OverviewPanasonic Connect's Process Automation division is seeking an experienced
Project Manager - Welding Systems to provide project management and technical sales support for all welding turnkey systems, standard pre-engineered systems, and standalone robot products across the USA and Mexico. Based in
Columbus, OH, the selected candidate will be responsible for executing project scope according to specified quality standards, agreed lead times, and within budget - across a dynamic portfolio that may include simultaneous active engagements.
At Panasonic Connect, we connect the power of people and technology to change work, advance society and help connect to tomorrow. Empathy, results, relentlessness and teamwork are the foundations of the Panasonic Connect Culture. Our mission is to elevate the employee experience by empowering individuals to use their voice and have a positive impact on our business.
ResponsibilitiesProject Management- Maintain overall responsibility for project Profit and Loss under the Welding Manager; typically manage multiple projects simultaneously while supporting Business Development activities.
- Regularly report project and staffing issues to the GM of Delivery for Engineering and Project Management.
- Manage client expectations and interface with client personnel, working to build positive, long-lasting relationships across all accounts.
- Collaborate with system integrators, distributors, partners, subcontractors, engineers, Japan colleagues, architects, and consultants to deliver complete system solutions on time and within budget.
- Provide a high level of leadership and guidance to field teams.
- Work with clients to achieve satisfactory project completion and obtain final acceptance and sign-off on all projects.
- Maintain close coordination with Sales, Operations, and Service organizations throughout project lifecycles.
- Ensure proper documentation of all project aspects, including safety compliance, timelines, drawings, and user manuals.
Financial and Subcontractor Management- Operate within project Profit and Loss budgets.
- Manage all subcontractors to on-time, on-budget, in-scope performance and report results to the Welding Manager.
- Determine staff needs and technical skill requirements to ensure project performance meets customer expectations and Panasonic budget requirements.
- Understand scope of work to create and submit change orders for out-of-scope activities.
- Build and lead winning teams to execute projects on time, on budget, and to complete customer satisfaction with minimal supervision.
- Write scopes of work for subcontractors; evaluate and negotiate those scopes accordingly.
Business Development- Act independently to support customers and sales in winning unsolicited project opportunities.
- Understand technical, operational, management, and sales-related issues facing customers and staff in the Automotive market.
- Travel as needed to support active projects and sales opportunities.
Engineering Support- Support technically challenging engineering requirements involving sophisticated software and hardware on large, technically diverse projects.
- Assist with customer design requirements from conceptual design through the As-Built phase.
- Maintain technical capabilities in the following areas: robotics and systems, welding machines, PLC programming, automation and control systems, and interactive display control systems.
- Follow established Engineering and Project Management standards and guidelines as applicable to the specific customer's needs.
- Support sales staff on technical aspects of arc welding solutions, including electrical and mechanical machine component specifications.
- Perform reach, access, and cycle time studies.
QualificationsEducation and Experience- Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Automation, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field, combined with relevant experience in the welding industry.
- Mechanical Engineering or Mechanical Project Management experience preferred.
- Prior experience managing complex welding solutions and jigs integration in the automotive market strongly desired.
- Working knowledge of arc welding processes, robot programming, system controls (PLC, HMI), pneumatics, and communication protocols.
- Ability to read and interpret 2D and 3D system layout drawings, electrical prints, pneumatic prints, and fixture design drawings, including tolerance stack-up, tuning, and sensor functions.
- Proficiency with CAD/CAM software or SolidWorks.
- Provide administration and documentation management for reports related to project execution and deliveries; experience creating forecasts and Gantt charts preferred.
Key Competencies- Ability to work effectively with subcontractors - including electrical and mechanical contractors, engineers, and design professionals - in high-pressure, dynamic production environments.
- Capable of solving complex project and engineering challenges with minimal assistance; able to focus on and promptly address sensitive or critical project issues.
- Strong communication skills; must be able to communicate effectively with Panasonic engineering staff, Executive Management, key customers, and client project management teams.
- Proficiency in English required; multilingual ability a plus.
- Familiarity with platforms including Salesforce, SAP, and other tools as introduced.
- Ability to work across multiple time zones with partners and customers.
- A "get the job done" and results-oriented mindset.
Other Requirements- Travel required to project locations throughout North America; international travel may be required for product validation and factory sign-off. Travel estimated at 25%-75%.
- Adherence to corporate travel and entertainment policy required.
- Capable of lifting over 50 pounds, standing for extended periods on factory floors, and maneuvering in production environments and confined spaces.
- Ability to distinguish colors - specifically green, red, blue, black, and yellow - for electrical pole identification.
- Ability to handle industrial tools, including screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers, and similar equipment.
Benefits & Perks - What's In It For YouPanasonic is committed to supporting your total wellbeing through a wide variety of benefits and wellness programs to support your physical, emotional, financial, social, and environmental health. Here's what you can expect:
- 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 and 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. Available to eligible employees starting the first day of the month following your start date. Eligibility for each benefit may vary based on employment status, location, and length of service.
We Take Opportunity Seriously:At Panasonic, we are committed to a workplace that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging. Fairness and Honesty have been part of our core values for more than 100 years and we are proud of our diverse culture as an equal opportunity employer.
The salary range listed below is just one component of Panasonic's total package. Actual compensation varies depending on the individual's knowledge, skills, experience, and location. This role may be eligible for discretionary bonuses and incentives. *The minimum hourly wage for this role will be the greater of the posted range, or minimum wage for the location where the employee will be working, subject to local minimum wage requirements.
We understand that your career search may look different than others and embrace the professional, personal, educational, and volunteer opportunities through which people gain experience. If you are actively looking or starting to explore new opportunities, send us your application!
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristic 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 be able to respond to candidates of interest. All candidates must have valid authorization to work in the U.S.
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Salary Range$105,000 - $115,000 + Bonus REQ-152478