Automation Robotics Jobs in Reno, NV (NOW HIRING)

Panasonic Energy is seeking a Senior Engineer, Industrial Automation and Robotics who will report to the Senior Director, Next Generation Initiatives. This role operates within the Next Generation Initiatives (NGI) team, a strategic function responsible for advancing automation, AI enablement, and operational transformation across PECNA. The engineer focuses on the physical execution layer of manufacturing: deploying automation and robotics systems that transform how work is performed on the factory floor, driving deployment of robotics, task‑specific equipment automation, process control, automated inspection, and AI‑integrated hardware systems. The ideal candidate blends future‑forward curiosity with a hands‑on problem‑solving approach, translating complex manufacturing challenges into structured initiatives that enhance safety, quality, productivity, throughput, and cost performance.

• Partner with site leadership and manufacturing stakeholders to define and prioritize initiatives aligned to NGI pillars and identify opportunities to improve performance, cost, and workforce capability.
• Translate operational challenges into clear initiative charters and drive end‑to‑end delivery across physical systems (automation/robotics).
• Own use cases from discovery through proof of concept to scaled deployment, ensuring solutions are operationally relevant, explainable, and embedded into frontline workflows.
• Manage initiative timelines, risks, and dependencies; drive issue resolution with cross‑functional stakeholders.

• Evaluate and pilot emerging automation and robotics technologies across production sites, including advanced robotics, AMRs, and polyfunctional platforms, and identify high‑impact opportunities in task‑specific equipment automation, process control, automated inspection, and AI‑integrated hardware systems.
• Identify and prioritize automation opportunities that deliver measurable improvements in productivity, throughput, quality, and safety.
• Partner with process engineering, mechanical engineering, quality, controls, and SCADA to convert manual or semi‑automated operations into reliable, closed‑loop automated systems using PLCs, HMIs, sensors, and control logic.
• Develop evaluation frameworks to assess readiness, capability, reliability, safety, and ROI before scaled deployment.

• Bridge the gap between Operations, Engineering, Safety, Maintenance, IT/OT, Quality, Finance, HR, and Supply Chain to ensure deployments are safe, scalable, and sustainable.
• Manage relationships with robotics OEMs, integration partners, and equipment vendors, including RFAs, bids, delivery milestones, FAT/SAT, and performance accountability.
• Define and track KPIs such as cycle time, resource efficiency, MTBF, uptime, ROI, quality impact, and safety improvement.
• Document standards and best practices to enable repeatable deployment across NV and KS sites.
• Support training and change management for sustainable ownership by relevant teams.

• Employee may be required to wear PPE such as a full Tyvek suit, safety shoes, gloves, safety glasses, face mask, bump cap, or a full hazmat suit with respirator, depending on the work environment.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Science, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.

• Master’s degree in a related field.
• PMP, Six Sigma, or equivalent continuous improvement certification.

• 7+ years of experience in industrial automation, robotics, controls, equipment engineering, or systems integration within a high-volume manufacturing environment; proven cross‑functional delivery from concept to adoption.
• Knowledge of factory systems (MES, SCADA, PLCs, ERP).
• Experience managing vendors or integrators through requirements, RFAs/RFQs, FAT, SAT, commissioning, and handoff.
• Strong communication, structured problem‑solving, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong project execution skills with ability to manage scope, timeline, risks, dependencies, and cross‑functional stakeholders.
• Strong communication skills, comfortable working on the shop floor and presenting progress to leadership.

• Experience in battery, semiconductor, automotive, pharmaceutical, or high‑speed consumer goods manufacturing.
• Experience with AMRs/AGVs, cobots, articulated robots, inspection automation, or material movement automation.
• Experience with industrial controls, programming, and systems integration, including PLCs, HMIs, sensors, robotics interfaces, equipment communication protocols, or integration of automated systems into manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with ROS, robot simulation tools, AMR fleet management, LIDAR navigation, or AI‑driven motion control.
• Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, TPM, or continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience working with Japanese manufacturing partners or in cross‑cultural engineering environments.

• Up to 25% travel required.

• Sit: 30%
• Walk: 40%
• Stand: 30%

Required Lifting and Carrying: Rare (<1%), 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.: Rare
• Up to 35 lbs.: Rare
• Team‑lift only (over 35 lbs.): Rare

• Health Benefits – Medical, dental, vision, prescription plans, plus Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account options.
• Voluntary Benefits – Life, accident, critical illness, disability, legal, identity theft, and pet insurance.
• Panasonic Retirement Savings & Investment Plan (PRSIP) – 401(k) plan with company matching contributions and immediate vesting.
• Paid Time‑Off Benefits – Vacation, holidays, personal days, sick leave, volunteer, and parental & caregiver leave.
• Educational Assistance – Tuition reimbursement for job‑related courses after six months of service.
• Health Management and Well‑being Programs – Lifestyle Spending Account, EAP, virtual health management, chronic condition, neurodiversity, tobacco cessation, substance abuse support, and life stage and fertility resources (eligible employees start the month following hire).
• Employee Recognition Program – High5 recognition and awards platform, quarterly and annual employee recognition.
• Annual Bonus Program – Opportunity for an annual performance‑based bonus.
• On‑site Food Options – Cafés, snack and beverage kitchens, vendor visits, and employee events.
• Free Shuttle – Rides to and from work.

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.