Process Engineer I

Panasonic • De Soto, KS

17h • 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.

The Process Engineer I supports continuous improvement initiatives within cell manufacturing under close supervision and guidance. This role focuses on defect reduction, specification validation, new material or model support, and equipment efficiency through the application of basic engineering principles and established processes. The Process Engineer I impacts their own work and immediate team by contributing to clearly defined tasks within projects, supporting data-driven problem solving, and assisting with process optimization efforts. As part of Panasonic’s Cell and Process Engineering team, this position operates within a structured, full-cycle engineering environment while developing foundational technical and manufacturing competencies.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related engineering or technical field
• Strong foundational understanding of core engineering principles, with the ability to apply them in a manufacturing or industrial environment
• Ability to apply structured problem-solving and analytical thinking to clearly defined technical challenges under supervision
• Basic familiarity with manufacturing, process, or industrial engineering concepts, including process flow, variation, and standardization
• Working knowledge of basic data analysis techniques and engineering tools (e.g., spreadsheets, charts, statistical summaries)
• Ability to read, interpret, and follow technical documentation, drawings, specifications, and standard operating procedures
• Demonstrated ability to learn new processes, tools, and technologies through training, mentorship, and hands-on application
• Effective verbal and written communication skills within a team-based and cross-functional environment
• 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)
• Pre-employment drug testing is required.
• Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.
• All qualified individuals are required to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.
• All candidates must have valid authorization to work in the U.S. without restriction.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree coursework or academic projects focused on manufacturing, process engineering, materials, automation, or data analysis
• Six Sigma Green Belt certification or progress toward certification
• 2+ years of engineering experience gained through internships, co-ops, academic projects, or entry-level roles in manufacturing or industrial environments
• Exposure to high-volume, highly automated manufacturing environments, including battery, electronics, automotive, or energy storage industries
• Familiarity with basic process engineering and continuous improvement tools (e.g., SPC, FMEA, Lean, Six Sigma concepts)
• Experience using data analysis or visualization tools such as Excel, Minitab, JMP, or similar
• Exposure to production equipment, industrial automation systems, PLC-controlled machinery, or manufacturing execution systems (MES)
• Basic understanding of lithium-ion battery manufacturing processes, materials, or electrochemical principles

Responsibilities

• Applies basic engineering principles, standard procedures, and documented methodologies to support cell manufacturing processes
• Supports assigned tasks within process improvement, equipment optimization, and manufacturing support projects
• Assists with monitoring, auditing, and validating manufacturing processes to ensure compliance with specifications and standards
• Supports documentation efforts, including SOPs, work instructions, and troubleshooting guides
• Works on clearly defined process improvement tasks under supervision to support defect reduction, productivity, quality, cost, and OEE improvements
• Collects, analyzes, and summarizes production and process data using existing tools and systems
• Applies established process engineering tools (e.g., SPC, basic FMEA concepts, standard problem-solving methods) to identify trends and opportunities
• Assists in implementing approved process changes and countermeasures in production environments
• Learns process engineering practices, manufacturing standards, and site-specific technologies through hands-on experience and mentorship
• Seeks guidance from senior engineers and subject matter experts to build technical depth and manufacturing knowledge
• Participates in training related to safety, quality systems, equipment operation, and engineering tools
• Communicates within the immediate team and functional partners using established communication channels
• Supports collaboration with manufacturing, maintenance, quality, and engineering teams when addressing routine issues
• Follows established escalation paths and procedures for technical issues and process deviations
• Adheres to all safety, quality, environmental, and regulatory requirements
• Supports quality investigations, corrective actions, and process validations as directed
• Follows standard operating procedures and safety protocols, including PPE requirements
• Contributes to maintaining a safe, compliant, and high-quality manufacturing environment

Benefits

• Offering medical, dental, vision, prescription plans, plus 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.

What This Job Offers

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