Panasonic Energy Corporation of North America
Director of Design Engineering
Panasonic Energy Corporation of North America, De Soto, Kansas, United States, 66018
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Director of Design Engineering
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Panasonic Energy Corporation of North America . Overview Are you looking to join a team that is transforming the world? Do you have a strong background as a Director of Design Engineering? If so, we want to hear from you! Review the job description below and apply now to put your skills to meaningful use, gain unique experience, and work with a world-class team with diverse backgrounds and expertise who share the same vision. Join the PECNA team today! Responsibilities Overview:
Join Panasonic Energy as we expand to De Soto, Kansas, building the world's largest lithium-ion battery factory. This is an exciting opportunity to advance your career while contributing to the future of electric vehicles. You'll help push the limits of battery technology, improving performance and efficiency in sustainable transportation. Our state-of-the-art facility near Kansas City will be a hub for green energy innovation. If you're passionate about sustainability and eager to contribute to the electric vehicle revolution, we invite you to join our dynamic team. Make a meaningful impact on the future of energy and transportation. Job Summary The Director of Design Engineering provides strategic leadership in factory design to support global expansion of EV battery manufacturing. This role oversees the design, layout, and execution of new factories, ensuring successful installation and commissioning of advanced tools and equipment. Collaboration with cross-functional teams and external partners is essential to align engineering infrastructure with business goals and market growth. The role demands innovation, technical expertise, and effective leadership to ensure scalable, efficient, and safe manufacturing solutions. Essential Duties Strategic Leadership & Planning: Develop and execute global expansion strategies focused on factory design, tool installation, and facility growth. Conduct feasibility studies, cost analysis, and risk assessments to evaluate opportunities and inform decisions. Monitor KPIs to measure expansion success and drive continuous improvement. Stay updated with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices to maintain competitive advantage. Team & Stakeholder Management: Lead and mentor engineering teams, fostering a culture of excellence and innovation. Collaborate with internal teams—construction, operations, project management—to align expansion efforts with business objectives. Establish and maintain strategic relationships with vendors, contractors, and regulatory bodies. Factory & Equipment Design: Oversee design and layout of new manufacturing facilities, ensuring efficient workflows, space utilization, and compliance. Manage procurement, installation, and commissioning of manufacturing tools and equipment. Oversee non-process tool installations, including cranes and robots, to enhance efficiency. Standardize processes and procedures for facility design and tool management. Project Execution & Oversight: Select suitable locations for new factories considering cost, logistics, infrastructure, and regulations. Manage project budgets, schedules, and milestones, implementing corrective actions as needed. Ensure projects are delivered within scope, schedule, and budget. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements: Wearing PPE may include a full Tyvek suit, safety shoes, gloves, safety glasses, face mask, and a full hazmat suit with respirator. A respirator fit test will be required based on the work area. This description is not exhaustive but reflects the general nature and level of the job. Qualifications: Required and Preferred Education Required: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Industrial Design, or related field. Preferred: Master’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or related discipline. Essential Qualifications At least 10 years of progressive engineering experience in factory design or manufacturing. Experience managing engineering teams, developing expansion strategies, and leading long-term planning in high-volume environments. Strong knowledge of factory design principles, workflows, and safety standards. Experience with procurement, installation, and commissioning of manufacturing tools, especially in EV battery or advanced manufacturing sectors. Proven leadership in fostering innovation and continuous improvement within engineering teams. Successful project, budget, and schedule management skills. Analytical, problem-solving, and data-driven decision-making skills. Excellent communication and collaboration skills across organizational levels. Knowledge of regulatory and safety standards for manufacturing facilities. Proficiency in English reading, writing, and speaking. Alignment with Panasonic’s core principles. Preferred Qualifications Knowledge of lithium-ion battery manufacturing and industry trends. Experience leading global expansion projects. Strategic business skills to align technical solutions with growth goals. Experience implementing standardized engineering processes across multiple facilities. Ability to incorporate emerging technologies into factory development. Preferred License(s):
Professional Engineer (PE) License. Preferred Certification(s):
PMP, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, CRE. Physical Demands: Employees may need to sit (40%), walk (30%), stand (20%), and lift (10%) during the workday. Occasional lifting up to 10 lbs is required; no frequent or required lifting beyond that. Who We Are Panasonic Energy is committed to transforming the world through sustainable energy solutions, producing high-quality lithium-ion batteries that power innovative technologies. We are expanding our operations to De Soto, Kansas, and offer career growth opportunities in a cutting-edge environment focused on efficiency and performance in EVs. Joining Panasonic Energy means contributing to society, aligning with our values, and making a positive societal impact. We value your contributions, encourage innovation, and foster an environment of inclusion and growth. Benefits & Perks Comprehensive healthcare, including family planning, mental health, and pet insurance. Employee assistance programs and financial wellness support. Retirement plans with immediate vesting 401K matching. Bonuses, recognition programs, and career development opportunities. Inclusive culture and employee resource groups. Additional Information Pre-employment drug testing is required. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Valid work authorization in the U.S. is required.
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Director of Design Engineering
role at
Panasonic Energy Corporation of North America . Overview Are you looking to join a team that is transforming the world? Do you have a strong background as a Director of Design Engineering? If so, we want to hear from you! Review the job description below and apply now to put your skills to meaningful use, gain unique experience, and work with a world-class team with diverse backgrounds and expertise who share the same vision. Join the PECNA team today! Responsibilities Overview:
Join Panasonic Energy as we expand to De Soto, Kansas, building the world's largest lithium-ion battery factory. This is an exciting opportunity to advance your career while contributing to the future of electric vehicles. You'll help push the limits of battery technology, improving performance and efficiency in sustainable transportation. Our state-of-the-art facility near Kansas City will be a hub for green energy innovation. If you're passionate about sustainability and eager to contribute to the electric vehicle revolution, we invite you to join our dynamic team. Make a meaningful impact on the future of energy and transportation. Job Summary The Director of Design Engineering provides strategic leadership in factory design to support global expansion of EV battery manufacturing. This role oversees the design, layout, and execution of new factories, ensuring successful installation and commissioning of advanced tools and equipment. Collaboration with cross-functional teams and external partners is essential to align engineering infrastructure with business goals and market growth. The role demands innovation, technical expertise, and effective leadership to ensure scalable, efficient, and safe manufacturing solutions. Essential Duties Strategic Leadership & Planning: Develop and execute global expansion strategies focused on factory design, tool installation, and facility growth. Conduct feasibility studies, cost analysis, and risk assessments to evaluate opportunities and inform decisions. Monitor KPIs to measure expansion success and drive continuous improvement. Stay updated with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices to maintain competitive advantage. Team & Stakeholder Management: Lead and mentor engineering teams, fostering a culture of excellence and innovation. Collaborate with internal teams—construction, operations, project management—to align expansion efforts with business objectives. Establish and maintain strategic relationships with vendors, contractors, and regulatory bodies. Factory & Equipment Design: Oversee design and layout of new manufacturing facilities, ensuring efficient workflows, space utilization, and compliance. Manage procurement, installation, and commissioning of manufacturing tools and equipment. Oversee non-process tool installations, including cranes and robots, to enhance efficiency. Standardize processes and procedures for facility design and tool management. Project Execution & Oversight: Select suitable locations for new factories considering cost, logistics, infrastructure, and regulations. Manage project budgets, schedules, and milestones, implementing corrective actions as needed. Ensure projects are delivered within scope, schedule, and budget. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements: Wearing PPE may include a full Tyvek suit, safety shoes, gloves, safety glasses, face mask, and a full hazmat suit with respirator. A respirator fit test will be required based on the work area. This description is not exhaustive but reflects the general nature and level of the job. Qualifications: Required and Preferred Education Required: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Industrial Design, or related field. Preferred: Master’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or related discipline. Essential Qualifications At least 10 years of progressive engineering experience in factory design or manufacturing. Experience managing engineering teams, developing expansion strategies, and leading long-term planning in high-volume environments. Strong knowledge of factory design principles, workflows, and safety standards. Experience with procurement, installation, and commissioning of manufacturing tools, especially in EV battery or advanced manufacturing sectors. Proven leadership in fostering innovation and continuous improvement within engineering teams. Successful project, budget, and schedule management skills. Analytical, problem-solving, and data-driven decision-making skills. Excellent communication and collaboration skills across organizational levels. Knowledge of regulatory and safety standards for manufacturing facilities. Proficiency in English reading, writing, and speaking. Alignment with Panasonic’s core principles. Preferred Qualifications Knowledge of lithium-ion battery manufacturing and industry trends. Experience leading global expansion projects. Strategic business skills to align technical solutions with growth goals. Experience implementing standardized engineering processes across multiple facilities. Ability to incorporate emerging technologies into factory development. Preferred License(s):
Professional Engineer (PE) License. Preferred Certification(s):
PMP, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, CRE. Physical Demands: Employees may need to sit (40%), walk (30%), stand (20%), and lift (10%) during the workday. Occasional lifting up to 10 lbs is required; no frequent or required lifting beyond that. Who We Are Panasonic Energy is committed to transforming the world through sustainable energy solutions, producing high-quality lithium-ion batteries that power innovative technologies. We are expanding our operations to De Soto, Kansas, and offer career growth opportunities in a cutting-edge environment focused on efficiency and performance in EVs. Joining Panasonic Energy means contributing to society, aligning with our values, and making a positive societal impact. We value your contributions, encourage innovation, and foster an environment of inclusion and growth. Benefits & Perks Comprehensive healthcare, including family planning, mental health, and pet insurance. Employee assistance programs and financial wellness support. Retirement plans with immediate vesting 401K matching. Bonuses, recognition programs, and career development opportunities. Inclusive culture and employee resource groups. Additional Information Pre-employment drug testing is required. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Valid work authorization in the U.S. is required.
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