Freelance Certified Manufacturing Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Do you want to join a team that’s changing the world? Do you have a strong background as a Manufacturing Engineer II? Then we’re looking for you!

Functional Operations:

• Expands technical depth to independently handle moderately complex manufacturing and equipment-related problems
• Manages defined workstreams or small projects within manufacturing, equipment, or process improvement initiatives
• Independently analyzes manufacturing processes using data-driven methods such as time studies, capability analysis, and process mapping
• Develops, updates, and implements standard operating procedures (SOPs) and work instructions
• Leads root cause analysis activities and implements corrective and preventive actions with limited guidance

Performance Optimization & Continuous Improvement:

• Solves moderately complex process, quality, and equipment issues using structured problem-solving methodologies
• Suggets and implements improvements to manufacturing processes, equipment configurations, or tooling designs
• Supports initiatives to improve equipment reliability, throughput, and operational efficiency
• Applies lean manufacturing and continuous improvement tools to reduce waste and improve process stability
• Supports and leads small-scale equipment upgrades or process changes from concept through implementation

Training & Team Support:

• Shares technical knowledge, lessons learned, and best practices with peers and junior engineers
• Provides informal guidance to Manufacturing Engineer I team members, particularly in troubleshooting, documentation, and safety practices
• Supports onboarding and knowledge transfer within the manufacturing engineering team

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Communication:

• Communicates regularly with cross-functional partners including production, maintenance, quality, controls, and engineering teams
• Uses sound engineering judgment when addressing moderately complex technical and operational issues
• Communicates technical findings, risks, and project status clearly to stakeholders
• Collaborates cross-functionally to ensure alignment on project scope, timing, and execution

Quality, Safety, & Compliance:

• Implements and maintains quality control systems to ensure product conformance to specifications
• Applies quality tools such as SPC, FMEA, and fault tree analysis to proactively identify and mitigate risks
• Ensures compliance with internal standards, regulatory requirements, and safety policies
• Actively promotes a safe working environment and supports safety initiatives and equipment commissioning activities
• Properly uses and maintains required personal protective equipment (PPE), including Tyvek suits, gloves, safety glasses, respirators, and other safety gear as required by the functional area

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements:

• To ensure health and safety in the workplace, wearing PPE is a possibility and may include equipment such as a full Tyvek suit, safety shoes, gloves, safety glasses, face mask, bump cap, and a full hazmat suit that includes a respirator

The foregoing description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, or work conditions. It reflects the general nature and level of the job.

Requirements - Required and/or Preferred

RequiredEducation, Certifications, and Licenses:

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or a closely related STEM field

Preferred Education, Certifications, and Licenses:

• Master’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or a closely related field
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (Black Belt coursework or progress toward certification a plus)
• Certified Manufacturing Technologist (CMfgT) or Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE)
• Proficiency in SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar CAD platforms; advanced modeling or drawing standards experience preferred
• OSHA 30-Hour General Industry Certification
• Training or certification related to automation, controls, PLCs, or industrial systems (preferred)

Essential Qualifications:

• 2+ years of relevant engineering experience in a manufacturing environment
• Demonstrated ability to work independently on routine assignments and lead small projects or workstreams
• Solid understanding of manufacturing engineering principles with hands-on application experience
• Proven capability to troubleshoot mechanical and electrical systems and interpret technical documentation (e.g., CAD drawings, P&IDs)
• Experience conducting root cause analysis and implementing effective corrective and preventive actions
• Strong analytical and data interpretation skills using SPC, capability studies, or similar tools
• Effective communication skills with the ability to collaborate across functional teams
• Must have working-level knowledge of the English language, including reading, writing, and speaking English
• Alignment to Panasonic’s seven core principles (contribution to society, fairness and honesty, cooperation and team spirit, untiring effort for improvement, courtesy and humility, adaptability, gratitude)

Preferred Qualifications:

• 4+ years of engineering experience in a high-volume manufacturing environment
• Experience in lithium-ion battery manufacturing or related industries such as electronics, automotive, or energy storage
• Practical experience applying Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies
• Experience designing or deploying fixtures, jigs, tooling, or equipment modifications
• Involvement in equipment installation, commissioning, and validation activities
• Familiarity with automation systems, PLCs, sensors, and control strategies
• Exposure to Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) or industrial data analysis tools
• Hands-on experience in fast-paced, high-volume production environments (e.g., 1M+ units/day)

Physical Demands:

Physical Activities: Percentage of time during the normal workday the employee is required to sit, walk, and stand as follows:

• Sit: 10%
• Walk: 70%
• Stand: 20%

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.: Frequent
• Up to 20 lbs.: Frequent
• Up to 35 lbs.: Occasional
• Team-lift only (over 35 lbs.): Occasional

Benefits & Perks - What’s In It For You:

• Health Benefits – Medical, dental, vision, prescription plans, plus HSA and FSA options
• Voluntary Benefits – Life, accident, critical illness, disability, legal, identity theft, and pet insurance
• Panasonic Retirement Savings & Investment Plan (PRSIP) – 401(k) with company matching 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 Wellbeing Programs – Lifestyle Spending Account, EAP, virtual health management, chronic condition, neurodiversity, tobacco cessation, substance abuse support, and life stage and fertility resources (eligibility varies by status and location)
• Employee Recognition Program – High5 recognition and awards
• Annual Bonus Program – Opportunity for a yearly performance-based bonus
• On-site Food Options – Multiple on-site cafes and vendor events

Where You’ll Be:

Onsite roles at Panasonic Energy are designed to foster an ideal working environment that supports productivity and a positive atmosphere.

Who We Are:

Panasonic Energy is transforming the world through sustainable energy by producing safe, high-quality lithium-ion batteries and expanding operations to De Soto, Kansas.

We value inclusion and belong to a diverse, equal opportunity employer.

Supplemental Information:

Pre-employment drug testing is required. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or veteran status. Candidates must have valid authorization to work in the U.S. without restriction. Thank you for your interest.