Manufacturing Engineer II

Panasonic • De Soto, KS

5h • Onsite

About The Position

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 II is an experienced individual contributor who works independently on routine assignments and impacts projects within the functional area. This role is responsible for optimizing manufacturing processes, improving equipment reliability, and maintaining high product quality in a high-volume lithium-ion battery manufacturing environment. The Manufacturing Engineer II applies sound engineering judgment to moderately complex problems, leads small projects or workstreams, and drives sustainable process improvements with limited guidance, while contributing to a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or a closely related STEM field
• 2+ years of relevant engineering experience in a manufacturing environment
• Demonstrated ability to work independently on routine assignments and lead small projects or workstreams
• Solid understanding of manufacturing engineering principles with hands-on application experience
• Proven capability to troubleshoot mechanical and electrical systems and interpret technical documentation (e.g., CAD drawings, P&IDs)
• Experience conducting root cause analysis and implementing effective corrective and preventive actions
• Strong analytical and data interpretation skills using SPC, capability studies, or similar tools
• Effective communication skills with the ability to collaborate across functional teams
• 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 field
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (Black Belt coursework or progress toward certification a plus)
• Certified Manufacturing Technologist (CMfgT) or Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE)
• Proficiency in SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar CAD platforms; advanced modeling or drawing standards experience preferred
• OSHA 30-Hour General Industry Certification
• Training or certification related to automation, controls, PLCs, or industrial systems (preferred)
• 4+ years of engineering experience in a high-volume manufacturing environment
• Experience in lithium-ion battery manufacturing or related industries such as electronics, automotive, or energy storage
• Practical experience applying Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies
• Experience designing or deploying fixtures, jigs, tooling, or equipment modifications
• Involvement in equipment installation, commissioning, and validation activities
• Familiarity with automation systems, PLCs, sensors, and control strategies
• Exposure to Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) or industrial data analysis tools
• Hands-on experience in fast-paced, high-volume production environments (e.g., 1M+ units/day)

Responsibilities

• Expands technical depth to independently handle moderately complex manufacturing and equipment-related problems
• Manages defined workstreams or small projects within manufacturing, equipment, or process improvement initiatives
• Independently analyzes manufacturing processes using data-driven methods such as time studies, capability analysis, and process mapping
• Develops, updates, and implements standard operating procedures (SOPs) and work instructions
• Leads root cause analysis activities and implements corrective and preventive actions with limited guidance
• Solves moderately complex process, quality, and equipment issues using structured problem-solving methodologies
• Suggests and implements improvements to manufacturing processes, equipment configurations, or tooling designs
• Supports initiatives to improve equipment reliability, throughput, and operational efficiency
• Applies lean manufacturing and continuous improvement tools to reduce waste and improve process stability
• Supports and leads small-scale equipment upgrades or process changes from concept through implementation
• Shares technical knowledge, lessons learned, and best practices with peers and junior engineers
• Provides informal guidance to Manufacturing Engineer I team members, particularly in troubleshooting, documentation, and safety practices
• Supports onboarding and knowledge transfer within the manufacturing engineering team
• Communicates regularly with cross-functional partners including production, maintenance, quality, controls, and engineering teams
• Uses sound engineering judgment when addressing moderately complex technical and operational issues
• Communicates technical findings, risks, and project status clearly to stakeholders
• Collaborates cross-functionally to ensure alignment on project scope, timing, and execution
• Implements and maintains quality control systems to ensure product conformance to specifications
• Applies quality tools such as SPC, FMEA, and fault tree analysis to proactively identify and mitigate risks
• Ensures compliance with internal standards, regulatory requirements, and safety policies
• Actively promotes a safe working environment and supports safety initiatives and equipment commissioning activities
• Properly uses and maintains required personal protective equipment (PPE), including Tyvek suits, gloves, safety glasses, respirators, and other safety gear as required by the functional area.

Benefits

• Health Benefits – Offering medical, dental, vision, prescription plans, plus Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account options.
• Voluntary Benefits – Life, accident, critical illness, disability, legal, identity theft, and pet insurance.
• Panasonic Retirement Savings & Investment Plan (PRSIP) – 401(k) plan with company matching contributions and immediate vesting.
• Paid Time-Off Benefits – Vacation, holidays, personal days, sick leave, volunteer, and parental & caregiver leave.
• Educational Assistance – Tuition reimbursement for job-related courses after six months of service.
• Health Management and Wellbeing Programs –Lifestyle Spending Account, EAP, virtual health management, chronic condition, neurodiversity, tobacco cessation, substance abuse support, and life stage and fertility resources. Available to eligible employees starting the first day of the month following your start date. Eligibility for each benefit may vary based on employment status, location, and length of service.
• Employee Recognition Program - High5 employee recognition and awards platform, quarterly and annual employee recognition
• Annual Bonus Program - Opportunity for an annual performance-based bonus.
• On-site Food Options: Several on-site cafes, plentiful snack and beverage kitchens, revolving on-site vendor visits and employee events.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees