Manufacturing Engineering Manager

Panasonic•De Soto, KS

19d•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 Engineering Manager leads a team of engineers to drive innovation and continuous improvement in commercial-scale battery cell manufacturing. This role is responsible for overseeing material introductions, process enhancements, and new battery model implementations to achieve world-class quality, safety, and efficiency. The Manager collaborates closely with leadership to align engineering efforts with organizational goals and promote sustainable growth. Strong people management and technical expertise are essential to coach the team, optimize production, and leverage data-driven insights for operational excellence.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical, Electrical, Materials, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline
5+ years of progressive engineering experience
Strong technical aptitude with demonstrated expertise in battery manufacturing processes and tooling
Proficiency with data analytics and factory data systems, including experience using MySQL, Python, JMP, Tableau, Ignition, or equivalent tools to support data-driven decision-making
Proven ability to analyze complex production data and optimize processes for quality, safety, and efficiency
Effective leadership skills with a passion for developing and coaching teams, including experience managing engineers and technical staff
Excellent communication skills with working proficiency in English (reading, writing, speaking) to collaborate across global teams
Strong analytic and decision-making abilities with the ability to influence and align cross-functional stakeholders
Alignment with Panasonic's seven (7) core principles (contribution to society, fairness and honesty, cooperation and team spirit, untiring effort for improvement, courtesy and humility, adaptability, and gratitude)

Nice To Haves

Master’s or Ph.D. in Chemical, Electrical, Materials, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE – SME)
Six Sigma Black Belt or Master Black Belt
Lean Manufacturing Certification (e.g., Lean Leader or Lean Enterprise Institute)
Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE – ASQ)
Project Management Professional (PMP)
7+ years of engineering experience in manufacturing, product development, design, or related fields
3+ years of experience in a management or technical leadership role
Experience with battery manufacturing and high-speed robotic assembly processes
Experience working in high-volume manufacturing environments (e.g., 1M+ units/day capacity)
Strong knowledge of regulatory, safety, and quality compliance standards (e.g., ISO, IATF, OSHA)
Hands-on experience leading continuous improvement projects using Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, and structured problem-solving methods such as Design of Experiments (DoE), Five Whys (5W), and Eight Disciplines (8D)
Proven ability to work cross-functionally and globally with resilience and adaptability in fast-paced environments
Resilient, self-motivated, and able to perform well under pressure

Responsibilities

Oversee and participate in material introduction, experimentation, and process improvement for cell manufacturing processes on a commercial scale
Analyze and optimize production processes to ensure safety, maximize Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), and achieve world-class quality levels cost-effectively
Apply technical expertise to innovate, design, and develop processes, procedures, equipment, tooling, and cell formulations
Enable data-driven operational and financial decisions through predictive insights on tool and process performance, including integrating factory data systems and utilizing MySQL, Python, JMP, Tableau, and Ignition software
Create and maintain standard work instructions for assigned processes
Monitor and audit manufacturing processes to ensure product specifications and standards are achieved
Collaborate with the General Manager to establish systems and standards promoting sustainability and growth in technical, organizational, and people development areas
Lead continuous improvement projects (CIP) to maximize yield, capacity, and capability
Utilize structured problem-solving techniques such as Design of Experiments (DoE), Five Whys (5W), and Eight Disciplines (8D)
Monitor and reduce process variation using techniques such as Statistical Process Control (SPC) and Measurement Systems Analysis (MSA)
Lead the engineering team in developing and implementing advanced measurement and control systems to enhance OEE, product quality, and reliability continuously
Interview, hire, and train employees; plan, assign, and direct work; appraise performance; reward and discipline employees; and address complaints and resolve problems
Work with cross-functional teams to develop, validate, and improve manufacturing equipment and design manufacturability
Lead the development and maintenance of FMEAs and Control Plans
This position provides direct supervision to engineering staff, including responsibility for hiring, onboarding, performance evaluation, coaching, and disciplinary actions

Benefits

Panasonic Energy prioritizes total well-being and offers comprehensive benefits options to support physical, emotional, financial, social, and environmental health:
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 and much more.