Process Engineer II

Panasonic•De Soto, KS

4d•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 Process Engineer II works independently on routine to moderately complex assignments within cell manufacturing, supporting efficiency, quality, and cost improvement initiatives across production lines. This role impacts projects within the functional area by managing defined workstreams or small projects, applying sound engineering judgment, and solving moderately complex process and equipment challenges with limited guidance. As part of Panasonic’s Cell and Process Engineering team, the Process Engineer II contributes to a structured, full-cycle engineering environment through data-driven analysis, cross-functional collaboration, and continuous improvement execution.

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
2+ years of relevant experience in process engineering, manufacturing engineering, or a related technical field, including laboratory and/or manufacturing floor experience
Ability to independently execute routine engineering assignments and solve moderately complex technical problems with limited guidance
Demonstrated proficiency in applying data analysis, structured root cause analysis, and process optimization tools (e.g., SPC, FMEA, standard problem-solving methodologies)
Demonstrated ability to manage defined workstreams or small projects within a functional area, including planning, execution, and follow-through
Ability to apply sound engineering judgment to balance quality, cost, throughput, safety, and reliability within established standards and procedures
Working knowledge of process control, variation reduction, and process stability in a manufacturing environment
Comfortable working in both manufacturing floor and office settings and providing technical guidance to operators, technicians, and peers
Effective verbal and written communication skills in cross-functional manufacturing environments
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 Engineering or a related technical discipline
Graduate-level coursework or academic focus in manufacturing systems, process engineering, materials science, automation, controls, or data analytics
Six Sigma Green Belt certification
Lean Manufacturing certification or formal Lean training
4+ years of experience in process engineering, manufacturing engineering, or laboratory-based engineering roles
Experience in high-volume, highly automated manufacturing environments, including battery, electronics, automotive, or energy storage industries
Hands-on exposure to lithium-ion battery manufacturing processes, roll-to-roll processing, or electrochemical systems
Working knowledge of manufacturing execution systems (MES), PLC-controlled equipment, sensors, and industrial control strategies
Experience applying Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma tools to real production problems in a manufacturing environment
Exposure to advanced data analysis or visualization tools such as Minitab, JMP, Python, or similar

Responsibilities

Expands technical depth in assigned process areas and independently addresses moderately complex engineering problems
Manages defined workstreams or small projects within process improvement, equipment optimization, or manufacturing support initiatives
Supports specification compliance through routine process audits, validations, and standard reviews
Develops and maintains technical documentation, including SOPs, control plans, and troubleshooting guides
Solves moderately complex process, quality, and equipment issues with limited guidance
Analyzes production and process data to identify trends, root causes, and improvement opportunities
Applies structured problem-solving methodologies (e.g., SPC, FMEA, root cause analysis) to recommend and implement improvements
Suggests enhancements to existing process designs, controls, or operating methods to improve OEE, quality, and cost performance
Shares process knowledge, best practices, and problem-solving approaches with peers and technicians
Provides technical guidance to operators and junior engineers during process changes or issue resolution
Supports onboarding and training activities related to process operation, quality standards, and safety requirements
Communicates effectively with cross-functional partners, including manufacturing, maintenance, quality, and engineering teams
Coordinates execution of approved countermeasures and process changes across functional stakeholders
Uses sound engineering judgment when addressing moderately complex issues and escalates appropriately when risks are identified
Ensures compliance with all safety, quality, environmental, and regulatory requirements
Supports quality investigations, corrective actions, and process validations within assigned areas
Adheres to standard operating procedures and PPE requirements
Promotes safe work practices and contributes to maintaining a compliant, high-quality manufacturing environment

Benefits

Health Benefits – Offering medical, dental, vision, prescription plans, plus Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account options.
Voluntary Benefits – Life, accident, critical illness, disability, legal, identity theft, and pet insurance.
Panasonic Retirement Savings & Investment Plan (PRSIP) – 401(k) plan with company matching contributions and immediate vesting.
Paid Time-Off Benefits – Vacation, holidays, personal days, sick leave, volunteer, and parental & caregiver leave.
Educational Assistance – Tuition reimbursement for job-related courses after six months of service.
Health Management and Wellbeing Programs –Lifestyle Spending Account, EAP, virtual health management, chronic condition, neurodiversity, tobacco cessation, substance abuse support, and life stage and fertility resources. Available to eligible employees starting the first day of the month following your start date. Eligibility for each benefit may vary based on employment status, location, and length of service.
Employee Recognition Program - High5 employee recognition and awards platform, quarterly and annual employee recognition
Annual Bonus Program - Opportunity for an annual performance-based bonus.
On-site Food Options: Several on-site cafes, plentiful snack and beverage kitchens, revolving on-site vendor visits and employee events
Free Shuttle: Rides to and from work!