Sr. Materials Engineer

Panasonic•Sparks, NV

13h•Onsite

About The Position

The Sr. Materials Engineer is responsible for the development and modification of processes and methods to introduce materials to the production process of Li-ion batteries. In addition, the Sr. Materials Engineer will collaborate broadly within Panasonic to analyze materials and material components, to establish operating data, conduct experimental tests and evaluate results, with the overall goal to introduce new materials/suppliers to PECNA’s products and processes.

Requirements

Bachelor's from four-year college or university in Electrochemical Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, or similar discipline.
7+ years of engineering experience in areas such as manufacturing, product development, design, quality control, or other area.
Evidence of exceptional ability. Panasonic follows a culture of full-cycle engineering where members will have full responsibility and accountability for their projects from start to finish. We are looking for the best of the best.
Strong analytic and decision-making abilities. Able to influence others to move towards a common goal.
Able to work independently and in a team environment, as well as with cross-functional groups.
Expert fundamental understanding of analytical methodologies key to specific role within Materials Development Team.
Strong knowledge of commonly used materials in battery manufacturing and the analytical techniques associated with qualification and testing of those materials.
Track record of effective problem solving and ability to gather, analyze, and report data to arrive at clear conclusions.
Ability to use statistical analysis to derive conclusions and provide direction in investigations, new parts integration, defect reduction, and productivity improvements.
Experience using Design of Experiments concepts to develop better assembly conditions, part applications, and measurement methods.
Able to propose and align a material specification requirement to the supplier.
Ability to lead large, complex projects internally, as well as with several related functional sections.
Ability to perform statistical analysis to improve processes, both internal and external.
Ability to mentor junior engineers.

Nice To Haves

Master’s Degree and/or Ph.D in Electrochemical Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, or similar discipline.
Strong background in high-volume manufacturing
Knowledge of commonly used materials in battery manufacturing and the analytical techniques associated with qualification and testing of those materials.
Materials development in a battery manufacturer through collaboration with material suppliers,
Fundamental understanding of battery materials, their selection, and their impact on electrochemical performance of cells
Basic knowledge of battery cell design

Responsibilities

Promote collaboration with suppliers in North America to accelerate multi-sourcing and localization. The collaboration includes coordinating technical meeting, creating and summarizing feedback to suppliers, preparing meeting materials, leading the meeting, explaining the feedback, creating engineering documents, requesting improvement, deciding the specification and analytical method, making a development plan, handling samples, all of which are under alignment with related technical sections.
Serve as Panasonic Energy's overall technical point of contact or point of contact support for existing and potential material suppliers in North America.
Establish and maintain the evaluation system(s) for specific materials systems within the battery.
Work with process and manufacturing engineering teams for evaluation of materials on the production lines.
Utilize knowledge of Panasonic’s manufacturing process (specifically related to material of expertise) to lead and support modification of supplied components and improvement to PECNA’s products and processes.
Provide deep technical expertise and resource to the internal team and external vendors
Create and nurture relationships within the greater Panasonic platform to support economic and performance improvements to materials in PECNA’s products.
Collaborate with greater Panasonic platform in their communication with material suppliers related to the development and validation of detailed material specifications for new materials and the resolution of quality issues.
Independently developing analytical strategies to evaluate performance and failure origins.
Independently create standard operating procedures to be used by external suppliers as well as internal process engineering and supplier quality teams to establish the compliance of materials and/or chemicals with PECNA’s products and processes.
Use manufacturing data such as defect rate and alert rate to evaluate supplied materials. Draw conclusions that lead to improved manufacturability and cell performance.
Lead internal team initiatives and mentor junior engineers to achieve team targets.
Lead and maintain the establishment of safe working procedures and best practices surrounding analytical and laboratory techniques.
Support all corporate EH&S, Governance and Quality initiatives.
Other duties may be assigned.

Benefits

Offering medical, dental, vision, prescription plans, plus 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: Rides to and from work!