Overview: Do you want to join a team that's changing the world? Do you have a strong background as a Director of Design Engineering? 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:Overview: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 Director of Design Engineering provides strategic leadership in factory design to drive global expansion of EV battery manufacturing facilities. This role oversees the design, layout, and execution of new factories while ensuring the successful installation and commissioning of advanced tools and equipment. The Director collaborates with cross-functional teams and external partners to align engineering infrastructure with business objectives and market growth. Through innovation, technical expertise, and effective leadership, this role ensures 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 new opportunities and inform decision-making
Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure expansion success and implement continuous improvement initiatives
Stay current with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices to strengthen competitive advantage
Team & Stakeholder Management:
Lead and mentor a team of engineers, fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement
Collaborate with internal teams—including construction, operations, and project management—to align expansion with business objectives
Establish and maintain strategic relationships with vendors, contractors, and regulatory authorities
Factory & Equipment Design:
Oversee the design and layout of new manufacturing facilities, ensuring efficient workflows, optimized space utilization, and compliance with standards
Manage the procurement, installation, and commissioning of specialized EV battery manufacturing tools and equipment
Oversee non-process tool installations, including cranes and robots, to improve plant efficiency
Standardize processes and procedures for facility design, tool installation, and long-term management
Project Execution & Oversight:
Assess and select suitable locations for new factories based on cost, logistics, infrastructure, and regulatory considerations
Track and manage project budgets, schedules, and milestones, implementing corrective measures as needed
Ensure successful delivery of expansion projects within scope, schedule, and budget
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements:
To ensure health and safety in the workplace and for employee protection, wearing PPE is a possibility and includes equipment such as a full Tyvek suit, safety shoes, gloves, safety glasses, face mask, and a full hazmat suit that includes a respirator. A respirator fit test will be required based on functional area.
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: Required and/or PreferredEducation:
Required: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Industrial Design, or a related technical field
Preferred: Master’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or a related discipline
Essential Qualifications:
Minimum of 10 years of progressive engineering experience with a high level of expertise in factory design, large-scale manufacturing, or related fields
Prior experience managing engineering teams, developing expansion strategies, and leading long-range planning initiatives in a high-volume manufacturing environment
Strong knowledge of factory design principles, workflows, and layout optimization with emphasis on scalability, productivity, and safety
Direct experience with procurement, installation, and commissioning of specialized manufacturing tools and equipment, particularly in EV battery or advanced manufacturing industries
Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor engineering teams while fostering innovation, technical excellence, and continuous improvement
Proven success in managing complex projects, budgets, and schedules, with the ability to deliver on time and within scope
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, applying a data-driven approach to decision-making and risk management
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across diverse teams and organizational levels
Familiarity with regulatory requirements, industry standards, and safety protocols for large-scale manufacturing facilities and tool installation
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:
In-depth knowledge of lithium-ion battery manufacturing processes and industry trends
Experience leading global expansion initiatives within a manufacturing environment
Strategic business acumen with the ability to align technical solutions to organizational growth objectives
Proven experience implementing standardized engineering processes across multiple facilities
Demonstrated ability to integrate emerging technologies and innovative design solutions into factory development
Preferred License(s):
Professional Engineer (PE) License
Preferred Certification(s):
Project Management Professional (PMP)
Lean Six Sigma Black Belt
Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE)
Physical Demands:Physical Activities: Percentage of time (equaling 100%) during the normal workday the employee is required to:
Sit: 40%
Walk: 30%
Stand: 20%
Lift: 10%
Required Lifting and Carrying: Not required (0%), Occasional (1-33%), Frequent (34-66%), Continuous (67-100%)For this position, the required frequency is:
Up to 10 lbs.: Occasional
Up to 20 lbs.: Not Required
Up to 35 lbs.: Not Required
Team-lift only (over 35 lbs.): Not Required
Who We Are:! 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 .This is an exciting time to join us as we expand our operations to De Soto, Kansas and build the world's largest lithium-ion battery factory. We will provide 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!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.Benefits & Perks - What's In It For You:Panasonic Energy prioritizes total well-being and offers comprehensive benefits options to support physical, emotional, financial, social, and environmental health:
Highly inclusive and class-leading healthcare options to include family planning, mental health, and pet insurance
Employee assistance programs that support total well-being with complimentary session offered each and every month
Company-matched and fully vested 401K retirement program that starts immediately from date of enrollment
Annual bonus program, High5 employee recognition and awards platform, quarterly and annual employee recognition
Simplified access to self-guided and representative-supported short and long-term financial wellness and retirement planning
Educational Assistance & Reimbursement Program
Inclusion programs and associated employee resource groups that promote representation and belonging
Leadership, career, and mentorship development programs opportunities at all levels across the organization
Collaborative and motivating culture routed in continuous personal and professional growth and much more.
Supplemental Information:Pre-employment drug testing is required.Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, 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.