Automotive OPT Jobs in Massachusetts

INTRODUCTION

Every moment of every day, people all over the world turn to Panasonic to make their lives simpler, more enjoyable, more productive and more secure. Since our founding almost a century ago, we’ve been committed to improving peoples’ lives and making the world a better place–one customer, one business, one innovative leap at a time. Come join our journey!

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Research Engineer

Meet the Recruiter: Helen Despotopoulos

What You'll Get To Do:

Based in the Panasonic Laboratory in Waltham, MA, this position is responsible for directed electronic materials research and tech scouting in North America on behalf of Panasonic Industry Electronic Materials Division labs in Kadoma, Osaka Japan.

“Hands-on” Research of Electronic Materials

• Support technical development projects in collaboration with R&D teams in Japan, contributing to the development and testing of electronic materials for the Panasonic Industry Electronic Materials Division, including circuit board laminates and IC packaging materials.
• Conduct hands-on laboratory research in core and adjacent electronic materials, including sustainable materials, soft circuit materials, and other high-performance materials.
• Prepare, process, and test raw materials and composite systems such as polymers, fillers, fibers, and metal foils under guidance from senior engineers and scientists.
• Execute experimental plans, collect data, and perform routine materials characterization and performance testing.
• Maintain accurate experimental records, test reports, and basic technical documentation.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (manufacturing, sales, marketing, and global R&D) to support materials evaluation and product development activities.
• Assist in interactions with external partners (customers, suppliers, universities, and consortia) by providing technical data and test results as needed.
• Follow laboratory safety protocols, help maintain lab organization and equipment, and support SOP development.
• Contribute experimental results to stage-gate product development reviews under direction of senior team members.

Technical Scouting

• Support the identification and initial evaluation of new technologies, technical trends, and emerging business opportunities in North America and other regions.
• Conduct technical research and literature reviews to understand materials technologies, processes, and competitive developments.
• Assist in communicating technical trends, research findings, and potential product or business opportunities to internal R&D and business teams.
• Gather and summarize relevant technical, customer, market, and competitive information under guidance from senior team members.
• Attend relevant technical and business conferences, trade shows, and industry events to support technology monitoring and professional development.
• Professionally represent Panasonic Electronic Materials at industry events by engaging with technical peers and collecting market and technology intelligence.

Management and Administration

• Communicate regularly and effectively with colleagues, project sponsors, and R&D partners in Japan, North America, and other global regions to support project objectives.
• Prepare clear, accurate technical and status reports and distribute them as required, including weekly, monthly, and ad-hoc updates, in a timely manner.
• Work effectively within a complex, cross-functional organization by collaborating with stakeholders and aligning efforts to support shared technical and business goals.
• Represent Panasonic’s values in a professional, knowledgeable, and respectful manner in all internal interactions and when engaging with customers, partners, conferences, and other external forums.
• Demonstrate financial responsibility by managing travel and other work-related expenses in accordance with company guidelines.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

What You'll Bring:

Education & Experience:

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline (Material Science, Polymer Chemistry, etc.)
• More than 2 years of experience in developing electronic materials
• Knowledge of relevant industry technology (Printed circuits boards, IC Packaging, Electronic Assembly, etc.)
• Demonstrated ability to operate analytical equipment like DSC, DMA, TGA, Rheometers, microscopes, etc.
• Demonstrated ability to operate lab-scale formulation equipment like mixers, coaters, mills, presses, etc.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, conduct and report experiments
• Strong organizational, communication and presentation skills
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite with a strong knowledge of Excel, PowerPoint and Word.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed, including a valid passport, clear driving record and credit score.
• Ability to travel up to 25% domestically. Ability to travel internationally twice per year.
• Proven ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Fluent in English – both written and verbal

Preferred Job Requirements:

• More than 5 years of experience in electronic materials product development
• Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in Chemistry or Material/Polymer science
• Multilingual – Japanese and English this takes the role to Sr. level which is a different job profile/grade

Competencies: Key desired behaviors, e.g., problem solving, innovation, collaboration, communication, etc.

• Results oriented problem solving: The ability to drive activities toward new product development.
• Creativity: Out-of-the box thinking and novel approaches to problem solving.

Communication:

• The ability to collaborate with management, colleagues, direct reports, and other stakeholders to accomplish operational and strategic objectives.
• Effective operation in a matrixed and complex environment.
• The ability to communicate effectively in writing and in-person.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, interpersonal and organizational skills
• Ambitious, enthusiastic self-starter.

Other Requirements:

• 25% travel, some of which may be international.
• Laboratory duties as required.

BENEFITS & PERKS - WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU:

Panasonic prioritizes total well-being and offers comprehensive benefits options to support physical, emotional, financial, social, and environmental health:

• 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. 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.
• Employee Recognition Program – High5 employee recognition and awards platform, quarterly and annual employee recognition.
• Annual Bonus Program – Opportunity for an annual performance-based bonus.

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 wage range of $105,000 - $125,000 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.

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. Thank you for your interest in Panasonic.