Controls Engineer I

Overview Do you want to join a team that's changing the world? Do you have a strong background as a Controls Engineer? 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! Responsibilities Controls Engineer I https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0tMgKm_71qs (by clicking this link you are being referred to an external site that is not part of Panasonic) Meet the Recruiter: Denise Goetz Summary: Join us at Panasonic Energy as we expand to De Soto, Kansas, where we're building the world's largest lithium-ion battery factory. This is an exciting opportunity to grow your career while contributing to the future of electric vehicles. As part of our team, you'll help push the limits of battery technology, enhancing performance and efficiency in sustainable transportation. Our state-of-the-art facility, just outside the Kansas City Metro, will be a hub for innovation in green energy solutions. If you're passionate about sustainability and eager to contribute to the electric vehicle revolution, we invite you to be part of our dynamic team. Join us and make a meaningful impact on the future of energy and transportation. Job Summary: The Controls Engineer I supports the programming, installation, and troubleshooting of automation systems-such as Keyence vision systems and PLCs including Mitsubishi and Omron-within Panasonic's battery manufacturing operations. Working under close supervision and guidance, this role assists in analyzing equipment specifications and production requirements to contribute to the design and implementation of efficient manufacturing solutions. The engineer collaborates with immediate team members and cross-functional partners to develop, test, and validate system designs, ensuring alignment with defined technical and economic constraints. Responsibilities also include supporting the preparation of detailed schematics, assisting with prototype builds, and contributing to technical evaluations and data analysis that impact the engineer's own work and the effectiveness of the immediate team. Essential Duties: Functional Operations: Apply basic controls engineering principles and standard procedures to support automation activities within Panasonic's battery manufacturing operations Assist with the programming, installation, and troubleshooting of Keyence vision systems used in manufacturing processes Support the programming, installation, and troubleshooting of PLC systems, including Mitsubishi and Omron platforms, under guidance from senior engineers Analyze product and equipment specifications to support design solutions compatible with existing manufacturing facilities and methods Performance Optimization & Continuous Improvement: Execute clearly defined controls engineering tasks as part of larger projects, working under close supervision Apply established engineering processes, tools, and templates to support equipment modifications, system improvements, and troubleshooting efforts Assist in evaluating the feasibility of equipment changes or facility modifications by gathering data related to cost, space, schedule, and technical constraints Support experimental test programs by helping with planning activities, data collection, and documentation Training & Team Support: Learn controls engineering best practices through hands-on work, mentorship, and on-the-job training from experienced engineers Receive guidance and feedback to build proficiency in automation standards, tools, and manufacturing requirements Support team objectives by reliably completing assigned tasks and incorporating lessons learned into future work Cross-Functional Collaboration & Communication: Communicate technical information primarily within the immediate engineering team, following established procedures and documentation standards Support coordination with research, manufacturing, and engineering personnel to clarify requirements or resolve routine technical issues Assist in preparing product or system layouts, drawings, and schematics in collaboration with senior team members Quality, Safety, & Compliance: Follow all applicable safety, quality, and engineering standards when supporting automation system design, testing, and troubleshooting activities Assist in analyzing test data and reports to verify that designs meet defined functional and performance specifications Support evaluation of engineering test results for potential application to system improvements, while adhering to company policies and compliance requirements Personal Protective Equipment (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. The foregoing description is not intended and should not be construed to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills and efforts or work conditions associated with the job. It is intended to be an accurate reflection of the general nature and level of the job. Qualifications Requirements - Required and/or Preferred Education, Certifications, and Licenses: Required: Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or a closely related engineering/technical field Preferred: Completion of coursework, academic projects, or capstone design work related to PLCs, industrial automation, robotics, or manufacturing controls Internship or co-op experience in a manufacturing, industrial, or automation-focused environment Introductory training or certifications related to industrial controls, PLC platforms, automation systems, or electrical safety (e.g., vendor-based training, OSHA fundamentals) Essential Qualifications: Strong foundational understanding of core engineering principles, with the ability to apply them to manufacturing automation challenges under guidance Hands-on exposure to supporting the programming, installation, and troubleshooting of manufacturing image vision systems, such as Keyence or Cognex Hands-on exposure to supporting the programming, installation, and troubleshooting of ladder-logic-based PLC systems, including Mitsubishi, Omron, Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or similar platforms Background working in, or academic exposure to, a high-volume manufacturing environment with automated equipment Foundational understanding of electrical hardware, electrical drawings, sequence control, and software design concepts Ability to cooperate and work effectively with related departments and cross-functional teams, including coordination with overseas stakeholders, following established communication processes Ability to apply first-principles thinking, with supervision and guidance, to support troubleshooting and issue resolution Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for documentation, data review, and reporting Must have working-level knowledge of the English language, including reading, writing, and speaking English Alignment to Panasonic's seven (7) 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 gained through internships, co-ops, or entry-level roles in manufacturing or industrial environments Exposure to high-volume battery manufacturing or related industries such as electronics, automotive, or energy storage Familiarity with industrial electrical wiring and cabling practices, including basic understanding of conductor sizing, terminations, and load or temperature considerations Basic knowledge of industrial machinery design standards and related codes, including: NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code) NFPA 79 (Electrical Standard for Industrial Machinery) and related UL standards Awareness of electrical requirements for hazardous locations, such as Class I, Division 2 environments. Exposure to 480 V control panels and industrial power distribution systems. Familiarity with control wiring design concepts and documentation practices. Exposure to energy usage monitoring, efficiency, or optimization concepts in a manufacturing setting General awareness of applicable U.S. environmental regulations and Underwriters Laboratories (UL) requirements relevant to industrial equipment Physical Demands: Physical Activities: Percentage of time (equaling 100%) during the normal workday the employee is required to: Sit: 20% Walk: 50% Stand: 30% Required Lifting and Carrying: Rare (