Sr. Engineer, Industrial Automation and Robotics

Panasonic•Sparks, NV

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Panasonic Energy is seeking a Sr. Engineer, Industrial Automation and Robotics to join the Next Gen Initiatives (NGI) team. This strategic function is responsible for advancing automation, AI enablement, and operational transformation across PECNA. The role focuses on the physical execution layer of manufacturing, deploying automation and robotics systems to transform factory floor operations. The engineer will drive the deployment of robotics, task-specific equipment automation, process control, automated inspection, and AI-integrated hardware systems. This role converts Next Gen concepts into stable, production-ready assets that improve safety, quality, productivity, throughput, and cost performance. The ideal candidate combines future-forward curiosity with a hands-on problem-solving approach, translating complex manufacturing challenges into structured initiatives and driving cross-functional execution from discovery and ideation through proof-of-concept and full deployment, ensuring measurable performance improvements and sustained adoption.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Science, Industrial Engineering, or related field
7+ years of experience in industrial automation, robotics, controls, equipment engineering, or systems integration within a high-volume manufacturing environment
Proven cross-functional delivery from concept to adoption
Knowledge of factory systems (MES, SCADA, PLCs, ERP)
Experience managing vendors or integrators through requirements, RFA/RFQ, FAT, SAT, commissioning, and handoff
Strong communication, structured problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills
Strong project execution skills with ability to manage scope, timeline, risks, dependencies, and cross-functional stakeholders
Strong communication skills, comfortable working on the shop floor and presenting progress to leadership
Valid authorization to work in the U.S. without restriction

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in a related field
PMP, Six Sigma, or equivalent continuous improvement certification
Experience in battery, semiconductor, automotive, pharmaceutical, or high-speed consumer goods manufacturing
Experience with AMRs/AGVs, cobots, articulated robots, inspection automation, or material movement automation
Experience with industrial controls, programming, and systems integration, including PLCs, HMIs, sensors, robotics interfaces, equipment communication protocols, or integration of automated systems into manufacturing environments
Familiarity with ROS, robot simulation tools, AMR fleet management, LIDAR navigation, or AI-driven motion control
Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, TPM, or continuous improvement methodologies
Experience working with Japanese manufacturing partners or in cross-cultural engineering environments

Responsibilities

Partner with site leadership and manufacturing stakeholders to define and prioritize initiatives aligned to NGI pillars and identify opportunities to improve performance, cost, and workforce capability.
Translate operational challenges into clear initiative charters and drive end-to-end delivery across physical systems (automation/robotics).
Own use cases from discovery through proof of concept to scaled deployment, ensuring solutions are operationally relevant, explainable, and embedded into frontline workflows.
Manage initiative timelines, risks, and dependencies; drive issue resolution with cross functional stakeholders.
Evaluate and pilot emerging automation and robotics technologies across production sites, including advanced robotics, AMRs, and polyfunctional platforms.
Identify and evaluate high-impact opportunities in areas such as task-specific equipment automation, process control, automated inspection, and AI-integrated hardware systems.
Identify and prioritize automation opportunities that deliver measurable improvements in productivity, throughput, quality, and safety.
Partner with process engineering/mechanical engineering/quality/controls/SCADA to convert manual or semi-automated operations into reliable, closed-loop automated systems using PLCs, HMIs, sensors, and control logic.
Develop evaluation frameworks to assess readiness, capability, reliability, safety, and ROI before scaled deployment.
Bridge the gap between Operations, Engineering, Safety, Maintenance, IT/OT, Quality, Finance, HR, Supply Chain to ensure deployments are safe, scalable, and sustainable.
Manage relationships with robotics OEMs, automation integrators, and equipment vendors, including RFAs, bids, delivery milestones, FAT/SAT, and performance accountability.
Define and track KPIs such as cycle time, resource efficiency, MTBF, uptime, ROI, quality impact, and safety improvement.
Document standards and best practices to enable repeatable deployment across NV and KS sites.
Support training and change management for sustainable ownership by relevant teams.

Benefits

Medical, dental, vision, prescription plans
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
Free Shuttle