC, FMEA, Lean, Six Sigma concepts)
- Experience using data analysis or visualization tools such as Excel, Minitab, JMP, or similar
- Exposure to production equipment, industrial automation systems, PLC-controlled machinery, or manufacturing execution systems (MES)
- Basic understanding of lithium-ion battery manufacturing processes, materials, or electrochemical principles
Physical Demands:
Physical Activities: Percentage of time (equaling 100%) during the normal workday the employee is required to:
- Sit: 20%
- Walk: 50%
- Stand: 30%
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
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. 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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