Panasonic Energy Corporation of North America · 1 hour ago
Manufacturing Engineering Manager
De Soto, KS
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
5+ years expPanasonic Energy Corporation of North America is expanding to De Soto, Kansas, where they are building the world’s largest lithium-ion battery factory. The Manufacturing Engineering Manager will lead a team to drive innovation and continuous improvement in commercial-scale battery cell manufacturing, overseeing material introductions, process enhancements, and new battery model implementations to achieve world-class quality and efficiency.
Information Technology & Services
No H1B
Responsibilities
Oversee and participate in material introduction, experimentation, and process improvement for cell manufacturing processes on a commercial scale
Analyze and optimize production processes to ensure safety, maximize Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), and achieve world-class quality levels cost-effectively
Apply technical expertise to innovate, design, and develop processes, procedures, equipment, tooling, and cell formulations
Enable data-driven operational and financial decisions through predictive insights on tool and process performance, including integrating factory data systems and utilizing MySQL, Python, JMP, Tableau, and Ignition software
Create and maintain standard work instructions for assigned processes
Monitor and audit manufacturing processes to ensure product specifications and standards are achieved
Collaborate with the General Manager to establish systems and standards promoting sustainability and growth in technical, organizational, and people development areas
Lead continuous improvement projects (CIP) to maximize yield, capacity, and capability
Utilize structured problem-solving techniques such as Design of Experiments (DoE), Five Whys (5W), and Eight Disciplines (8D)
Monitor and reduce process variation using techniques such as Statistical Process Control (SPC) and Measurement Systems Analysis (MSA)
Lead the engineering team in developing and implementing advanced measurement and control systems to enhance OEE, product quality, and reliability continuously
Interview, hire, and train employees; plan, assign, and direct work; appraise performance; reward and discipline employees; and address complaints and resolve problems
Work with cross-functional teams to develop, validate, and improve manufacturing equipment and design manufacturability
Lead the development and maintenance of FMEAs and Control Plans
This position provides direct supervision to engineering staff, including responsibility for hiring, onboarding, performance evaluation, coaching, and disciplinary actions
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's Degree in Chemical, Electrical, Materials, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline
5+ years of progressive engineering experience
Strong technical aptitude with demonstrated expertise in battery manufacturing processes and tooling
Proficiency with data analytics and factory data systems, including experience using MySQL, Python, JMP, Tableau, Ignition, or equivalent tools to support data-driven decision-making
Proven ability to analyze complex production data and optimize processes for quality, safety, and efficiency
Effective leadership skills with a passion for developing and coaching teams, including experience managing engineers and technical staff
Excellent communication skills with working proficiency in English (reading, writing, speaking) to collaborate across global teams
Strong analytic and decision-making abilities with the ability to influence and align cross-functional stakeholders
Alignment with Panasonic's seven (7) core principles (contribution to society, fairness and honesty, cooperation and team spirit, untiring effort for improvement, courtesy and humility, adaptability, and gratitude)
Preferred
Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical, Electrical, Materials, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE - SME)
Six Sigma Black Belt or Master Black Belt
Lean Manufacturing Certification (e.g., Lean Leader or Lean Enterprise Institute)
Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE - ASQ)
Project Management Professional (PMP)
7+ years of engineering experience in manufacturing, product development, design, or related fields
3+ years of experience in a management or technical leadership role
Experience with battery manufacturing and high-speed robotic assembly processes
Experience working in high-volume manufacturing environments (e.g., 1M+ units/day capacity)
Strong knowledge of regulatory, safety, and quality compliance standards (e.g., ISO, IATF, OSHA)
Hands-on experience leading continuous improvement projects using Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, and structured problem-solving methods such as Design of Experiments (DoE), Five Whys (5W), and Eight Disciplines (8D)
Proven ability to work cross-functionally and globally with resilience and adaptability in fast-paced environments
Resilient, self-motivated, and able to perform well under pressure
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 much more.
Company
Panasonic Energy Corporation of North America
Panasonic Energy Corporation of North America (PECNA) is a large-scale, advanced battery manufacturer, operating in Sparks, Nevada and De Soto, Kansas, known for its quality of life and expansive outdoor adventures.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Justin Herman
VP & Chief Information Officer
Brooke Langhans
HPC Partner
Company data provided by crunchbase