Manufacturing Engineer I

Do you want to join a team that's changing the world? Put your skills to meaningful use, gain unique experience, and work with world-class team members who share the same vision. Join the Panasonic Energy team in De Soto, Kansas, where we’re building the world’s largest lithium-ion battery factory and contributing to the future of electric vehicles.

About the role

The Manufacturing Engineer I is an entry-level engineering role designed to develop foundational manufacturing engineering skills through hands-on experience and mentorship in a high-volume manufacturing environment. This position supports production optimization, process reliability, and quality improvement activities while emphasizing learning standard manufacturing processes, tools, and problem-solving methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Functional Operations:
  • Applies basic manufacturing engineering principles, tools, and standard procedures under supervision
  • Supports assigned tasks within engineering and operations projects
  • Assists with data collection, basic process analysis, and documentation (e.g., time studies, process checks)
  • Supports development and maintenance of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and work instructions
  • Assists with technical equipment troubleshooting under guidance from senior engineers and maintenance teams
  • Learns and supports preventative maintenance activities to improve equipment uptime and process stability
• Performance Optimization & Continuous Improvement:
  • Works on clearly defined process improvement tasks under close supervision
  • Applies existing manufacturing processes, standards, and tools to support efficiency and waste reduction efforts
  • Contributes to continuous improvement initiatives and small-scale equipment or process upgrades
  • Supports development of permanent countermeasures to address manufacturing issues using established problem-solving methods
  • Gains exposure to automation systems and manufacturing technologies through project support activities
• Training & Team Support:
  • Learns manufacturing engineering practices through mentorship, job shadowing, and guided project participation
  • Develops familiarity with engineering workflows, documentation standards, and structured problem-solving approaches
  • Actively seeks feedback to build technical competence and professional effectiveness
• Cross-Functional Collaboration & Communication:
  • Communicates primarily within the immediate engineering team and assigned project groups
  • Collaborates with production, quality, maintenance, and engineering team members following established procedures
  • Develops professional communication and documentation skills to support knowledge sharing and project execution
• Quality, Safety, & Compliance:
  • Supports implementation and adherence to quality systems to ensure product conformance to specifications
  • Participates in root cause analysis (RCA) and corrective and preventive action (CAPA) activities as a contributor
  • Learns and complies with all safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements
  • Actively participates in safety initiatives and supports safety planning for new equipment or process changes
  • Properly uses and maintains required personal protective equipment (PPE), including Tyvek suits, gloves, respirators, and other safety gear as required by the functional area

Requirements

• Education, Certifications, and Licenses:
  • Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or a closely related STEM field (required)
  • Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt (preferred; Green Belt a plus)
  • Certified Manufacturing Technologist (CMfgT) (preferred)
  • SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar CAD certification (preferred)
  • OSHA 30-Hour General Industry Certification (preferred)
• Essential Qualifications:
  • Strong foundational understanding of core engineering principles
  • Demonstrated eagerness to learn and develop practical manufacturing engineering skills
  • Mechanical aptitude with interest in troubleshooting and root cause analysis
  • Ability to apply basic data-driven approaches to support process development and improvement
  • Willingness to learn technical documentation such as CAD drawings, P&IDs, and manufacturing process instructions
  • Ability to work effectively in both office and production floor environments with attention to detail
  • Collaborative mindset with developing communication skills
  • Working-level knowledge of the English language, including reading, writing, and speaking English
  • Alignment to Panasonic’s seven core principles: contribution to society, fairness and honesty, cooperation and team spirit, untiring effort for improvement, courtesy and humility, adaptability, gratitude
• Preferred Qualifications:
  • 2+ years of engineering experience through internships, co-ops, or entry-level roles in manufacturing environments
  • Experience in high-volume battery manufacturing or related industries such as electronics, automotive, or energy storage
  • Exposure to lean manufacturing or Six Sigma concepts through coursework or practical experience
  • Familiarity with basic design tools (e.g., CAD) or hands-on fabrication projects
  • Interest in automation, PLCs, sensors, and manufacturing control systems
  • Exposure to manufacturing data systems (e.g., MES) or industrial data analysis tools
  • Hands-on experience or coursework involving machine shop equipment or fabrication tools
  • Interest in fast-paced, high-volume production environments (e.g., 1M+ units/day)

Physical Demands

• Physical Activities: During the normal workday, the employee is required to:
  • Sit: 10%
  • Walk: 70%
  • Stand: 20%
• Required Lifting and Carrying:
  • Up to 10 lbs.: Frequent (34-66%)
  • Up to 20 lbs.: Frequent (34-66%)
  • Up to 35 lbs.: Occasional (1-33%)
  • Team-lift only (over 35 lbs.): Occasional (1-33%)
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): May include Tyvek suits, safety shoes, gloves, safety glasses, face masks, bump caps, respirators, and full hazmat suits.

Benefits

• Health Benefits: 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.
• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with company matching contributions and immediate vesting.
• Paid Time-Off: 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.
• 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.

Location

This is an onsite role at Panasonic Energy’s facility in De Soto, Kansas, just outside the Kansas City Metro. The company prioritizes creating a fulfilling and positive work atmosphere for onsite employees.

About Us

Panasonic Energy is dedicated to transforming the world through sustainable energy solutions. As the world’s largest lithium-ion battery factory, we produce safe, high-quality batteries that power electric vehicles and other technologies. Founded in 2017, we are expanding operations to De Soto, Kansas, offering opportunities for career growth while pushing the boundaries of battery technology. Our team values innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to building a better world through sustainable energy.