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Overview

Do you want to join a team that's changing the world? Do you have a strong background as a Manufacturing Engineer II? 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: (https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-laffey/) 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 AGV Manufacturing Engineer II is a self-directed professional responsible for optimizing production processes, integrating automation technologies, and maintaining high product quality in a fast-paced lithium-ion battery manufacturing environment. With a minimum of two years of experience, this engineer leads small-scale projects—including the deployment of AGV/AMR systems—resolves complex technical issues and implements sustainable process improvements. This role collaborates cross-functionally with production, IT, and controls teams and supports commissioning efforts for advanced autonomous technologies. Success in this role requires strong problem-solving skills, technical expertise in robotics and controls, and a proactive, hands-on approach to operational excellence.

Essential Duties:

Process Optimization & Documentation

+ Analyze and improve manufacturing processes to reduce waste and increase efficiency

+ Conduct time studies, capability assessments, and data-driven process analysis

+ Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) and work instructions

+ Lead root cause analysis and implement corrective/preventive actions with minimal supervision

Equipment Troubleshooting & Maintenance Support

+ Diagnose and resolve equipment malfunctions independently

+ Partner with maintenance teams to enhance preventive maintenance and improve equipment reliability

+ Support root cause analysis of automation and robotic systems

Quality Assurance & Compliance

+ Implement and maintain quality systems ensuring conformance to process and safety standards

+ Use SPC, FTA, and FMEA tools to identify and mitigate process quality risks

+ Ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards specific to mobile robotics and automation technologies

Project Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration

+ Lead small to mid-sized capital and process improvement projects, including new automation deployments

+ Coordinate with cross-functional teams and provide updates to stakeholders across departments

+ Identify opportunities for capital cost reduction and throughput improvement through automation

Safety & Mentorship

+ Promote a safe working environment and enforce site safety standards, particularly during equipment commissioning and automation launch

+ Participate in safety assessments and lead safe integration of robotic systems

+ Mentor junior engineers in areas such as process troubleshooting, safety best practices, and automation fundamentals

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements:

+ To ensure health and safety in the workplace and for employee protection, wearing PPE is a possibility and includes equipment such as a full Tyvek suit, safety shoes, gloves, safety glasses, face mask, and a full hazmat suit that includes a respirator. A respirator fit test will be required based on functional area.

_The foregoing description is not intended and should not be construed to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills and 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._

Qualifications

Requirements - Required and/or Preferred:

Education:

+ **Required:** Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or a closely related engineering/technical field

+ **Preferred:** Master’s degree in Engineering or related discipline

Essential Qualifications:

+ 2+ years of engineering experience in a manufacturing environment

+ Proven engineering skills with a track record of independently leading tasks and small projects

+ Solid understanding of manufacturing principles and hands-on experience applying them

+ Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot mechanical/electrical systems and interpret engineering documentation (CAD, MPI, P&IDs, etc.)

+ Experience conducting root cause analysis and implementing effective corrective actions

+ Strong data analysis capabilities using SPC, capability studies, and process mapping tools

+ Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate across departments

+ Adaptable and proactive in managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

+ Must have working-level knowledge of the English language, including reading, writing, and speaking English

+ 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)

Preferred Qualifications:

+ 3–5 years of experience deploying AMR/AGV systems in a manufacturing environment

+ Solid understanding of AMR/AGV systems, controls, IT interfaces, and safety/regulatory considerations

+ Experience with PLC programming, robotics integration, and virtual commissioning tools

+ Familiarity with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) or industrial data analytics platforms

+ Exposure to high-volume manufacturing such as batteries, semiconductors, or electronics

+ Practical experience with designing custom tooling, jigs, and fixtures

+ Experience working with external vendors or OEMs on automation projects

Preferred Certification(s):

+ Lean Six Sigma Green Belt

+ Certified Manufacturing Technologist (CMfgT)

+ PLC Programming Certification (e.g., Allen-Bradley, Siemens)

+ Certified Automation Professional (CAP) – ISA

+ OSHA 30-Hour General Industry Certification

Physical Demands:

**Physical Activities:** Percentage of time (equaling 100%) during the normal workday the employee is required to:

+ Sit: 30%

+ Walk: 30%

+ Stand: 30%

+ Lift: 10%

**Required Lifting and Carrying:** _Not required (0%), Occasional (1-33%), Frequent (34-66%), Continuous (67-100%)_

For this position, the required frequency is:

+ Up to 10 lbs.: Occasional

+ Up to 20 lbs.: Occasional

+ Up to 35 lbs.: Occasional

+ Team-lift only (over 35 lbs.): Not Required

Benefits & Perks - What's In It For You:

Panasonic Energy prioritizes total well-being and offers comprehensive benefits options to support physical, emotional, financial, social, and environmental health:

+ Highly inclusive and class-leading healthcare options to include family planning, mental health, and pet insurance

+ Employee assistance programs that support total well-being with complimentary session offered each and every month

+ Company-matched and fully vested 401K retirement program that starts immediately from date of enrollment

+ Annual bonus program, High5 employee recognition and awards platform, quarterly and annual employee recognition

+ Simplified access to self-guided and representative-supported short and long-term financial wellness and retirement planning

+ Educational Assistance & Reimbursement Program

+ Inclusion programs and associated employee resource groups that promote representation and belonging

+ Leadership, career, and mentorship development programs opportunities at all levels across the organization

+ Collaborative and motivating culture routed in continuous personal and professional growth and much more.

Where You'll Be:

For our onsite roles, Panasonic Energy is committed to fostering an ideal working environment that goes beyond the conventional. We understand the significance of moments that matter in your onsite experience, and we prioritize creating a workspace that not only promotes productivity but also ensures a fulfilling and positive work atmosphere. Join us at Panasonic Energy, where your onsite presence is valued, and we strive to make each moment count in your professional journey.

Who We Are:

Meet Panasonic Energy (https://careers.na.panasonic.com/life-at-panasonic) ! At Panasonic Energy, you'll do work that matters as we are dedicated to transforming the world through the acceleration of sustainable energy. By producing safe, high-quality lithium-ion batteries, you become part of a team that plays a crucial role in creating technologies that move us (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-x\_hDfMqb0) .

This is an exciting time to join us as we expand our operations to De Soto, Kansas and build the world's largest lithium-ion battery factory. We will provide you with the opportunity to experience career growth in more ways than one.

As an innovative thinker, you'll thrive here, as we continually push the boundaries of lithium-ion battery technology and production capabilities to enhance efficiency and performance in EVs.

Being part of Panasonic Energy means positively contributing to society, aligning with our commitment to building a better world through sustainable energy solutions.

We care about what you care about, fostering an environment where your contributions make a meaningful impact on the future of energy and transportation. Join us and be part of a team that values your work, encourages innovation, and actively contributes to a positive societal impact.

In addition to an environment that is as innovative as our products, we offer competitive salaries and benefits.

We Take Opportunity Seriously:

At Panasonic Energy, we are committed to a workplace that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging. Fairness and Honesty have been part of our core values for more than 100 years and we are proud of our diverse culture as an equal opportunity employer.

We understand that your career search may look different than others and embrace the professional, personal, educational, and volunteer opportunities through which people gain experience. If you are actively looking or starting to explore new opportunities, submit your application!

Supplemental Information:

Pre-employment drug testing is required.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. All qualified individuals are required to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

_Due to the high volume of responses, we will only be able to respond to candidates of interest. All candidates must have valid authorization to work in the U.S. without restriction._

Thank you for your interest in Panasonic Energy Corporation of North America.

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