Sr. Controls Engineer

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Do you want to join a team that's changing the world? Do you have a strong background as a Sr. Controls Engineer? Put your skills to meaningful use and work with a world‑class team while contributing to the future of electric vehicles.

Meet Panasonic Energy! We are dedicated to transforming the world through the acceleration of sustainable energy. By producing safe, high‑quality lithium‑ion batteries, we help create technologies that move our society forward. Since 2017, we have become the world’s largest lithium‑ion battery factory and are expanding operations to De Soto, Kansas, offering career growth opportunities in a leading sector.

Join us at Panasonic Energy as we expand to De Soto, Kansas, building the world’s largest lithium‑ion battery factory. The Senior Controls Engineer supports the design, implementation, and optimization of automation systems within Panasonic’s lithium‑ion battery manufacturing operations.

Responsibilities include:

• Program, install, and troubleshoot PLCs (Mitsubishi, Omron) and vision systems (Keyence).
• Support integration of control systems with electrical hardware and machinery.
• Develop and implement solutions to improve control system performance and reliability.
• Lead or support build and testing of prototype systems and components.
• Prepare detailed system schematics, layouts, and wiring diagrams.
• 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.
• Provide guidance on materials, components, and manufacturing methods.
• Share technical expertise with junior engineers and project teams.
• Support development of engineering standards, templates, and best practices.
• 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.
• Ensure design compliance with NFPA 70, NFPA 79, UL standards, and hazardous location requirements.
• Maintain awareness of applicable American environmental laws and UL standards.
• 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) may be required, including Tyvek suit, safety shoes, gloves, safety glasses, face mask, bump cap, and a hazmat suit with respirator.

• 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).

• 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.

• 7+ years of hands‑on controls engineering experience, preferably in a manufacturing or capital project environment.
• Proven ability to collaborate across departments, including international teams.
• Excellent problem‑solving ability using first principles thinking.
• Proficient in control panel and wiring design, including schematics, layouts, component selection, and industrial cabling standards.
• In-depth knowledge of electrical hardware and systems (PLC I/O, sensors, motor controls, 480V panel installations).
• Demonstrated expertise in PLC architecture, sequence control, and logic/software development.
• Working…