Panasonic Energy Corporation of North America
Material Characterization Specialist
Panasonic Energy Corporation of North America, Sparks, Nevada, United States, 89494
Overview
Do you want to join a team that's changing the world? Do you have a strong background as a Material Characterization Specialist? Then we're looking for you! Check out the job description and apply now! 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 PECNA team today!
Job Summary Panasonic Energy Corporation of North America (PECNA) is seeking ambitious engineers and scientists to lead the world’s largest lithium‑ion battery initiative. With superior battery designs and the fastest manufacturing lines in the world, Panasonic 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. At PECNA, scientists quickly become experts in the fundamentals of lithium‑ion cell technology and work to integrate that understanding with high speed, automated manufacturing methods to produce the highest performance and highest quality lithium‑ion batteries.
Essential Duties
Sample preparation including but not limited to metallurgical mounting, grinding and polishing, transverse mounting and polishing, vibratory polishing, carbon and sputter coating, ultrasonic cleaning, and ion milling
Execute measurements on various material properties using instrumentation including tensile testers, scanning electron microscope (SEM), focused ion beam (FIB), energy‑dispersive X‑ray spectroscopy (EDS), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), hardness testers, and X‑ray computed tomography (CT), amongst others
Develop operational and analysis procedures on the equipment in the previous bullet
Design experiments with Materials Engineers and Scientists to evaluate material properties, determine next steps in development projects, and troubleshoot factory/material issues
Collaboration with Materials Engineers and Scientists in their communication with material suppliers related to the development and validation of detailed material specifications for new materials and the resolution of quality issues
Support cell disassembly and failure analysis activities
Assure timely completion and achievement of project goals with supporting documentation.
Provide technical feedback to collaborating teams. Upkeep of assigned instrumentation including routine maintenance, preventative maintenance, and calibration
Articulate and present technical data and images to groups of people
Other duties may be assigned
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.
Qualifications Education
Basic: B.S. degree in a scientific or engineering discipline or equivalent years of technical experience.
Preferred: B.S. or higher in chemistry, materials science, or engineering.
Essential Qualifications
Fundamental understanding of electron microscopy including dual beam FIB, SEM, and EDS
Basic understanding of EBSD, STEM, and lamella preparation
Familiarity with MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Experience with metallurgical sample preparation
Ability to create and present technical presentations
Able to work independently while also possessing the skills to effectively collaborate and communicate
Preferred Qualifications
Background in high‑volume manufacturing
Knowledge of lithium‑ion battery manufacturing
Experience in cell dissection and failure analysis methods
Physical Demands
Sit: 20%
Walk: 50%
Stand: 20%
Lift: 10%
Tools and/or Equipment
Keyboard/Computer: Continuous
Office Equipment: Continuous
Phone: Continuous
Required Lifting and Carrying
Up to 10 lbs.: Frequent
Up to 20 lbs.: Frequent
Up to 35 lbs.: Frequent
Team‑lift only (over 35 lbs.): Frequent
Benefits & Perks Panasonic Energy prioritizes total well‑being and offers comprehensive benefits options to support physical, emotional, financial, social, and environmental health:
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.
Panasonic Retirement Savings & Investment Plan (PRSIP) – 401(k) plan with company matching contributions and immediate vesting.
Paid Time‑Off Benefits – 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 Well‑Being Programs – Lifestyle Spending Account, EAP, virtual health management, chronic condition, neurodiversity, 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. Eligibility for each benefit may vary based on employment status, location, and length of service.
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.
Free Shuttle – Rides to and from work!
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.
Who We Are Meet Panasonic Energy! 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.
In addition to an environment that is as innovative as our products, we offer competitive salaries and benefits.
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, submit your application!
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.
Thank you for your interest in Panasonic Energy Corporation of North America.
R-103485
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Job Summary Panasonic Energy Corporation of North America (PECNA) is seeking ambitious engineers and scientists to lead the world’s largest lithium‑ion battery initiative. With superior battery designs and the fastest manufacturing lines in the world, Panasonic 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. At PECNA, scientists quickly become experts in the fundamentals of lithium‑ion cell technology and work to integrate that understanding with high speed, automated manufacturing methods to produce the highest performance and highest quality lithium‑ion batteries.
Essential Duties
Sample preparation including but not limited to metallurgical mounting, grinding and polishing, transverse mounting and polishing, vibratory polishing, carbon and sputter coating, ultrasonic cleaning, and ion milling
Execute measurements on various material properties using instrumentation including tensile testers, scanning electron microscope (SEM), focused ion beam (FIB), energy‑dispersive X‑ray spectroscopy (EDS), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), hardness testers, and X‑ray computed tomography (CT), amongst others
Develop operational and analysis procedures on the equipment in the previous bullet
Design experiments with Materials Engineers and Scientists to evaluate material properties, determine next steps in development projects, and troubleshoot factory/material issues
Collaboration with Materials Engineers and Scientists in their communication with material suppliers related to the development and validation of detailed material specifications for new materials and the resolution of quality issues
Support cell disassembly and failure analysis activities
Assure timely completion and achievement of project goals with supporting documentation.
Provide technical feedback to collaborating teams. Upkeep of assigned instrumentation including routine maintenance, preventative maintenance, and calibration
Articulate and present technical data and images to groups of people
Other duties may be assigned
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.
Qualifications Education
Basic: B.S. degree in a scientific or engineering discipline or equivalent years of technical experience.
Preferred: B.S. or higher in chemistry, materials science, or engineering.
Essential Qualifications
Fundamental understanding of electron microscopy including dual beam FIB, SEM, and EDS
Basic understanding of EBSD, STEM, and lamella preparation
Familiarity with MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Experience with metallurgical sample preparation
Ability to create and present technical presentations
Able to work independently while also possessing the skills to effectively collaborate and communicate
Preferred Qualifications
Background in high‑volume manufacturing
Knowledge of lithium‑ion battery manufacturing
Experience in cell dissection and failure analysis methods
Physical Demands
Sit: 20%
Walk: 50%
Stand: 20%
Lift: 10%
Tools and/or Equipment
Keyboard/Computer: Continuous
Office Equipment: Continuous
Phone: Continuous
Required Lifting and Carrying
Up to 10 lbs.: Frequent
Up to 20 lbs.: Frequent
Up to 35 lbs.: Frequent
Team‑lift only (over 35 lbs.): Frequent
Benefits & Perks Panasonic Energy prioritizes total well‑being and offers comprehensive benefits options to support physical, emotional, financial, social, and environmental health:
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.
Panasonic Retirement Savings & Investment Plan (PRSIP) – 401(k) plan with company matching contributions and immediate vesting.
Paid Time‑Off Benefits – 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 Well‑Being Programs – Lifestyle Spending Account, EAP, virtual health management, chronic condition, neurodiversity, 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. Eligibility for each benefit may vary based on employment status, location, and length of service.
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.
Free Shuttle – Rides to and from work!
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.
Who We Are Meet Panasonic Energy! 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.
In addition to an environment that is as innovative as our products, we offer competitive salaries and benefits.
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, submit your application!
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.
Thank you for your interest in Panasonic Energy Corporation of North America.
R-103485
#J-18808-Ljbffr