Manufacturing Engineer III

Panasonic • De Soto, KS

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Manufacturing Engineer III is an experienced individual contributor and technical leader working across multiple projects and teams in a high-volume lithium-ion battery manufacturing environment. Operating with minimal oversight, this role provides advanced manufacturing engineering expertise, leads medium-sized projects, and drives complex process and equipment improvements. The engineer independently resolves multi-variable technical challenges, develops and validates manufacturing standards, mentors junior engineers, and collaborates cross-functionally to improve safety, quality, and operational performance.

Panasonic Energy is expanding its lithium-ion battery manufacturing operations in De Soto, Kansas. This role contributes to battery technology and production improvements supporting electric vehicles and sustainable energy solutions. The position is onsite.

The role requires a bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering or closely related STEM field and at least four years of relevant engineering experience in a manufacturing environment. A master's degree and other advanced certifications are preferred. The position includes substantial walking and some lifting, and may require personal protective equipment such as a Tyvek suit, safety shoes, gloves, safety glasses, face mask, bump cap, or a hazmat suit with respirator. Pre-employment drug testing is required.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or a closely related STEM field.
• At least 4 years of relevant engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to operate with limited supervision and independently lead complex technical initiatives.
• Experience leading medium-sized projects with responsibility for scope, schedule, and results.
• Deep understanding of manufacturing systems, equipment, and process optimization strategies.
• Advanced problem-solving skills, including the ability to resolve complex, multi-variable issues.
• Strong cross-functional communication skills, including the ability to present to management.
• Ability to mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership.
• 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 functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Required physical activity: sit 10% of the workday, walk 70%, and stand 20%.
• Lifting and carrying requirements: up to 10 lbs. and up to 20 lbs. frequently; up to 35 lbs. occasionally; over 35 lbs. on a team-lift basis occasionally.
• Pre-employment drug testing is required.
• Must have valid authorization to work in the U.S. without restriction.

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 Black Belt or demonstrated experience leading enterprise-level continuous improvement initiatives.
• Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE).
• Advanced training or certification in automation systems, controls engineering, or manufacturing systems integration.
• Project leadership or project management certification, such as PMP, an equivalent internal program, or formal project leadership training.
• OSHA 30-Hour General Industry Certification or equivalent advanced safety training.
• At least 6 years of engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience in high-volume lithium-ion battery manufacturing or related industries such as automotive, electronics, or energy storage.
• Advanced experience applying Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Proven success leading equipment upgrades, automation integration, or commissioning projects.
• Strong background in quality systems, statistical analysis, and process capability improvement.
• Ability to influence technical direction across multiple teams or projects.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate deep technical expertise in a defined manufacturing, process, equipment, or automation domain.
• Develop, validate, and maintain manufacturing standards, best practices, and technical documentation.
• Lead medium-sized process improvement, equipment upgrade, or automation projects, managing scope, budgets, and timelines.
• Evaluate manufacturing system performance and recommend data-driven technical solutions.
• Serve as a subject matter expert for complex manufacturing or equipment-related issues.
• Independently resolve complex, multi-variable manufacturing, quality, and equipment problems.
• Lead process improvement initiatives that introduce new methods, tools, or technologies.
• Drive systemic improvements in throughput, yield, reliability, and cost performance.
• Apply advanced problem-solving methodologies and statistical tools to improve process capability and stability.
• Ensure sustainable implementation of improvements through standardization and documentation.
• Mentor Manufacturing Engineer I and II team members through technical guidance, coaching, and knowledge sharing.
• May lead small project teams or cross-functional technical working groups.
• Support engineering capability through best-practice sharing and technical reviews.
• Act as a technical escalation point for junior engineers.
• Collaborate with Production, Maintenance, Quality, Controls, and Engineering.
• Present technical recommendations, project updates, and risk assessments to management and key stakeholders.
• Make independent technical decisions within area of expertise and influence cross-functional alignment on technical strategy, implementation plans, and operational priorities.
• Lead adherence to manufacturing quality standards and ensure process conformance to specifications.
• Use advanced quality tools, including SPC, FMEA, and fault tree analysis, to identify and mitigate risk.
• Ensure compliance with internal standards, regulatory requirements, and safety policies.
• Integrate safety considerations into process design, equipment changes, and improvement initiatives.
• Support site safety initiatives, risk assessments, and equipment commissioning activities.
• Properly use and enforce required personal protective equipment as dictated by functional area requirements.

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 and employee assistance and wellbeing programs, including virtual health management, chronic condition support, neurodiversity resources, tobacco cessation, substance abuse support, and life-stage and fertility resources.
• Employee recognition and awards platform, with quarterly and annual recognition.
• Opportunity for an annual performance-based bonus.
• On-site cafes, snack and beverage kitchens, on-site vendor visits, and employee events.
• Competitive salaries.

What This Job Offers

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