Sr. Engineer, Industrial Automation and Robotics

Panasonic Energy is seeking a Senior Engineer in Industrial Automation and Robotics to join the Next Gen Initiatives (NGI) team. This role focuses on deploying automation and robotics systems to transform manufacturing processes on the factory floor, driving improvements in safety, quality, productivity, throughput, and cost performance.

About the role

Reporting to the Sr. Director of Next Gen Initiatives, this position operates within a strategic function responsible for advancing automation, AI enablement, and operational transformation across Panasonic Energy Corporation of North America (PECNA). The ideal candidate combines future-forward curiosity with hands-on problem-solving to translate complex manufacturing challenges into structured initiatives, driving cross-functional execution from early discovery and ideation through proof-of-concept and full deployment.

Responsibilities

• Strategy & Execution
  • Partner with site leadership and manufacturing stakeholders to define and prioritize initiatives aligned with NGI pillars, identifying opportunities to improve performance, cost, and workforce capability.
  • Translate operational challenges into clear initiative charters and drive end-to-end delivery of physical systems (automation/robotics).
  • Own use cases from discovery through proof of concept to scaled deployment, ensuring solutions are operationally relevant, explainable, and embedded into frontline workflows.
  • Manage initiative timelines, risks, and dependencies; resolve issues with cross-functional stakeholders.
• Next Gen Technologies
  • Evaluate and pilot emerging automation and robotics technologies (e.g., advanced robotics, AMRs, polyfunctional platforms) across production sites.
  • Identify high-impact opportunities in task-specific equipment automation, process control, automated inspection, and AI-integrated hardware systems.
  • Prioritize automation opportunities delivering measurable improvements in productivity, throughput, quality, and safety.
  • Partner with process, mechanical, quality, controls, and SCADA teams to convert manual or semi-automated operations into reliable, closed-loop automated systems using PLCs, HMIs, sensors, and control logic.
  • Develop evaluation frameworks to assess readiness, capability, reliability, safety, and ROI before scaled deployment.
• Stakeholder & Vendor Coordination
  • Bridge gaps between Operations, Engineering, Safety, Maintenance, IT/OT, Quality, Finance, HR, and Supply Chain to ensure deployments are safe, scalable, and sustainable.
  • Manage relationships with robotics OEMs, automation integrators, and equipment vendors, including RFAs, bids, delivery milestones, FAT/SAT, and performance accountability.
  • Define and track KPIs such as cycle time, resource efficiency, MTBF, uptime, ROI, quality impact, and safety improvement.
  • Document standards and best practices to enable repeatable deployment across sites.
  • Support training and change management for sustainable ownership by relevant teams.

Requirements

• Education
  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Science, Industrial Engineering, or related field (required).
  • Master’s degree in a related field (preferred).
  • PMP, Six Sigma, or equivalent continuous improvement certification (preferred).
• Experience & Skills
  • 7+ years of experience in industrial automation, robotics, controls, equipment engineering, or systems integration within a high-volume manufacturing environment (required).
  • Proven cross-functional delivery from concept to adoption (required).
  • Knowledge of factory systems (MES, SCADA, PLCs, ERP) (required).
  • Experience managing vendors or integrators through requirements, RFA/RFQ, FAT, SAT, commissioning, and handoff (required).
  • Strong communication, structured problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills (required).
  • Experience in battery, semiconductor, automotive, pharmaceutical, or high-speed consumer goods manufacturing (preferred).
  • Experience with AMRs/AGVs, cobots, articulated robots, inspection automation, or material movement automation (preferred).
  • Experience with industrial controls, programming, and systems integration, including PLCs, HMIs, sensors, robotics interfaces, equipment communication protocols, or integration of automated systems into manufacturing environments (preferred).
  • Familiarity with ROS, robot simulation tools, AMR fleet management, LIDAR navigation, or AI-driven motion control (preferred).
  • Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, TPM, or continuous improvement methodologies (preferred).
  • Experience working with Japanese manufacturing partners or in cross-cultural engineering environments (preferred).
• Travel & Physical Demands
  • Up to 25% travel required.
  • Physical activities during the workday:
    • Sit: 30%
    • Walk: 40%
    • Stand: 30%
  • Required lifting and carrying:
    • Up to 10 lbs.: Occasional (1-33%)
    • Up to 20 lbs.: Rare (<1%)
    • Up to 35 lbs.: Rare (<1%)
    • Team-lift only (over 35 lbs.): Rare (<1%)
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) may be required, including full Tyvek suit, safety shoes, gloves, safety glasses, face mask, bump cap, or full hazmat suit with respirator.

Benefits

• Health & Wellbeing
  • Medical, dental, vision, and prescription plans, plus Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account options.
  • Voluntary benefits: life, accident, critical illness, disability, legal, identity theft, and pet insurance.
  • Health management and wellbeing programs: Lifestyle Spending Account, EAP, virtual health management, chronic condition support, neurodiversity resources, tobacco cessation, substance abuse support, and life stage/fertility resources.
• Financial & Retirement
  • Panasonic Retirement Savings & Investment Plan (PRSIP): 401(k) with company matching contributions and immediate vesting.
  • Annual performance-based bonus opportunity.
  • Educational assistance: tuition reimbursement for job-related courses after six months of service.
• Time Off
  • Paid time-off: vacation, holidays, personal days, sick leave, volunteer leave, and parental & caregiver leave.
• Workplace Perks
  • Employee Recognition Program: High5 platform for peer recognition and quarterly/annual awards.
  • On-site food options: cafes, snack/beverage kitchens, vendor visits, and employee events.
  • Free shuttle service to and from work.

Location

This is an onsite role. Panasonic Energy fosters an ideal working environment prioritizing productivity, fulfillment, and a positive work atmosphere. The position is based at Panasonic Energy’s facilities, with expansion operations in De Soto, Kansas.

About Panasonic Energy

Panasonic Energy is dedicated to transforming the world through sustainable energy solutions. As the world’s largest lithium-ion battery factory, the company produces safe, high-quality batteries for technologies that drive progress. Founded in 2017, Panasonic Energy pushes the boundaries of lithium-ion battery technology to enhance efficiency and performance in electric vehicles (EVs). The company values innovation, meaningful contributions to society, and a diverse, inclusive culture where employees thrive and make a positive impact on the future of energy and transportation.