Phd Materials Science Jobs in Reno, NV (NOW HIRING)

The Analytical Engineering Supervisor is responsible for effectively leading a team of scientists and engineers by performing qualitative and quantitative analyses to support daily production activities, materials development, and critical failure analysis. Additionally, the Supervisor will apply technical knowledge to assist in developing and updating standard work instructions, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and troubleshooting guides, while leading short-term and long-term initiatives to meet business targets.

• Lead a team of highly talented and motivated scientists and engineers in one of Panasonic’s battery laboratory facilities.
• Provide chemistry support related to daily production and materials development activities.
• Develop new testing and evaluation methods using existing and new analytical tools.
• Demonstrate solid troubleshooting skills and ability to quickly solve unknown problems.
• Apply knowledge and method development to handle failure analysis and root cause issues from our factories and customers.
• Develop and maintain clear and standard work instructions, SOPs, and troubleshooting guides.
• Utilize relevant production data where needed to evaluate performance of new material suppliers.
• Ensure safe operation of the laboratory through hierarchy of controls and continuous personnel management.
• Develop team capabilities through training, data review discussions, technical report review, and new/novel method development.
• Develop and execute strategies aligned with team missions and projects.
• Lead by example with a strong work ethic and a “get the job done” approach.
• Demonstrate excellent time and project management skills, including effectively allocating time and resources, clearly tracking project progress, and delivering accurate results by deadlines.
• Develop effective short-term and long-term plans for the team to achieve business targets.
• Effectively communicate and collaborate with management teams, team members, and related divisions (e.g., Japan colleagues, Factory Engineering Teams, Quality Control Teams).
• Foster a high-performance culture through servant leadership.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements:

• To ensure health and safety, wearing PPE is possible and may include equipment such as a full Tyvek suit, safety shoes, gloves, safety glasses, face mask, bump cap, and a full hazmat suit with a respirator.

Education, Certifications, and Licenses:

• Required: Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Polymer Science, or related field.
• Preferred: Master’s or PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science, or related field.

Essential Qualifications:

• Minimum of 5+ years of chemistry and laboratory experience.
• Ability to follow Panasonic’s culture of full-cycle engineering where members have full responsibility and accountability for projects from start to finish.
• Strong analytical and decision‑making abilities; able to influence others toward a common goal.
• Self‑motivation and resourcefulness required.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent tasks in a fast‑paced environment, effectively prioritize work, and deliver quality results.
• Intuitive, adaptable, creative, and collaborative with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Extensive chemical and/or materials science background and working knowledge of battery materials.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 3+ years of leadership experience.
• Understanding of chemical analysis methods such as GC, ICP, FTIR, UV‑Vis, IC, titrations, etc.
• In‑depth knowledge of battery materials and battery cells, including their structures, how to effectively characterize, and how to troubleshoot characterization and analysis issues.
• Background knowledge in materials characterization techniques such as XRD, DSC, TGA, X‑ray CT, and PSD.
• Knowledge of polymer systems and how to characterize different systems.
• Familiarity with Six Sigma methodologies and tools.
• Strong data analysis skills with tools such as JMP, Minitab, Python, or MATLAB are highly desired.
• Track record of managing budgets and resources to achieve results.
• Experience with battery production or R&D (or other high volume manufacturing fields).
• Experience working in a multi‑national company across multiple work cultures.

Preferred License(s): None

Preferred Certification(s): None

Physical Activities: (percentage of time during the normal workday)

• Sit: 30%
• Walk: 30%
• Stand: 30%
• Lift: 10%

Required Lifting and Carrying: (frequency)

• Up to 10 lbs.: Frequent
• Up to 20 lbs.: Frequent
• Up to 35 lbs.: Frequent
• Team‑lift only (over 35 lbs.): Frequent

• Health Benefits – Offering 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 Wellbeing Programs – Lifestyle Spending Account, EAP, virtual health management, chronic condition, neurodiversity, tobacco cessation, substance abuse support, and life stage and fertility resources.
• Employee Recognition Program – High5 employee recognition and awards platform, quarterly and annual employee recognition.
• Annual Bonus Program – Opportunity for an annual performance‑based bonus.
• On‑site Food Options – Several on‑site cafes, plentiful snack and beverage kitchens, revolving on‑site vendor visits and employee events.
• Free Shuttle – Rides to and from work.

For our onsite roles, Panasonic Energy is committed to fostering an ideal working environment that goes beyond the conventional. We prioritize creating a workspace that not only promotes productivity but also ensures a fulfilling and positive work atmosphere.

Panasonic Energy is dedicated to transforming the world through the acceleration of sustainable energy. By producing safe, high‑quality lithium‑ion batteries, we play a crucial role in creating technologies that move us. Our journey began in 2017, and as the world's largest lithium‑ion battery factory, we are expanding operations to De Soto, Kansas, providing opportunities for career growth.

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.

Due to the high volume of responses, we will only respond to candidates of interest. All candidates must have valid authorization to work in the U.S. without restriction.