Panasonic Energy is expanding to De Soto, Kansas, and building the world's largest lithium-ion battery factory. The Vision Engineer I will support Panasonic's battery manufacturing operations by programming, installing, and troubleshooting machine vision systems, contributing to continuous improvement efforts through data analysis and system optimization.
Requirements
- Understanding of selecting cameras, lighting, and lenses for applications such as defect detection and part positioning
- Familiarity with quality improvement tools such as Six Sigma, Cpk, and Gauge R&R
- Proficient in statistical analysis and data interpretation
- Programming experience with languages such as C, C++, or Python
- Experience with machine vision or computer vision system programming, installation, and troubleshooting
- Experience with PLC systems, especially Mitsubishi, Keyence, or Omron
- Knowledge of industrial wiring, cabling, and electrical load/temperature requirements
Responsibilities
- Programming, installing, and troubleshooting machine vision systems, equipment monitoring, and robotic vision within Panasonic’s battery manufacturing processes
- Providing machine vision-related technical support to ongoing production operations
- Supporting investigation into manufacturing equipment failures and designing or consulting on countermeasures from the machine vision systems perspective
- Analyzing product or equipment specifications and performance requirements to determine designs which can be produced by existing manufacturing or processing facilities and methods
- Preparing product or system layouts, detailed drawings, and schematics
- Analyzing test data and reports to determine if design meets functional and performance specifications
- Evaluating engineering test results for possible application to developments of systems or other uses
Other
- Required: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related technical field
- Preferred: Master’s degree in Engineering, Robotics, Automation, or a related field with a focus on vision systems, machine learning, or automation technologies
- 0 - 2 years of engineering experience (internships/co-op acceptable)
- Must have working-level knowledge of the English language, including reading, writing, and speaking English
- Experience in a high-volume manufacturing environment, preferably in battery manufacturing or a related industry such as electronics, automotive, or energy storage
- Familiarity with industrial machinery design and relevant safety codes (NFPA 70, NFPA 79, and applicable UL standards)
- 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)
- Certified Vision Professional (CVP - Basic or Advanced) from A3 (Association for Advancing Automation)
- Certified Automation Professional (CAP) from ISA (International Society of Automation)
- Six Sigma Green Belt or higher
- PLC Programming Certifications (e.g., Mitsubishi, Omron, or Rockwell Automation)
- Python or C++ Programming Certification from a recognized provider (e.g., Coursera, edX, or vendor-specific)
- 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.
- Pre-employment drug testing is required.
- Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, 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.
- All candidates must have valid authorization to work in the U.S. without restriction.
