Sr. Controls Engineer

Overview

Do you want to join a team that's changing the world? Do you have a strong background as a Sr. Controls Engineer? Then we're looking for you! 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

Meet the Recruiter:
Eric Laffey

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.

The Senior Controls Engineer supports the design, implementation, and optimization of automation systems within Panasonic’s lithium‑ion battery manufacturing operations. This role is responsible for the programming, installation, and troubleshooting of PLCs (e.g., Mitsubishi, Omron) and vision systems (e.g., Keyence), ensuring high‑performance, scalable, and safe equipment solutions.

Essential Duties:

• Program, install, and troubleshoot PLCs (Mitsubishi, Omron) and vision systems (Keyence) for manufacturing equipment.
• Support integration of control systems with electrical hardware and machinery.
• Develop and implement solutions to improve control system performance and reliability.
• Lead or support the build and testing of prototype systems and components.
• Prepare detailed system schematics, layouts, and wiring diagrams.

Strategic Alignment & Continuous Improvement

• Evaluate technical and economic feasibility of new or modified equipment.
• Analyze test data to validate system functionality, performance, and safety.
• Develop experimental test programs and drive improvements based on results.
• Apply knowledge of environmental regulations, energy optimization, and control wiring safety.
• Identify and recommend design or system optimizations that support long‑term manufacturing and EPC objectives.

Team Development & Knowledge Sharing

• Provide guidance on materials, components, and manufacturing methods.
• Share technical expertise in PLC programming, automation design, and system troubleshooting with junior engineers and project teams.
• Support development of engineering standards, templates, and best practices.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

• Analyze product and equipment specifications with stakeholders to define automation system requirements.
• Work with R&D and cross‑functional teams to resolve technical issues and support design improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, process, and construction teams to ensure alignment of automation designs with broader project goals.

Quality, Safety, Compliance, & Risk Management

• Ensure design compliance with NFPA 70, NFPA 79, UL standards, and hazardous location (Class I, Division
  2) requirements.
• Maintain awareness of applicable American environmental laws and UL standards and incorporate them into design decisions.
• Plan and execute testing programs that verify system safety, reliability, and compliance.
• Support risk assessment activities related to control systems, including failure mode analysis and mitigation planning.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements

• Wearing PPE is required 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.

Qualifications Education, Certifications, & Licenses

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license in Electrical or Control Systems Engineering (State of Kansas preferred).

Preferred:

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• UL 508A certification training.
• Certified Automation Professional (CAP) from ISA.
• PLC programming certifications from Mitsubishi, Omron, or Rockwell.

Essential Qualifications

• 7+ years of hands‑on…