Sr. Controls Engineer

Panasonic•De Soto, KS

About The Position

Overview Do you want to join a team that's changing the world? Do you have a strong background as a Sr. Controls Engineer? Then we're looking for you! Check out the job description and apply now! Put your skills to meaningful use, gain unique experience, and work with world-class team members with diverse backgrounds and expertise who share the same vision. Join the PECNA team today! Responsibilities Meet the Recruiter: Eric Laffey Summary: 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. Essential Duties: Functional Leadership & Operations: 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 Strategic Alignment & Continuous Improvement: 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 Team Development & Knowledge Sharing: 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 Cross-Functional Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement: 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 Quality, Safety, Compliance, & Risk Management: 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 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements: To ensure the health and safety in the workplace and for the protection of our employees, wearing PPE is a possibility and may include equipment such as a full Tyvek suit, safety shoes, gloves, safety glasses, face mask, bump cap, and a full hazmat suit that includes a respirator. The foregoing description is not intended and should not be construed to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or work conditions associated with the job. It is intended to be an accurate reflection of the general nature and level of the job. In addition, employees are expected to participate in cross-training and may be assigned responsibilities in other areas as business needs evolve.

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