Controls Engineering Technician I
Panasonic Avionics Corporation
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
Panasonic Energy is expanding its De Soto, Kansas facility and seeking a Controls Engineering Technician I to support automated equipment and control systems. You will work under supervision to diagnose, repair, and optimize manufacturing lines, contributing to reliability and safety across the plant.
This role emphasizes foundational electrical and automation skills, collaboration with cross-functional teams, and ongoing professional development in a high-volume battery production environment.
Qualifications
- Foundational electrical, automation, and troubleshooting skills.
- Experience with electrical schematics and wiring diagrams preferred.
- Ability to diagnose and repair automated manufacturing equipment.
- Knowledge of safety procedures and lockout/tagout practices.
Responsibilities
- Support operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of manufacturing equipment and control systems.
- Identify issues and resolve routine electrical and controls-related problems.
- Collaborate with Engineering, Maintenance, and Production teams to restore equipment functionality.
- Maintain thorough records of maintenance activities and performance.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
Do you want to join a team that's changing the world? Do you have a strong background as a Controls Engineering Technician? Then we're looking for you! Check out the job description and 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!
Join us at Panasonic Energy as we expand to De Soto, Kansas, where we’re building the world’s largest lithium-ion battery factory. This is an exciting opportunity to grow your career while contributing to the future of electric vehicles. As part of our team, you’ll help push the limits of battery technology, enhancing performance and efficiency in sustainable transportation.
Our state-of-the-art facility, just outside the Kansas City Metro, will be a hub for innovation in green energy solutions. If you're passionate about sustainability and eager to contribute to the electric vehicle revolution, we invite you to be part of our dynamic team. Join us and make a meaningful impact on the future of energy and transportation.
The Controls Engineering Technician I supports the operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of automated manufacturing equipment and control systems. This role applies foundational electrical, automation, and troubleshooting skills to identify, diagnose, and resolve equipment issues that impact safety, quality, and production performance. Working under the guidance of the Controls Technician Supervisor and in collaboration with Engineering, Maintenance, and Production teams, the Controls Engineering Technician I restores equipment functionality, supports corrective actions, and develops proficiency across manufacturing systems and controls platforms. This position is expected to independently resolve routine electrical and controls-related issues while continuing to develop technical expertise across manufacturing equipment and automation technologies.
- Troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair electrical, electromechanical, and automated manufacturing equipment to restore safe and efficient operation
- Perform testing, fault diagnosis, component replacement, wiring modifications, and equipment recovery activities in accordance with established procedures
- Troubleshoot routine controls-related issues involving PLCs, HMIs, vision systems, sensors, servo systems, motors, drives, industrial communication networks, and automation platforms, including Mitsubishi, Omron, Keyence, EtherCAT, DeviceNet, CC-Link, Mechatrolink, and similar systems utilized throughout the facility
- Utilize electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, technical drawings, specifications, manuals, and standard operating procedures to support troubleshooting and repair activities
- Troubleshoot electrical systems and equipment up to 480VAC while adhering to established safety procedures
- Utilize approved controls software to upload, download, back up, and restore machine parameters and configuration settings
- Maintain complete and accurate records of maintenance activities, repairs, troubleshooting efforts, and equipment performance
- Develop and maintain working knowledge of manufacturing equipment across multiple production areas and business units
- Identify recurring equipment issues and support root cause analysis, corrective actions, and equipment improvements by providing observations, technical data, and troubleshooting input
- Participate in preventive maintenance, predictive maintenance, and continuous improvement initiatives
- Assist with equipment testing and verification following repairs, modifications, and maintenance activities
- Support reliability and continuous improvement initiatives by contributing ideas and recommendations that improve safety, quality, productivity, equipment performance, and operational effectiveness
- Continuously develop technical knowledge of manufacturing equipment, electrical systems, automation technologies, and facility standards
- Support Maintenance and Production personnel by sharing troubleshooting information and assisting with equipment recovery efforts
- Seek guidance from experienced technicians, engineers, and supervisors to expand technical expertise and troubleshooting capabilities
- Complete required technical, safety, and compliance training programs while demonstrating a commitment to continuous learning and professional development
- Communicate equipment issues, repair status, troubleshooting findings, operational concerns, and shift handoff information accurately and professionally
- Collaborate with Engineering, Maintenance, Production, Quality, and Operations teams to support departmental objectives
- Escalate complex equipment and controls issues appropriately while providing thorough troubleshooting details and supporting documentation
- Build and maintain positive working relationships that support a team-oriented manufacturing environment
- Adhere to all company safety policies, lockout/tagout procedures, electrical safety requirements, and regulatory standards
- Ensure equipment is operating safely and reliably prior to returning machinery to production
- Follow established quality standards, work instructions, and documented procedures when performing troubleshooting and repair activities
- Support compliance with applicable OSHA, NFPA, and company standards governing industrial equipment and electrical systems while properly utilizing required personal protective equipment (PPE) and promoting a safe working environment
- To ensure the health and safety in the workplace and for the protection of our employees, 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 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.
- Associate's degree in Mechatronics, Automation Technology, Electrical Engineering Technology, Electronics Technology, Industrial Maintenance Technology, or a related technical field
- Relevant experience may substitute for required education
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Industrial Technology, or a related field
- Technical certifications related to industrial automation, controls, robotics, or electrical systems (e.g., QET Certification)
- Foundational experience or technical training in industrial automation, controls, maintenance, manufacturing operations, or a related technical environment
- Experience troubleshooting electrical and electromechanical systems in a manufacturing environment
- Working knowledge of electrical systems, motor controls, PLCs, HMIs, sensors, servos, drives, and industrial automation equipment
- Ability to troubleshoot electrical systems and equipment up to 480VAC
- Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, technical drawings, manuals, and standard operating procedures
- Basic understanding of PLC programming concepts, industrial communication networks, automation platforms, and troubleshooting methodologies
- Strong problem-solving, analytical, and organizational skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Must have working-level knowledge of the English language, including reading, writing, and speaking English
- Alignment to Panasonic’s seven (7) core principles (contribution to society, fairness and honesty, cooperation and team spirit, untiring effort for improvement, courtesy and humility, adaptability, gratitude)
- 2+ years of experience supporting automated manufacturing or industrial control systems
- Experience troubleshooting Mitsubishi, Omron, Keyence, Siemens, Rockwell, or similar PLC platforms
- Experience with servo motors, servo drives, robotics, machine vision systems, and automated production equipment
- Experience troubleshooting industrial communication networks, including EtherCAT, DeviceNet, CC-Link, and Mechatrolink
- Familiarity with NFPA 70E, NFPA 79, and industrial machinery safety standards
- Experience using controls software for system configuration, diagnostics, and equipment recovery
- Experience in high-volume battery manufacturing or a related industrial environment such as electronics, automotive, semiconductor, or energy storage manufacturing
- Sit: 10%
- Walk: 40%
- Stand: 50%
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
Panasonic Energy 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,
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