Sr. Materials Engineer

About the Role

Join a team that is changing the world by transforming sustainable energy. As a Sr. Materials Engineer, you will develop and modify processes and methods to introduce materials into the production of Li-ion batteries. Collaborate within Panasonic and with external partners to analyze materials, establish operating data, conduct experimental tests, and evaluate results with the goal of introducing new materials and suppliers to PECNA’s products and processes.

Responsibilities

• Promote collaboration with North American suppliers to accelerate multi-sourcing and localization, including coordinating technical meetings, creating and summarizing feedback, preparing meeting materials, leading discussions, explaining feedback, creating engineering documents, requesting improvements, deciding specifications and analytical methods, making development plans, and handling samples—all aligned with related technical sections.
• Serve as Panasonic Energy's primary technical point of contact or support for existing and potential material suppliers in North America.
• Establish and maintain evaluation systems for specific materials systems within the battery.
• Work with process and manufacturing engineering teams to evaluate materials on production lines.
• Utilize knowledge of Panasonic’s manufacturing process to lead and support modifications of supplied components and improvements to PECNA’s products and processes.
• Provide deep technical expertise and resources to internal teams and external vendors.
• Create and nurture relationships within the Panasonic platform to support economic and performance improvements for materials in PECNA’s products.
• Collaborate with the Panasonic platform in communications with material suppliers regarding development and validation of detailed material specifications and resolution of quality issues.
• Independently develop analytical strategies to evaluate performance and failure origins.
• Create standard operating procedures for external suppliers and internal teams to ensure compliance of materials and chemicals with PECNA’s products and processes.
• Use manufacturing data (e.g., defect rate, alert rate) to evaluate supplied materials and draw conclusions that improve manufacturability and cell performance.
• Lead internal team initiatives and mentor junior engineers to achieve team targets.
• Establish and maintain safe working procedures and best practices for analytical and laboratory techniques.
• Support all corporate Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S), Governance, and Quality initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university in Electrochemical Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, or a similar discipline.
• Preferred: Master’s Degree and/or Ph.D in Electrochemical Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, or a similar discipline.
• 7+ years of engineering experience in manufacturing, product development, design, quality control, or related areas.
• Evidence of exceptional ability in full-cycle engineering, with full responsibility and accountability for projects from start to finish.
• Strong analytic and decision-making abilities; ability to influence others toward common goals.
• Ability to work independently, in a team environment, and with cross-functional groups.
• Expert fundamental understanding of analytical methodologies relevant to the Materials Development Team.
• Strong knowledge of commonly used materials in battery manufacturing and associated analytical techniques for qualification and testing.
• Track record of effective problem-solving, including gathering, analyzing, and reporting data to arrive at clear conclusions.
• Ability to use statistical analysis to derive conclusions and provide direction in investigations, new parts integration, defect reduction, and productivity improvements.
• Experience using Design of Experiments (DoE) concepts to develop better assembly conditions, part applications, and measurement methods.
• Ability to propose and align material specification requirements with suppliers.
• Experience leading large, complex projects internally and with multiple functional sections.
• Ability to perform statistical analysis to improve internal and external processes.
• Ability to mentor junior engineers.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong background in high-volume manufacturing.
• Materials development experience in a battery manufacturer through collaboration with material suppliers.
• Fundamental understanding of battery materials, their selection, and their impact on electrochemical performance of cells.
• Basic knowledge of battery cell design.

Physical Demands

Physical Activities: (Percentage of time during the normal workday)

• Sit: 40%
• Walk: 30%
• Stand: 20%
• Lift: 10%

Required Lifting and Carrying:

• Up to 10 lbs.: Occasional (1-33%)
• Up to 20 lbs.: Occasional (1-33%)
• Up to 35 lbs.: Occasional (1-33%)
• Team-lift only (over 35 lbs.): Not Required

Benefits

• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, prescription plans, plus Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options.
• Voluntary Benefits: Life, accident, critical illness, disability, legal, identity theft, and pet insurance.
• Retirement Savings & Investment Plan (PRSIP): 401(k) with company matching contributions and immediate vesting.
• Paid Time-Off Benefits: Vacation, holidays, personal days, sick leave, volunteer leave, 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, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), virtual health management, chronic condition support, neurodiversity resources, 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.
• Employee Recognition Program: High5 employee recognition and awards platform, plus quarterly and annual employee recognition.
• Annual Bonus Program: Opportunity for an annual performance-based bonus.
• On-site Food Options: Several on-site cafes, snack and beverage kitchens, revolving vendor visits, and employee events.
• Free Shuttle: Rides to and from work.

Location

This is an onsite role. Panasonic Energy is committed to fostering an ideal working environment that prioritizes productivity, fulfillment, and a positive work atmosphere. Join us at our De Soto, Kansas location, where your contributions will help shape the future of sustainable energy.

About Us

At Panasonic Energy, we are dedicated to transforming the world through sustainable energy. As the world’s largest lithium-ion battery factory, we produce safe, high-quality batteries that power technologies driving global change. Founded in 2017, we are expanding operations to De Soto, Kansas, offering opportunities for career growth and innovation. Our team pushes the boundaries of lithium-ion battery technology to enhance efficiency and performance in electric vehicles (EVs). By joining us, you contribute to building a better world through sustainable energy solutions while working in an environment that values your ideas and impact.