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Skilled Machine Technician - Level 1
- Panasonic North America (De Soto, KS)
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Overview
**WHO YOU ARE AT PANASONIC ENERGY** :
Do you want to join a team that's changing the world? Do you have a strong background as a **Skilled Machine Technician- Level 1** ? Then Panasonic Energy is looking for you! Check out the job description and apply now! Put your skills to meaningful use, gain unique experience, and work with world-class team members with diverse backgrounds and expertise who share the same vision. Join the PECNA team today!
Responsibilities
WHAT YOU’LL DO:
Job Summary:
We are proud to announce the establishment of a state-of-the-art Li-ion battery factory, set amidst the beautiful Kansas City Metro. This groundbreaking green-field factory will serve as a pioneering hub for innovation in sustainable energy solutions.
If you are passionate about contributing to a sustainable future and being part of a dynamic team shaping the electric vehicle revolution, this opportunity is tailor-made for you. We are seeking dedicated individuals to join us as full-time, on-site team members at our new, state-of-the-art factory located in the thriving city of DeSoto, Kansas.
Position Summary: The Skilled Machine Technician – Level 1 (SMT-1) is responsible for operating automated high-speed lithium-ion battery production machines within clean-room environments. Responsibilities include machine maintenance, ensuring the cleanliness of work areas, and facilitating the safe and efficient production of high-quality batteries. Additionally, the SMT-1 performs basic equipment cleaning and maintenance procedures.
Essential Duties:
Functional Operations:
• Initiate, operate, recover, and shut down core production machinery in accordance with defined Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Work Instructions.
• Operate and maintain tools, machines, and equipment within the functional area to ensure smooth and continuous production flow.
• Monitor machine parameters, production status, and operational performance to maintain efficiency and output quality.
• Support timely fulfillment of requests for materials, supplies, and spare parts to sustain production continuity.
• Complete end-of-shift and end-of-day production reporting and documentation requirements.
Performance Optimization & Continuous Improvement:
• Diagnose and troubleshoot machine and equipment errors using observation, escalation procedures, and precision measuring tools.
• Assist Maintenance Technicians in performing basic preventative maintenance tasks to enhance reliability and minimize unplanned downtime.
• Identify opportunities to improve machine performance, process consistency, and product quality.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of operational processes, documentation, and standard work instructions to drive efficiency and productivity.
Training & Team Support:
• Train and mentor peers or lower-level operators within the functional area on proper machine operation, safety practices, and quality control methods.
• Share process knowledge and insights with team members to strengthen departmental performance and consistency.
• Support supervisor-led initiatives focused on team development, procedural compliance, and skill advancement.
• Maintain awareness of workflow priorities and communicate effectively with shift leaders to align team efforts.
Cross-Functional Collaboration & Communication:
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams—including Production, Engineering, and Maintenance—to identify and resolve quality or equipment-related issues.
• Communicate machine concerns, process irregularities, and improvement suggestions promptly to Supervisors and Engineers.
• Support departmental coordination during production transitions, maintenance activities, and troubleshooting events.
• Promote a collaborative culture by actively engaging with team members to achieve shared production goals.
Quality, Safety, & Compliance:
• Perform visual quality checks and continuous image inspections to uphold product integrity and meet acceptance standards.
• Maintain inspection and deviation records accurately and in compliance with PECNA policies and industry regulations.
• Report all quality deviations or non-conformances immediately to appropriate personnel.
• Adhere strictly to all company safety policies, PPE standards, and Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized workspace by applying 6S and good housekeeping practices.
• Ensure compliance with environmental, health, and safety standards while supporting a zero-incident workplace culture.
• Meet all physical, attendance, and behavioral expectations associated with operational roles.
• No authority to hire, transfer, suspend, lay off, recall, promote, discharge, reward, or discipline other employee
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements:
+ To ensure the health and safety in the workplace and for the protection of our employees,’ wearing PPE is mandatory including equipment such as a full Tyvek suit, safety shoes, gloves, safety glasses, face mask, and a full hazmat suit that includes a respirator. Respirator fit test will be required based on functional area.The foregoing description is not intended and should not be construed to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills and efforts or work conditions associated with the job. It is intended to be an accurate reflection of the general nature and level of the job.
_The foregoing description is not intended and should not be construed to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills and efforts or work conditions associated with the job. It is intended to be an accurate reflection of the general nature and level of the job_
Qualifications
MUST-HAVES:
+ Education• Required: High School Diploma, General Education Development (GED), or 2 years of prior experience in functional area Essential Qualifications• 0-1 years of prior experience in functional area • Proficient in the English language, encompassing adeptness in reading, writing, and verbal communication• Ability to meet the physical demands and the PPE requirements of the role • Prior exposure to a manufacturing/production environment
NICE-TO-HAVES:
+ 1-2 years of prior experience in functional area
+ Demonstrated Standard Work and Job Instruction training completion, including familiarity with Kaizen and active participation in Standard Work Improvement activities
+ Proficiency with hand tools, technical instructions, and quality control
BENEFITS & PERKS – WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU:
Panasonic Energy prioritizes total well-being and offers comprehensive benefits options to support physical, emotional, financial, social, and environmental health:
• Highly inclusive and class-leading healthcare options to include family planning, mental health, and pet insurance
• Employee assistance programs that support total well-being with complimentary session offered each and every month
• Company-matched and fully vested 401K retirement program that starts immediately from date of enrollment
• Annual bonus program, High5 employee recognition and awards platform, quarterly and annual employee recognition
• Simplified access to self-guided and representative-supported short and long-term financial wellness and retirement planning
• Educational Assistance & Reimbursement Program
• Inclusion programs and associated employee resource groups that promote representation and belonging
• Leadership, career, and mentorship development programs opportunities at all levels across the organization
• Collaborative and motivating culture routed in continuous personal and professional growth and much more.
WHERE YOU’LL BE:
For our onsite roles, Panasonic Energy is committed to fostering an ideal working environment that goes beyond the conventional. We understand the significance of moments that matter in your onsite experience, and we prioritize creating a workspace that not only promotes productivity but also ensures a fulfilling and positive work atmosphere. Join us at Panasonic Energy, where your onsite presence is valued, and we strive to make each moment count in your professional journey.
WHO WE ARE:
Meet Panasonic Energy (https://careers.na.panasonic.com/life-at-panasonic) ! At Panasonic Energy, you'll do work that matters as we are dedicated to transforming the world through the acceleration of sustainable energy. By producing safe, high-quality lithium-ion batteries, you become part of a team that plays a crucial role in creating technologies that move us (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-x\_hDfMqb0) .
Our journey began in 2017, and now, as the world's largest lithium-ion battery factory, we are expanding operations to De Soto, Kansas, providing you with the opportunity to experience career growth in more ways than one.
As an innovative thinker, you'll thrive here, as we continually push the boundaries of lithium-ion battery technology and production capabilities to enhance efficiency and performance in EVs.
Being part of Panasonic Energy means positively contributing to society, aligning with our commitment to building a better world through sustainable energy solutions.
We care about what you care about, fostering an environment where your contributions make a meaningful impact on the future of energy and transportation. Join us and be part of a team that values your work, encourages innovation, and actively contributes to a positive societal impact.
In addition to an environment that is as innovative as our products, we offer competitive salaries and benefits.
WE TAKE OPPORTUNITY SERIOUSLY:
At Panasonic Energy, 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.
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, submit your application!
Supplemental Information:
Pre-employment drug testing is required.
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 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 be able to respond to candidates of interest. All candidates must have valid authorization to work in the U.S. without restriction.
Thank you for your interest in Panasonic Energy Corporation of North America.
_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. without restriction._
_Thank you for your interest in Panasonic Energy of North America._
Life at Panasonic | Create Today, Enrich Tomorrow
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2025-46492
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Skilled Machine Technician - Level 1
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