Controls Engineer II

Panasonic•De Soto, KS

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Join Panasonic Energy as we expand to De Soto, Kansas, 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.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or a closely related engineering/technical field
2+ years of controls or automation engineering experience in manufacturing, industrial, or laboratory environments, with demonstrated ability to work independently on routine assignments
Applied experience programming, installing, and troubleshooting PLC-based automation systems (e.g., Mitsubishi, Omron, Allen-Bradley, Siemens) and manufacturing image vision systems such as Keyence or Cognex
Working knowledge of electrical hardware, electrical drawings, sequence control, control software design, and control wiring practices, sufficient to independently support equipment modifications and troubleshooting
Working knowledge of industrial electrical standards and applications, including NFPA 70, NFPA 79, related UL standards, hazardous location requirements (Class I, Division 2), and 480 V control panels or industrial power distribution systems
Ability to apply first-principles thinking to solve moderately complex controls and automation issues with limited guidance
Experience collaborating effectively with cross-functional partners, including manufacturing, research, engineering, and overseas stakeholders
Exposure to energy usage monitoring or optimization efforts and general awareness of applicable U.S. environmental and regulatory requirements relevant to industrial equipment
Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, for engineering documentation, analysis, and communication
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)

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or a closely related engineering/technical field, or advanced technical coursework demonstrating increased depth in automation, controls, or manufacturing systems
Certified Automation Professional (CAP) – in progress or completed
Six Sigma Green Belt (or equivalent quality/process improvement certification)
Vendor-specific PLC or vision system certifications (e.g., Mitsubishi, Allen-Bradley, Keyence)
4+ years of combined engineering experience in manufacturing or industrial environments, including internships, co-ops, laboratory work, or full-time roles
Experience in high-volume battery manufacturing or related industries such as electronics, automotive, or energy storage
Experience managing small projects or defined workstreams and supporting equipment commissioning, production ramp-up, or new equipment introduction
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively convey technical information to engineering, manufacturing, and cross-functional teams
Demonstrated resilience, self-motivation, and ability to work effectively under pressure in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) for data analysis, reporting, and technical presentations

Responsibilities

Independently program, install, and troubleshoot Keyence vision systems supporting Panasonic’s battery manufacturing processes
Independently program, install, and troubleshoot PLC systems, including Mitsubishi and Omron platforms, to support manufacturing equipment and automation needs
Analyze product and equipment specifications and performance requirements to develop control system designs that can be implemented using existing manufacturing facilities and methods
Manage defined workstreams or small automation projects within the controls functional area, applying increased technical depth to moderately complex engineering problems
Prepare, or direct the preparation of, detailed system layouts, electrical drawings, and schematics in accordance with engineering standards
Solve moderately complex controls and automation problems with limited guidance, applying established engineering methods and tools
Evaluate the feasibility of new equipment designs or modifications to existing facilities by assessing cost, space, schedule, technical risk, and operational constraints
Plan and develop experimental test programs to evaluate system performance, reliability, and functionality
Analyze test data and reports to verify that designs meet defined functional and performance specifications
Suggest improvements to control system designs, equipment configurations, or processes to enhance performance, reliability, or manufacturability
Share technical knowledge, lessons learned, and best practices with peers to support team capability and consistency
Provide informal guidance to less experienced engineers or technicians on routine controls and automation topics
Communicate and coordinate with cross-functional partners, including manufacturing, research, and engineering teams, to clarify requirements and resolve moderately complex technical issues
Confer with research and development personnel to support design development and resolve design-related challenges
Exercise sound engineering judgment when addressing moderately complex technical and operational issues that impact projects within the functional area
Ensure automation designs, testing activities, and system modifications comply with applicable safety, quality, and engineering standards
Evaluate engineering test results for potential application to system improvements, future developments, or broader use within the manufacturing environment
Support adherence to company policies, regulatory requirements, and industry standards during equipment installation, testing, and troubleshooting activities

Benefits

Medical, dental, vision, prescription plans
Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account options
Life, accident, critical illness, disability, legal, identity theft, and pet insurance
401(k) plan with company matching contributions and immediate vesting
Vacation, holidays, personal days, sick leave, volunteer, and parental & caregiver leave
Tuition reimbursement for job-related courses after six months of service
Lifestyle Spending Account, EAP, virtual health management, chronic condition, neurodiversity, tobacco cessation, substance abuse support, and life stage and fertility resources
High5 employee recognition and awards platform, quarterly and annual employee recognition
Opportunity for an annual performance-based bonus
Several on-site cafes, plentiful snack and beverage kitchens, revolving on-site vendor visits and employee events