Process Improvement Intern

Panasonic Energy Corporation of North America; Sparks (NV); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Panasonic Energy Corporation of North America is seeking a Process Improvement Intern to join our Gigafactory team in Sparks, NV. This full-time paid summer internship focuses on reducing downtime and driving production improvements, with collaboration across departments and use of standard tools.

The program runs for 12 weeks (May 17–Aug 6, 2027) and requires full participation. Applicants must be enrolled full-time, have at least two years completed, and maintain a 3.2 GPA; must be legally

Qualifications

• Must be currently enrolled as a full-time student at an accredited four-year college or university.
• Completion of at least two years of full-time enrollment (minimum 12 credit hours per semester) in a Bachelor’s Degree program.
• GPA of 3.2 or higher.
• Basic knowledge of project management processes and tools.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, teamwork, and collaboration skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to write and communicate technical information clearly and concisely.
• Fluency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook).
• Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems.
• Must have working-level knowledge of the English language, including reading, writing, and speaking English.

Responsibilities

• Analyzes and evaluates process input/output data to reduce downtime and increase production.
• Works closely with other team members to increase understanding of downtime.
• Gather, analyze, and interpret data using statistical analysis methods to identify trends and opportunities relating to lost production
• Collaborate with the multiple departments to trial new processes
• Calculate the financial impact of proposed process improvements
• Drive the sustainment of improvements through use of standard work, PFMEA, control plans, process checks, and other tools
• Other duties may be assigned.

Skills

Project management basics

Problem solving

Organization

Interpersonal skills

Written and verbal communication

Technical writing

MS Office

Analytical thinking

English proficiency

Education

B.S./M.S. in Industrial Engineering, Materials Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Overview

Do you want to join a team that's changing the world? Do you have a strong background as a Process Improvement Intern? Then we're looking for you! 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 Panasonic Energy team today!

What You’ll Do

• Panasonic Energy is seeking ambitious interns to join the world’s largest lithium ion battery initiative. With superior battery designs and the fastest manufacturing lines in the world, Panasonic Energy is producing millions of batteries per day at the Gigafactory to support Tesla’s electric vehicle and energy storage businesses. Panasonic invites you to join us in this ongoing full-scale effort to electrify our society.

Essential Duties

• Analyzes and evaluates process input/output data to reduce downtime and increase production.
• Works closely with other team members to increase understanding of downtime.
• Gather, analyze, and interpret data using statistical analysis methods to identify trends and opportunities relating to lost production
• Collaborate with the multiple departments to trial new processes
• Calculate the financial impact of proposed process improvements
• Drive the sustainment of improvements through use of standard work, PFMEA, control plans, process checks, and other tools
• Other duties may be assigned.

Internship Details

• The program will be a fulltime paid summer internship working for Panasonic Energy at the Gigafactory.
• The program will be 12 weeks in length, and is planned to occur between Monday, May 17 and Friday, August 6, 2027. This date range is subject to change.
• Must be able to attend the entirety of the internship.

Program Requirements

• The program will be a full time paid summer internship working for Panasonic Energy onsite at the Gigafactory
• Must attend entirety of internship from the indicated start and end date noted above
• Minimum 3.2 GPA
• Must have completed a minimum of 2 years at an accredited university
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis at the time the internship begins and must not require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B, O-1, TN, L-1, or other employment-based visas) to participate in the program or for a fulltime role after graduation. This position is not eligible for employer-sponsored work authorization.

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.

Education

• Basic/Required: Completion of at least two years of full-time enrollment (minimum 12 credit hours per semester) in a B.S./M.S. in Industrial Engineering, Materials Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering.

Essential Qualifications

• Must be currently enrolled as a fulltime student at an accredited four-year college or university
• Completion of at least two years of full-time enrollment (minimum 12 credit hours per semester) in a Bachelor’s Degree program
• GPA of 3.2 or higher
• Basic knowledge of project management processes and tools
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Strong organizational skills
• Excellent interpersonal, teamwork, and collaboration skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to write and communicate technical information clearly and concisely
• Fluency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook)
• Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems
• Must have working-level knowledge of the English language, including reading, writing, and speaking English

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-on experience through project teams or previous jobs
• A desire to create a sustainable future through energy storage, renewable energy, and electric vehicles

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%

Tools and/or Equipment

Required frequency is: Not required (0%), Occasional (1-33%), Frequent (34-66%, Continuous (67-100%)

• Keyboard/Computer: Continuous
• Office Equipment: Continuous
• Phone Continuous

Required Lifting and Carrying

Required frequency is: Not required (0%), Occasional (1-33), Frequent (34-66%, Continuous (67-100%)

• Up to 10 lbs.: Occasional
• Up to 20 lbs.: Occasional
• Up to 35 lbs.: Occasional
• Team-lift only (over 35 lbs.): Not Required

About Us

Meet 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.

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.

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.

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,

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.

This position is not eligible for company-sponsored benefits such as health insurance. Employees may be eligible for certain state- or locally-mandated benefits depending on hours worked and applicable law.

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

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