Mechanical Engineer II

Panasonic Avionics Corporation; De Soto (KS); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company focused on transforming the future of energy and transportation. As a Mechanical Engineer II, you will play a pivotal role in optimizing manufacturing processes for lithium-ion batteries, contributing to the electric vehicle revolution. This position offers the chance to work in a state-of-the-art facility, where innovation and sustainability are at the forefront. Collaborate with a diverse team to enhance product quality and efficiency while gaining valuable experience in a rapidly evolving industry. If you're passionate about engineering and sustainability, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Comprehensive Healthcare Options

401K Retirement Program

Annual Bonus Program

Educational Assistance

Employee Recognition Programs

Diversity and Inclusion Programs

Career Development Opportunities

Flexible Work Environment

Employee Assistance Programs

Collaborative Work Culture

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in engineering and manufacturing.
• Strong CAD design skills, preferably in SolidWorks.
• Experience in process development and troubleshooting.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and optimize production processes for efficiency and quality.
• Collaborate with teams to enhance equipment design and automation.
• Implement manufacturing automation systems and new technologies.

Skills

3D CAD Design

Process Optimization

Data Analysis

Team Collaboration

Mechanical Engineering Principles

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Simulation Software

MES Systems

Job description

Overview

Do you want to join a team that's changing the world? Do you have a strong background as a Mechanical 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 Panasonic
Meet the Recruiter: Eric Laffey
Explore Panasonic Careers
Panasonic VideoOur Mission: Create Technologies That Move Us

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 Mechanical Engineer II will support the assembly production process, specifically the winding and cell assembly operations that transform electrodes and materials into cylindrical lithium-ion batteries. This role focuses on analyzing and optimizing manufacturing processes to improve performance, safety, and product quality. The engineer will work closely with cross-functional teams to enhance equipment design, implement automation solutions, and ensure consistent manufacturing standards. A strong emphasis will be placed on applying engineering principles to real-world applications in a fast-paced production environment.

Essential Duties:

Process Improvement & Optimization

• Analyze and optimize production processes to improve efficiency, safety, and quality
• Monitor and audit manufacturing lines to ensure product specifications are consistently met
• Participate in the transition of products from concept through implementation

Design & Development

• Improve and refine the design of process machinery and systems
• Apply mechanical engineering theory to develop innovative production solutions and SOPs

Automation & Innovation

• Implement and support manufacturing industrial automation systems
• Identify and apply new technologies to enhance production capabilities

Collaboration & Support

• Collaborate with engineering and production teams to validate and improve processes
• Serve as a key contributor within a team, supporting continuous improvement initiatives

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 includes equipment such as a full Tyvek suit, safety shoes, gloves, safety glasses, face mask, and a full hazmat suit that includes a respirator. 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 Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering field

Essential Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in engineering, manufacturing, machine design, and/or industrial automation
• Strong 3D CAD design and drafting skills, preferably in SolidWorks
• Experience with simulation software for design validation
• Proficient in process development, troubleshooting, and data analysis
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills across all organizational levels
• Demonstrated ability to work with direct labor teams to understand and resolve production issues
• Familiarity with mechanical drawings, BOMs, process design, and manufacturability principles
• Understanding of process validation, assembly methods, quality control, design reviews, and cost-reduction strategies
• Ability to identify critical process parameters and apply statistical methods for control and measurement
• Experience analyzing high-level performance issues and breaking them down into actionable tasks
• Must have working-level knowledge of the English language, including reading, writing, and speaking English

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in lithium-ion battery manufacturing or a high-volume precision production setting
• Familiarity with MES systems or industrial data analysis platforms
• Japanese language proficiency preferred
• Experience with design and simulation of precision machining, sheet metal, thermoplastics, and large assemblies
• Experience with PLM, PDM, and ERP systems
• 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 Certification(s):

• Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma certification

Physical Demands:

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

• Sit: 40%
• Walk: 30%
• Stand: 20%
• 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.): 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:

• 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
• Diversity, equity, and 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! 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 increating technologies that move us.

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 of North America.

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