Research Engineer

Panasonic • Waltham, MA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Every moment of every day, people all over the world turn to Panasonic to make their lives simpler, more enjoyable, more productive and more secure. Since our founding almost a century ago, we’ve been committed to improving peoples’ lives and making the world a better place–one customer, one business, one innovative leap at a time. Come join our journey!

Based in the Panasonic Laboratory in Waltham, MA, this position is responsible for directed electronic materials research and tech scouting in North America on behalf of Panasonic Industry Electronic Materials Division labs in Kadoma, Osaka Japan.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline (Material Science, Polymer Chemistry, etc.)
• More than 2 years of experience in developing electronic materials
• Knowledge of relevant industry technology (Printed circuits boards, IC Packaging, Electronic Assembly, etc.)
• Demonstrated ability to operate analytical equipment like DSC, DMA, TGA, Rheometers, microscopes, etc.
• Demonstrated ability to operate lab-scale formulation equipment like mixers, coaters, mills, presses, etc.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, conduct and report experiments
• Strong organizational, communication and presentation skills
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite with a strong knowledge of Excel, PowerPoint and Word.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed, including a valid passport, clear driving record and credit score.
• Ability to travel up to 25% domestically. Ability to travel internationally twice per year.
• Proven ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Fluent in English – both written and verbal

Nice To Haves

• More than 5 years of experience in electronic materials product development
• Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in Chemistry or Material/Polymer science
• Multilingual – Japanese and English this takes the role to Sr. level which is a different job profile/grade
• Results oriented problem solving: The ability to drive activities toward new product development.
• Creativity: Out-of-the box thinking and novel approaches to problem solving.
• Communication: The ability to collaborate with management, colleagues, direct reports, and other stakeholders to accomplish operational and strategic objectives.
• Effective operation in a matrixed and complex environment.
• The ability to communicate effectively in writing and in-person.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, interpersonal and organizational skills
• Ambitious, enthusiastic self-starter.

Responsibilities

• Conduct hands-on laboratory research in core and adjacent electronic materials, including sustainable materials, soft circuit materials, and other high‑performance materials.
• Prepare, process, and test raw materials and composite systems such as polymers, fillers, fibers, and metal foils under guidance from senior engineers and scientists.
• Execute experimental plans, collect data, and perform routine materials characterization and performance testing.
• Maintain accurate experimental records, test reports, and basic technical documentation.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (manufacturing, sales, marketing, and global R&D) to support materials evaluation and product development activities.
• Assist in interactions with external partners (customers, suppliers, universities, and consortia) by providing technical data and test results as needed.
• Follow laboratory safety protocols, help maintain lab organization and equipment, and support SOP development.
• Contribute experimental results to stage-gate product development reviews under direction of senior team members.
• Support the identification and initial evaluation of new technologies, technical trends, and emerging business opportunities in North America and other regions.
• Conduct technical research and literature reviews to understand materials technologies, processes, and competitive developments.
• Assist in communicating technical trends, research findings, and potential product or business opportunities to internal R&D and business teams.
• Gather and summarize relevant technical, customer, market, and competitive information under guidance from senior team members.
• Attend relevant technical and business conferences, trade shows, and industry events to support technology monitoring and professional development.
• Professionally represent Panasonic Electronic Materials at industry events by engaging with technical peers and collecting market and technology intelligence.
• Communicate regularly and effectively with colleagues, project sponsors, and R&D partners in Japan, North America, and other global regions to support project objectives.
• Prepare clear, accurate technical and status reports and distribute them as required, including weekly, monthly, and ad‑hoc updates, in a timely manner.
• Work effectively within a complex, cross‑functional organization by collaborating with stakeholders and aligning efforts to support shared technical and business goals.
• Represent Panasonic’s values in a professional, knowledgeable, and respectful manner in all internal interactions and when engaging with customers, partners, conferences, and other external forums.
• Demonstrate financial responsibility by managing travel and other work‑related expenses in accordance with company guidelines.

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.
• Employee Recognition Program - High5 employee recognition and awards platform, quarterly and annual employee recognition
• Annual Bonus Program - Opportunity for an annual performance-based bonus.

What This Job Offers

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