Manufacturing Engineer II

Panasonic•De Soto, KS

2d•Onsite

About The Position

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

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