Equipment Specialist I

Socket.dev; De Soto (KS); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare options

401K plan

Annual bonus

Education assistance

Employee assistance programs

Job summary

Panasonic Energy is expanding to De Soto, Kansas, and seeks an Equipment Specialist I to support reliability, defect reduction, and safe manufacturing operations. You’ll work with production teams, maintenance, and engineers to diagnose issues, implement improvements, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

The role emphasizes hands-on troubleshooting, data analysis, and collaboration within a growing battery manufacturing environment in the Kansas City area.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of manufacturing or industrial maintenance experience, or completion of related apprenticeship programs.
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and understanding of mechanical/electrical/hydraulic systems.
• Working-level English (reading, writing, speaking).
• Experience with MES/Tableau or similar production data systems.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot, repair, and maintain manufacturing equipment.
• Perform equipment recovery and verify machine functionality.
• Identify and troubleshoot routine mechanical issues.
• Maintain documentation of repairs, inspections, and improvements.
• Support machine startup and readiness activities.
• Participate in PDCA-based problem solving.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Reading technical documents

Team collaboration

English language

Data interpretation

Education

High School diploma

Electronics/Maintenance apprenticeship

PECNA Apprenticeship Program

Tools

MES

Excel

Tableau

Job description

Overview

Do you want to join a team that's changing the world? Do you have a strong background as an Equipment Specialist? Then we're looking for you! 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

Summary

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.

Job Summary

The Equipment Specialist I supports equipment reliability, defect reduction, productivity improvement, and safe manufacturing operations through the application of developing mechanical, troubleshooting, and data analysis skills. This role performs routine equipment repairs, equipment recovery, inspections, and improvement activities while learning increasingly complex manufacturing systems and processes. Working closely with production teams, maintenance personnel, engineers, and senior specialists, the Equipment Specialist I participates in root cause investigations, implements corrective actions, and supports continuous improvement initiatives using problem-solving methodologies such as PDCA. The position serves as an entry point into technical engineering support by building expertise in equipment performance, machine systems, and manufacturing operations.

Essential Duties

Functional Operations

• Troubleshoot, repair, and maintain manufacturing equipment under established procedures and guidance from senior team members
• Develop working knowledge of assigned production equipment, machine functions, and process operations
• Perform equipment recovery activities and verify machine functionality following maintenance, repair, or improvement activities
• Install improvement parts, conduct measurements, and assist with equipment modifications
• Identify and troubleshoot routine mechanical issues involving sensors, bearings, gearboxes, linear guides, conveyors, and related machine components
• Use precision measurement tools including dial indicators, calipers, micrometers, and other diagnostic instruments
• Maintain accurate documentation of equipment repairs, adjustments, inspections, and improvement activities
• Support machine startup, qualification, and operational readiness activities as assigned

Performance Optimization & Continuous Improvement

• Participate in PDCA-based problem solving and root cause investigations
• Monitor equipment and process performance data to identify abnormalities and verify effectiveness of corrective actions
• Utilize basic Excel functionality, charts, and graphs to analyze and communicate equipment performance trends
• Assist with implementation of corrective and preventive actions designed to reduce defects, alarms, downtime, and productivity losses
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on equipment reliability, safety, quality, and operational performance
• Escalate complex technical issues to senior specialists, engineers, or leadership as appropriate

Training & Team Support

• Participate in technical training programs to develop expertise across multiple equipment platforms and production processes
• Share information and lessons learned with team members
• Support training activities, audits, and certifications as assigned
• Demonstrate willingness to learn new technologies, equipment systems, and troubleshooting techniques
• Complete shift pass-downs and provide accurate updates regarding equipment status and unfinished work

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Communication

• Work closely with production, maintenance, engineering, and quality teams to coordinate equipment-related activities
• Communicate equipment concerns, performance issues, and repair status to appropriate stakeholders
• Maintain active communication with leadership regarding job-related concerns, abnormal conditions, and equipment performance issues
• Support engineering projects by collecting data, providing technical observations, and assisting with implementation activities
• Contribute to a collaborative team environment focused on operational excellence and continuous improvement

Quality, Safety, & Compliance

• Follow all company, departmental, environmental, quality, and safety policies and procedures
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment
• Comply with all equipment safety requirements, lockout/tagout procedures, and safe work practices
• Support quality initiatives by identifying and addressing equipment-related sources of defects and variation
• Ensure work activities are completed in accordance with established standards, procedures, and documentation requirements

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None

Travel Requirement

• None

Education, Certifications, and Licenses

Required

• High School Diploma, GED, or 3 years of technical training, apprenticeship training, or equivalent hands‑on mechanical experience

Preferred

• Associate’s degree in Electronic Technology, Mechatronics, Industrial Maintenance, Manufacturing Technology, or related technical field
• Completion of PECNA Maintenance Apprenticeship Program
• PLC training or certification
• PECNA-approved technical training

Essential Qualifications

• 2+ years of manufacturing, industrial maintenance, equipment support, automation, mechatronics, or related technical experience, completion of the PECNA Maintenance Apprenticeship Program, or completion of the Skilled Machine Technician Apprenticeship Program and a minimum of 6 months as a Skilled Machine Technician
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and basic understanding of mechanical systems, electrical systems, hydraulics, and pneumatic equipment
• Successful completion of Ramsay mechanical or electrical aptitude assessment
• Ability to troubleshoot routine equipment issues using established procedures and guidance
• Computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office applications, manufacturing execution systems (MES), and other production support software
• Ability to collect, organize, and interpret basic operational and equipment performance data
• Ability to read and interpret technical documents, work instructions, and standard operating procedures
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented manufacturing environment
• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations including ratios, percentages, measurements, and interpretation of charts and graphs
• 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)

Preferred Qualifications

• 4+ years of industrial maintenance experience in a manufacturing environment
• Experience interpreting mechanical or electrical drawings
• Experience with manufacturing execution systems (MES), Tableau, or similar production data systems
• Exposure to PLCs, automation systems, machine controls, or vision systems
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, PDCA, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies
• Experience supporting defect reduction, equipment reliability, or productivity improvement initiatives
• Experience using Excel for basic data analysis and reporting
• Experience with welding, fabrication, machining, or equipment repair
• Exposure to Python, JMP, or other data analysis tools

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements

• To ensure health and safety in the workplace and for employee protection, wearing PPE is required and includes equipment such as a full Tyvek suit, safety shoes, gloves, safety glasses, face mask, and a full hazmat suit that includes a respirator. A respirator fit test will be required based on functional area.

Physical Demands

Physical Activities: Percentage of time (equaling 100%) during the normal workday the employee is required to:

• Sit: 10%
• Walk: 30%
• Stand: 60%

Required Lifting and Carrying: Rare (<1%), Occasional (1-33%), Frequent (34-66%), Continuous (67-100%)

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

The foregoing description is not intended and should not be construed to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, 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. In addition, employees are expected to participate in cross-training and may be assigned responsibilities in other areas as business needs evolve.

Who We Are

Meet Panasonic Energy! 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.

This is an exciting time to join us as we expand our operations to De Soto, Kansas and build the world's largest lithium-ion battery factory. We will provide 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,

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 on your professional journey.

Benefits & Perks - What's In It For You

• 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 that is rooted in continuous personal and professional growth and much more.

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.

R-106426