Materials Engineer 3

Overview

Do you want to join a team that's changing the world? Do you have a strong background as a Materials Engineer III? 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

Materials Engineer III

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Meet the Recruiter: Princess Damato

Job Summary:

Panasonic Energy is seeking a Materials Engineer III reporting to the Engineering Supervisor. The Materials Engineer III is responsible for the development and modification of processes and methods for the manufacture, molding, and utilization of materials in the production of Li-ion batteries. In addition, the Materials Engineer III will collaborate broadly across Panasonic to analyze materials and components, establish operating data, conduct experimental testing, and evaluate results, with the goal of introducing new materials and suppliers into PECNA’s products and processes.

Essential Duties:

• Independently develop methods to establish operating principles and fundamentals of chemical / material analysis techniques.
• Lead the analysis and technical management of at least one key material component of PECNA’s products and communicate findings and recommendations to support related product development.
• Mentor and support the development of less experienced engineers through technical coaching, knowledge sharing, problem-solving guidance, and review of analytical approaches and results.
• Partner with team leaders to communicate data, actions, timelines, and issue resolution to existing and prospective material suppliers in North America.
• Apply knowledge of Panasonic’s manufacturing processes, specifically within the assigned area of material expertise, to support modifications to supplied components and improvements to PECNA’s products and processes.
• Partner with process and manufacturing engineering teams to evaluate materials on production lines.
• Build and maintain relationships across the broader Panasonic organization to support cost and performance improvements for materials used in PECNA’s products.
• Collaborate across the broader Panasonic organization and with material suppliers to develop and validate detailed specifications for new materials and resolve quality issues.
• Independently develop analytical strategies to evaluate material performance and identify root causes of material and product failures.
• 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.
• Analyze manufacturing data, including defect and alert rates, to evaluate supplied materials and develop conclusions and recommendations that improve manufacturability and cell performance.
• Establish safety procedures and good work practices for analytical techniques within the assigned area of expertise.
• Lead cross-functional material qualification, supplier development, and continuous improvement projects from planning through implementation, including defining scope, coordinating stakeholders, managing timelines, and communicating technical conclusions and recommendations.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Travel Requirements:

• Up to 20% travel required

Qualifications

Requirements - Required and/or Preferred

Required Education, Certifications, and Licenses:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or similar discipline

Preferred Education, Certifications, and Licenses:

• Master’s Degree in Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or similar discipline

Essential Qualifications:

• Minimum of 4 years of engineering experience in manufacturing, product development, design, quality control, materials engineering, or a related field.
• Strong analytical and decision-making abilities with demonstrated ability to influence technical decisions and drive alignment across cross-functional teams.
• Experience developing and executing analytical methods, investigations, and root cause analysis.
• Strong understanding of materials characterization, qualification, and failure analysis methodologies relevant to the assigned area of expertise.
• Experience using statistical analysis tools, such as JMP, and data-driven approaches to support technical decision-making.
• Ability to independently manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills, including experience working with suppliers and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to provide technical guidance, mentorship, and knowledge to drive projects forward.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 6+ years of engineering experience in manufacturing, product development, design, quality control, materials engineering, or a related field.
• Experience in a high-volume manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated track record of problem-solving, including the ability to gather, analyze, interpret, and present data to support technical conclusions and recommendations.
• Knowledge of materials commonly used in battery manufacturing and the analytical techniques used for their characterization, qualification, and testing.
• Experience applying Design of Experiments (DOE) methodologies to process optimization, material evaluation, product development, and measurement system improvement.
• Experience working with material suppliers to support material qualification, specification development, root cause investigations, and quality improvement initiatives.

Physical Demands:

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

• Sit: 30%
• Walk: 50%
• Stand: 20%

Required Lifting and Carrying: Rare (<1%), 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.: Rare
• Team-lift only (over 35 lbs.): Rare

Work Authorization:

• Panasonic Energy of North America does not sponsor applicants for employment-based visas for this position.

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:

• 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
• Free Shuttle: Rides to and from work!

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! 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.

Our journey began in 2017, and now, as the world's largest lithium-ion battery factory, we are expanding operations to De Soto, Kansas, providing 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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