Materials Engineer III

Panasonic•Reno, NV

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Panasonic Energy is seeking a Materials Engineer III reporting to the Engineering Supervisor. The role develops and modifies processes and methods for manufacturing, molding, and using materials in lithium-ion battery production. The engineer collaborates across Panasonic to analyze materials and components, establish operating data, conduct experimental testing, evaluate results, and introduce new materials and suppliers into PECNA products and processes. The position requires up to 20% travel. The role leads material analysis, qualification, supplier development, and continuous-improvement work; evaluates materials on production lines; develops analytical strategies and operating procedures; investigates material and product failures; and provides technical guidance to less experienced engineers. It also coordinates with suppliers and cross-functional teams to improve material quality, cost, manufacturability, and cell performance. This is an onsite role. The posting describes Panasonic Energy’s onsite work environment but does not specify a worksite address. Physical activity during a normal workday is listed as 30% sitting, 50% walking, and 20% standing. Occasional lifting up to 20 pounds and rare lifting up to 35 pounds or team lifting above 35 pounds are specified.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a similar discipline.
At least 4 years of engineering experience in manufacturing, product development, design, quality control, materials engineering, or a related field.
Strong analytical and decision-making abilities, with demonstrated ability to influence technical decisions and align cross-functional teams.
Experience developing and executing analytical methods, investigations, and root cause analysis.
Strong understanding of materials characterization, qualification, and failure-analysis methodologies relevant to the assigned area of expertise.
Experience using statistical analysis tools such as JMP and data-driven approaches to support technical decisions.
Ability to independently manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Effective communication and collaboration skills, including experience working with suppliers and cross-functional stakeholders.
Demonstrated ability to provide technical guidance and mentorship and to use knowledge to drive projects forward.
Ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.
Valid authorization to work in the United States without restriction; the employer does not sponsor employment-based visas for this position.
Completion of required pre-employment drug testing.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a similar discipline.
6 or more years of engineering experience in manufacturing, product development, design, quality control, materials engineering, or a related field.
Experience in a high-volume manufacturing environment.
Demonstrated problem-solving track record, including gathering, analyzing, interpreting, and presenting data to support technical conclusions and recommendations.
Knowledge of materials commonly used in battery manufacturing and the analytical techniques used for characterization, qualification, and testing.
Experience applying Design of Experiments (DOE) methodologies to process optimization, material evaluation, product development, and measurement system improvement.
Experience working with material suppliers on material qualification, specification development, root cause investigations, and quality improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

Independently develop methods to establish operating principles and fundamentals of chemical and material analysis techniques.
Lead the analysis and technical management of at least one key material component and communicate findings and recommendations to support product development.
Mentor less experienced engineers through technical coaching, knowledge sharing, problem-solving guidance, and review of analytical approaches and results.
Communicate data, actions, timelines, and issue resolution to current and prospective material suppliers in North America in partnership with team leaders.
Apply knowledge of Panasonic manufacturing processes to support modifications to supplied components and improvements to products and processes.
Partner with process and manufacturing engineering teams to evaluate materials on production lines.
Build and maintain relationships across Panasonic to support cost and performance improvements for materials used in products.
Collaborate with Panasonic teams and material suppliers to develop and validate detailed specifications for new materials and resolve quality issues.
Independently develop analytical strategies to evaluate material performance and identify root causes of material and product failures.
Create standard operating procedures for suppliers and internal process engineering and supplier quality teams to establish material or chemical compliance with products and processes.
Analyze manufacturing data, including defect and alert rates, to evaluate supplied materials and recommend improvements to manufacturability and cell performance.
Establish safety procedures and good work practices for analytical techniques in the assigned area of expertise.
Lead cross-functional material qualification, supplier development, and continuous-improvement projects from planning through implementation, including scope definition, stakeholder coordination, timeline management, and communication of technical conclusions and recommendations.
Perform other duties as assigned.

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 wellbeing programs, including EAP, 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 program.
Opportunity for an annual performance-based bonus.
On-site cafes, snack and beverage kitchens, vendor visits, and employee events.
Free shuttle rides to and from work.