Overview
Do you want to join a team that's changing the world? Do you have a strong background as a Mechanical Engineering Manager? 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
Summary: We are proud to announce the establishment of a state-of-the-art Li-ion battery factory, set amidst the beautiful Kansas City Metro. This groundbreaking green-field factory will serve as a pioneering hub for innovation in sustainable energy solutions.
If you are passionate about contributing to a sustainable future and being part of a dynamic team shaping the electric vehicle revolution, this opportunity is tailor-made for you. We are seeking dedicated individuals to join us as full-time, on-site team members at our new, state-of-the-art factory located in the thriving city of DeSoto, Kansas.
Job Summary: The Mechanical Engineering Manager will serve as a senior leader on our EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) team, providing strategic oversight and direction for the full lifecycle of mechanical engineering projects within our lithium-ion battery manufacturing facility. This role includes managing and growing a team of mechanical engineers, overseeing high-level design strategy, ensuring compliance with engineering standards and codes, driving innovation, and collaborating across departments to deliver projects that meet performance, safety, quality, and budgetary goals. The ideal candidate combines technical mastery with proven leadership and a passion for advancing clean energy and sustainable manufacturing practices.
Essential Duties
Engineering Team Leadership & Strategic Oversight
- Provide technical and managerial leadership for the mechanical engineering team
- Oversee and approve mechanical system designs from concept through construction and commissioning
- Lead workforce planning, hiring, performance management, and career development of engineering staff
- Establish engineering best practices, design standards, and QA/QC procedures across projects
- Resolve complex engineering challenges by guiding teams toward innovative, practical solutions
- Ensure multidisciplinary coordination with electrical, process, civil, and controls teams
- Serve as the technical authority for all mechanical systems and ensure design compliance with process equipment and regulatory codes
Technical Execution & Design Review
- Lead reviews of mechanical calculations, specifications, datasheets, and procurement documents
- Oversee creation and review of technical deliverables including PFDs, P&IDs, 3D models, and piping layouts
- Approve key technical documents and ensure alignment with project requirements, standards, and client expectations
- Manage review of supplier submittals and ensure conformance to project design and performance standards
- Champion innovation and continuous improvement in mechanical system design
Procurement & Construction Integration
- Lead technical evaluations and selection of suppliers and contractors for mechanical systems
- Ensure engineering support for procurement, fabrication, construction, and startup activities
- Support construction execution by resolving field issues, coordinating design changes, and reviewing field data
- Approve technical responses to RFIs and support factory and site acceptance testing of critical systems
Project & Resource Management
- Develop and manage mechanical engineering scope, schedules, and budgets across multiple large-scale projects
- Support overall project planning, including resource allocation, schedule risk management, and coordination with project controls
- Ensure accurate reporting of engineering progress, change orders, cost tracking, and forecasting
- Contribute to project proposal development including staffing plans, design strategies, and technical sections
Client Engagement & Business Development
- Serve as primary technical point of contact for clients on mechanical engineering matters
- Build and maintain long-term relationships with clients, contractors, and industry partners
- Support business development initiatives by identifying opportunities, presenting at conferences, and contributing to technical proposals
- Promote the company’s technical leadership in battery manufacturing and clean energy infrastructure
Compliance, Safety & Quality Assurance
- Ensure all mechanical designs adhere to regulatory requirements, client specifications, and internal standards
- Enforce safety protocols and compliance with site-specific and company-wide safety standards
- Promote a culture of quality, accountability, and continuous improvement across engineering functions
- Uphold ethical, environmental, and technical standards in all aspects of work
Other
- Prepare and deliver technical presentations and whitepapers for clients and industry forums
- Perform other responsibilities as assigned by senior leadership
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements
- To ensure the health and safety in the workplace and for our employees’ 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: Requirements - Required and/or Preferred
Education
- Required: Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a closely related discipline from an ABET-accredited institution
- Preferred: Master’s degree in mechanical engineering, energy systems, or a related field
Essential Qualifications
- 8+ years of mechanical engineering experience with increasing responsibility, including leadership of multidisciplinary teams
- 5+ years of experience in a managerial or lead engineering role within industrial, EPC, or manufacturing environments
- Strong leadership, mentoring, and personnel management skills
- Exceptional knowledge of mechanical engineering concepts, industry codes (ASME, ANSI, API, PIP, NACE), and design standards
- Proficiency in engineering software and tools (e.g., AutoCAD, AFT Fathom, MicroStation, Bluebeam, SmartPlant, 3D modeling)
- Proven ability to manage project budgets, schedules, and technical teams
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and project management tools
Preferred Qualifications
- 15+ years of experience in industrial mechanical engineering, with specialization in battery manufacturing or energy storage
- Experience developing and managing engineering teams in fast-paced, high-growth environments
- Specialized training or certifications in battery systems, energy storage technologies, or sustainable manufacturing
- 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)
Required License(s)
- Professional Engineer (PE) license (State of Kansas preferred)
Preferred Certification(s)
- Project Management Professional (PMP) certification
- OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety Certification
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
About Us: At the heart of this visionary project, Panasonic is committed to manufacturing cutting-edge cylindrical lithium-ion cells that will power the future of electric mobility. These cells will be meticulously crafted to meet the growing demands of the automotive industry, supporting various electric vehicle manufacturers in their quest for eco-friendly transportation solutions.
This role presents a unique chance to be at the forefront of innovation, working within a forward-thinking organization that is committed to environmental responsibility and the advancement of green technology. Be a part of our mission to power the future and make a difference in the world of electric mobility with Panasonic!
Supplemental Information: Pre-employment drug testing is required. 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.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to characteristics protected by law.
Thank you for your interest in Panasonic Energy Corporation of North America.
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