Director of Design Engineering

Panasonic • De Soto, KS

133d

About The Position

Do you want to join a team that's changing the world? Do you have a strong background as a Director of Design Engineering? 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! 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.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Industrial Design, or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive engineering experience with a high level of expertise in factory design, large-scale manufacturing, or related fields.
• Prior experience managing engineering teams, developing expansion strategies, and leading long-range planning initiatives in a high-volume manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of factory design principles, workflows, and layout optimization with emphasis on scalability, productivity, and safety.
• Direct experience with procurement, installation, and commissioning of specialized manufacturing tools and equipment, particularly in EV battery or advanced manufacturing industries.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor engineering teams while fostering innovation, technical excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Proven success in managing complex projects, budgets, and schedules, with the ability to deliver on time and within scope.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, applying a data-driven approach to decision-making and risk management.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across diverse teams and organizational levels.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements, industry standards, and safety protocols for large-scale manufacturing facilities and tool installation.
• Must have working-level knowledge of the English language, including reading, writing, and speaking English.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
• In-depth knowledge of lithium-ion battery manufacturing processes and industry trends.
• Experience leading global expansion initiatives within a manufacturing environment.
• Strategic business acumen with the ability to align technical solutions to organizational growth objectives.
• Proven experience implementing standardized engineering processes across multiple facilities.
• Demonstrated ability to integrate emerging technologies and innovative design solutions into factory development.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute global expansion strategies focused on factory design, tool installation, and facility growth.
• Conduct feasibility studies, cost analysis, and risk assessments to evaluate new opportunities and inform decision-making.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure expansion success and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
• Stay current with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices to strengthen competitive advantage.
• Lead and mentor a team of engineers, fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with internal teams—including construction, operations, and project management—to align expansion with business objectives.
• Establish and maintain strategic relationships with vendors, contractors, and regulatory authorities.
• Oversee the design and layout of new manufacturing facilities, ensuring efficient workflows, optimized space utilization, and compliance with standards.
• Manage the procurement, installation, and commissioning of specialized EV battery manufacturing tools and equipment.
• Oversee non-process tool installations, including cranes and robots, to improve plant efficiency.
• Standardize processes and procedures for facility design, tool installation, and long-term management.
• Assess and select suitable locations for new factories based on cost, logistics, infrastructure, and regulatory considerations.
• Track and manage project budgets, schedules, and milestones, implementing corrective measures as needed.
• Ensure successful delivery of expansion projects within scope, schedule, and budget.

Benefits

• Highly inclusive and class-leading healthcare options to include family planning, mental health, and pet insurance.
• Employee assistance programs that support total well-being with complimentary session offered each and every month.
• Company-matched and fully vested 401K retirement program that starts immediately from date of enrollment.
• Annual bonus program, High5 employee recognition and awards platform, quarterly and annual employee recognition.
• Simplified access to self-guided and representative-supported short and long-term financial wellness and retirement planning.
• Educational Assistance & Reimbursement Program.
• Inclusion programs and associated employee resource groups that promote representation and belonging.
• Leadership, career, and mentorship development programs opportunities at all levels across the organization.
• Collaborative and motivating culture routed in continuous personal and professional growth.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Industry: Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree