Sr. Controls Engineer

Panasonic • De Soto, KS

4h • 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 Senior Controls Engineer supports the design, implementation, and optimization of automation systems within Panasonic’s lithium-ion battery manufacturing operations. This role is responsible for the programming, installation, and troubleshooting of PLCs (e.g., Mitsubishi, Omron) and vision systems (e.g., Keyence), ensuring high-performance, scalable, and safe equipment solutions. The engineer collaborates cross-functionally to evaluate system feasibility, support prototype development, and conduct technical analysis for long-term planning and continuous improvement initiatives.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
• Professional Engineer (PE) license in Electrical or Control Systems Engineering (State of Kansas preferred)
• 7+ years of hands-on controls engineering experience, preferably in a manufacturing or capital project environment
• Proven ability to collaborate across departments, including international teams, to support integrated engineering solutions
• Excellent problem-solving ability using first principles thinking to resolve complex automation challenges
• Proficient in control panel and wiring design, including schematics, layouts, component selection, and industrial cabling standards
• In-depth knowledge of electrical hardware and systems, including PLC I/O, sensors, motor controls, and 480V panel installations
• Demonstrated expertise in PLC architecture, sequence control, and logic/software development
• Working knowledge of NFPA 70, NFPA 79, and related UL safety standards for industrial machinery
• Familiar with Class I, Division 2 hazardous location electrical requirements
• Hands-on experience with machine vision systems, particularly Keyence and Cognex, for installation and troubleshooting
• Understanding of energy usage optimization strategies in automated systems and equipment
• Working knowledge of U.S. environmental regulations related to electrical and automation systems in manufacturing
• Strong English communication skills, including the ability to read, write, and speak effectively in technical and cross-functional contexts
• 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 or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
• UL 508A certification training
• Certified Automation Professional (CAP) from ISA
• PLC programming certifications from Mitsubishi, Omron, or Rockwell
• 10+ years of progressive controls engineering experience, with increasing responsibility in automation system design and integration
• Background in high-volume manufacturing, preferably in lithium-ion battery, automotive, or electronics sectors
• Advanced experience with Keyence and Cognex vision systems for inspection and defect detection
• Familiarity with SCADA/HMI systems, robotic integration (e.g., FANUC, ABB), and large-scale automation projects
• Proficient with AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN, or similar design tools
• Experience in energy efficiency projects and compliance with environmental regulations
• Informal leadership or mentoring experience
• Strong skills in technical documentation, presentations, and cross-functional communication

Responsibilities

• Program, install, and troubleshoot PLCs (Mitsubishi, Omron) and vision systems (Keyence) for manufacturing equipment
• Support integration of control systems with electrical hardware and machinery
• Develop and implement solutions to improve control system performance and reliability
• Lead or support the build and testing of prototype systems and components
• Prepare detailed system schematics, layouts, and wiring diagrams
• Evaluate technical and economic feasibility of new or modified equipment
• Analyze test data to validate system functionality, performance, and safety
• Develop experimental test programs and drive improvements based on results
• Apply knowledge of environmental regulations, energy optimization, and control wiring safety
• Identify and recommend design or system optimizations that support long-term manufacturing and EPC objectives
• Provide guidance on materials, components, and manufacturing methods
• Share technical expertise in PLC programming, automation design, and system troubleshooting with junior engineers and project teams
• Support development of engineering standards, templates, and best practices
• Analyze product and equipment specifications with stakeholders to define automation system requirements
• Work with R&D and cross-functional teams to resolve technical issues and support design improvement initiatives
• Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, process, and construction teams to ensure alignment of automation designs with broader project goals
• Ensure design compliance with NFPA 70, NFPA 79, UL standards, and hazardous location (Class I, Division 2) requirements
• Maintain awareness of applicable American environmental laws and UL standards and incorporate them into design decisions
• Plan and execute testing programs that verify system safety, reliability, and compliance
• Support risk assessment activities related to control systems, including failure mode analysis and mitigation planning

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees