Manufacturing Engineer I

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 (