Manufacturing Engineer I

Panasonic • De Soto, KS

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Manufacturing Engineer I is an entry-level engineering role focused on developing foundational manufacturing engineering skills through hands-on experience and mentorship in a high-volume manufacturing environment. The role supports production optimization, process reliability, and quality improvement by contributing to data collection, troubleshooting, documentation, and continuous improvement work under supervision.

The engineer applies basic manufacturing principles, tools, and standard procedures; supports defined engineering and operations projects; and helps maintain standard operating procedures and work instructions. The position offers guided exposure to equipment troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, automation systems, and manufacturing technologies. It also involves collaboration with production, quality, maintenance, and engineering teams, while supporting quality systems, root cause analysis, corrective and preventive actions, and workplace safety.

The position is based onsite at Panasonic Energy’s facility in De Soto, Kansas. Work may take place in both office and production-floor environments. Required PPE may include a Tyvek suit, safety shoes, gloves, safety glasses, a face mask, a bump cap, or a full hazmat suit with respirator. The role includes frequent walking and lifting up to 20 pounds, occasional lifting up to 35 pounds, and occasional team lifting of items over 35 pounds.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or a closely related STEM field.
• Strong foundational understanding of core engineering principles.
• Eagerness to learn and develop practical manufacturing engineering skills.
• Mechanical aptitude and interest in troubleshooting and root cause analysis.
• Ability to apply basic data-driven approaches to support process development and improvement.
• Willingness to learn technical documentation, including CAD drawings, P&IDs, and manufacturing process instructions.
• Ability to work effectively in office and production-floor environments with attention to detail.
• Collaborative mindset and developing communication skills.
• Working-level knowledge of English, including reading, writing, and speaking.
• Alignment with Panasonic’s seven core principles: contribution to society; fairness and honesty; cooperation and team spirit; untiring effort for improvement; courtesy and humility; adaptability; and gratitude.
• Ability to perform the essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Valid authorization to work in the U.S. without restriction.
• Completion of required pre-employment drug testing.

Nice To Haves

• Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt; Green Belt is a plus.
• Certified Manufacturing Technologist (CMfgT).
• SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar CAD certification.
• OSHA 30-Hour General Industry Certification.
• Two or more years of engineering experience through internships, co-ops, or entry-level roles in manufacturing environments.
• Experience in high-volume battery manufacturing or related industries such as electronics, automotive, or energy storage.
• Exposure to lean manufacturing or Six Sigma concepts through coursework or practical experience.
• Familiarity with basic design tools such as CAD or hands-on fabrication projects.
• Interest in automation, PLCs, sensors, and manufacturing control systems.
• Exposure to manufacturing data systems such as MES or industrial data analysis tools.
• Hands-on experience or coursework involving machine shop equipment or fabrication tools.
• Interest in fast-paced, high-volume production environments, such as production exceeding one million units per day.

Responsibilities

• Apply basic manufacturing engineering principles, tools, and standard procedures under supervision.
• Support assigned tasks within engineering and operations projects.
• Assist with data collection, basic process analysis, and documentation, including time studies and process checks.
• Support the development and maintenance of standard operating procedures and work instructions.
• Assist with technical equipment troubleshooting under guidance from senior engineers and maintenance teams.
• Learn and support preventive maintenance activities to improve equipment uptime and process stability.
• Complete clearly defined process-improvement tasks under close supervision.
• Apply existing manufacturing processes, standards, and tools to support efficiency and waste-reduction efforts.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and small-scale equipment or process upgrades.
• Support development of permanent countermeasures for manufacturing issues using established problem-solving methods.
• Gain exposure to automation systems and manufacturing technologies through project support.
• Develop manufacturing engineering skills through mentorship, job shadowing, and guided project participation; seek feedback to improve technical competence and professional effectiveness.
• Collaborate with production, quality, maintenance, and engineering team members following established procedures.
• Support quality systems and product conformance to specifications.
• Contribute to root cause analysis and corrective and preventive action activities.
• Follow safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements; participate in safety initiatives and support safety planning for equipment or process changes.
• Properly use and maintain required personal protective equipment.

Benefits

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level