OverviewDo you want to join a team that's changing the world? Do you have a strong background as a Controls Engineer? 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!
ResponsibilitiesControls Engineer II_71qs
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Meet the Recruiter: 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 Controls Engineer II independently programs, installs, and troubleshoots automation systems-including Keyence vision systems and PLCs such as Mitsubishi and Omron-within Panasonic's battery manufacturing operations. This role analyzes equipment specifications and production requirements to design and implement efficient manufacturing solutions for routine projects within the controls and automation functional area. The engineer collaborates with cross-functional teams to develop, test, and validate system designs, ensuring alignment with defined technical, operational, and economic constraints. Additional responsibilities include independently preparing detailed schematics, coordinating prototype builds, and contributing to long-term engineering planning through technical evaluations and data analysis that impact projects within the functional area.
Essential Duties:Functional Operations:- Independently program, install, and troubleshoot Keyence vision systems supporting Panasonic's battery manufacturing processes
- Independently program, install, and troubleshoot PLC systems, including Mitsubishi and Omron platforms, to support manufacturing equipment and automation needs
- Analyze product and equipment specifications and performance requirements to develop control system designs that can be implemented using existing manufacturing facilities and methods
- Manage defined workstreams or small automation projects within the controls functional area, applying increased technical depth to moderately complex engineering problems
- Prepare, or direct the preparation of, detailed system layouts, electrical drawings, and schematics in accordance with engineering standards
Performance Optimization & Continuous Improvement:- Solve moderately complex controls and automation problems with limited guidance, applying established engineering methods and tools
- Evaluate the feasibility of new equipment designs or modifications to existing facilities by assessing cost, space, schedule, technical risk, and operational constraints
- Plan and develop experimental test programs to evaluate system performance, reliability, and functionality
- Analyze test data and reports to verify that designs meet defined functional and performance specifications
- Suggest improvements to control system designs, equipment configurations, or processes to enhance performance, reliability, or manufacturability
Training & Team Support:- Share technical knowledge, lessons learned, and best practices with peers to support team capability and consistency
- Provide informal guidance to less experienced engineers or technicians on routine controls and automation topics
Cross-Functional Collaboration & Communication:- Communicate and coordinate with cross-functional partners, including manufacturing, research, and engineering teams, to clarify requirements and resolve moderately complex technical issues
- Confer with research and development personnel to support design development and resolve design-related challenges
- Exercise sound engineering judgment when addressing moderately complex technical and operational issues that impact projects within the functional area
Quality, Safety, & Compliance:- Ensure automation designs, testing activities, and system modifications comply with applicable safety, quality, and engineering standards
- Evaluate engineering test results for potential application to system improvements, future developments, or broader use within the manufacturing environment
- Support adherence to company policies, regulatory requirements, and industry standards during equipment installation, testing, and troubleshooting activities
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements:- To ensure the health and safety in the workplace and for the protection of our employees, wearing PPE is a possibility and may include equipment such as a full Tyvek suit, safety shoes, gloves, safety glasses, face mask, bump cap, and a full hazmat suit that includes a respirator.
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.
QualificationsRequirements - Required and/or PreferredEducation, Certifications, and Licenses: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 Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or a closely related engineering/technical field, or advanced technical coursework demonstrating increased depth in automation, controls, or manufacturing systems
- Certified Automation Professional (CAP) - in progress or completed
- Six Sigma Green Belt (or equivalent quality/process improvement certification)
- Vendor-specific PLC or vision system certifications (e.g., Mitsubishi, Allen-Bradley, Keyence)
Essential Qualifications:- 2+ years of controls or automation engineering experience in manufacturing, industrial, or laboratory environments, with demonstrated ability to work independently on routine assignments
- Applied experience programming, installing, and troubleshooting PLC-based automation systems (e.g., Mitsubishi, Omron, Allen-Bradley, Siemens) and manufacturing image vision systems such as Keyence or Cognex
- Working knowledge of electrical hardware, electrical drawings, sequence control, control software design, and control wiring practices, sufficient to independently support equipment modifications and troubleshooting
- Working knowledge of industrial electrical standards and applications, including NFPA 70, NFPA 79, related UL standards, hazardous location requirements (Class I, Division 2), and 480 V control panels or industrial power distribution systems
- Ability to apply first-principles thinking to solve moderately complex controls and automation issues with limited guidance
- Experience collaborating effectively with cross-functional partners, including manufacturing, research, engineering, and overseas stakeholders
- Exposure to energy usage monitoring or optimization efforts and general awareness of applicable U.S. environmental and regulatory requirements relevant to industrial equipment
- Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, for engineering documentation, analysis, and communication
- 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:- 4+ years of combined engineering experience in manufacturing or industrial environments, including internships, co-ops, laboratory work, or full-time roles
- Experience in high-volume battery manufacturing or related industries such as electronics, automotive, or energy storage
- Experience managing small projects or defined workstreams and supporting equipment commissioning, production ramp-up, or new equipment introduction
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively convey technical information to engineering, manufacturing, and cross-functional teams
- Demonstrated resilience, self-motivation, and ability to work effectively under pressure in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
- Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) for data analysis, reporting, and technical presentations
Physical Demands:Physical Activities: Percentage of time (equaling 100%) during the normal workday the employee is required to:
- Sit: 20%
- Walk: 50%
- Stand: 30%
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.: Frequent
- Up to 20 lbs.: Frequent
- Up to 35 lbs.: Occasional
- Team-lift only (over 35 lbs.): Occasional
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.
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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