Facilities Fire Systems Technician - Level 5

Panasonic Avionics Corporation; De Soto (KS); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Highly inclusive healthcare options

401K retirement program

Annual bonus program

Educational assistance & reimbursement

Job summary

Panasonic Energy is seeking a Facilities Fire Systems Technician – Level 5 in De Soto, Kansas. You will perform advanced inspection, testing, and maintenance of fire protection and life-safety systems, providing senior technical support across the site.

You will lead investigations, coordinate with internal teams and contractors, and ensure regulatory compliance. This role emphasizes technical leadership, safety culture, and continuous improvement in a large manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; 2 years in fire protection or related fields preferred.
• Associate degree or technical training in fire protection is preferred.
• Certifications in OSHA 30, NFPA 70E/70B are advantageous.
• Advanced knowledge of fire protection systems, code compliance, and safety procedures.
• Ability to read blueprints and electrical diagrams; strong documentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform advanced inspections, testing, maintenance, and diagnostics of fire alarm, suppression, and life-safety systems.
• Lead troubleshooting and coordinate technical issues with contractors and internal teams.
• Oversee contractor activities and validate inspection/repair documentation.
• Investigate and resolve system events, activations, and impairments; coordinate with AHJ and regulatory bodies.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to Level 3/4 technicians; maintain safety and compliance.

Skills

Fire protection systems

Electrical safety

Troubleshooting

Blueprints & diagrams

English communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate degree in Fire Protection Technology

OSHA 30 Certification

NFPA 70E

NFPA 70B

Tools

P&IDs interpretation

Electrical testing equipment

Job description

Overview

Do you want to join a team that is changing the world? Do you have a strong background as a Facilities Fire Systems Technician? 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.

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.

Job Summary:

The Facilities Fire Systems Technician – Level 5 performs advanced inspection, testing, maintenance, troubleshooting, and technical oversight of fire protection and life‑safety systems to ensure system reliability, operational readiness, and full regulatory compliance across the site. Serving as a senior technical resource within the Facilities organization, this role provides subject‑matter expertise for fire alarm, detection, suppression, and related infrastructure systems; leads complex diagnostics and system restoration efforts; and establishes technical standards and best practices. Working independently with limited oversight, this position collaborates with internal teams, contractors, local authorities, and regulatory representatives to ensure safe, compliant, and resilient facility operations.

Essential Duties:

Functional Operations:

• Perform advanced inspections, testing, maintenance, repairs, and system diagnostics on fire alarm, suppression, fire extinguishers, and life‑safety systems
• Develop and maintain advanced expertise in site‑specific hazards and facility safety procedures, serving as a primary technical resource for routine operations and technical issue resolution
• Operate, maintain, and manage fire protection tools, equipment, and related system assets, including inventory management
• Lead technical troubleshooting efforts for complex or high‑impact system failures
• Provide technical oversight of contractor activities related to fire protection systems
• Review and validate contractor inspection, testing, and repair documentation for technical accuracy
• Lead investigation and resolution efforts related to thermal events, fire alarm activations, system impairments, and unwanted system activations, coordinating with internal teams, contractors, and relevant stakeholders

Performance Optimization & Continuous Improvement:

• Analyze system performance data and identify trends impacting reliability or compliance
• Lead root cause evaluations for significant system failures or unwanted activations
• Develop and recommend improvements to preventive maintenance strategies and system reliability practices
• Ensure completeness and technical accuracy of maintenance records, inspection documentation, and impairment logs

Training & Team Support:

• Provide technical guidance, training, and mentorship to Level 3 and Level 4 technicians
• Support development and refinement of fire protection procedures and technical documentation
• Maintain and advance professional certifications (NICET, OSHA, manufacturer‑specific training)
• Support technical training initiatives, system readiness activities, and continuous improvement efforts related to fire protection and life‑safety systems

Cross‑Functional Collaboration & Communication:

• Serve as primary technical contact for fire protection systems during inspections and testing activities
• Interface with Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) during routine inspections, system testing, and technical reviews
• Collaborate with Engineering, Facilities Operations and Maintenance, EHS, contractors, and external agencies to resolve complex system issues
• Provide technical input for system impairments, restorations, and risk mitigation strategies

Quality, Safety, & Compliance:

• Ensure fire protection systems are maintained in compliance with applicable codes, standards, regulatory requirements, and company policies
• Provide technical review and support for Permit to Work activities involving fire protection impairments
• Support coordination of fire protection system impairments and restorations in accordance with established procedures
• Support proper implementation of processes and procedures
• Maintain 6S and plant quality standards
• Meet PPE and physical requirements
• Work all assigned shift hours

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None

Travel Requirement:

• None

Education, Certifications, and Licenses

Required:

• High school diploma, GED, or 2 years of prior experience in fire protection or related fields
• Current state‑issued driver's license

Preferred:

• Associate degree in Fire Protection Technology, Fire Science, Electrical Technology, Industrial Maintenance, Mechanical Systems, Engineering, or related technical field
• Relevant technical training in fire alarm, suppression systems, or life‑safety systems
• OSHA 30 Certification
• NFPA 70E or NFPA 70B

Essential Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience as a Fire Systems Technician or relevant field
• Ability to lift, climb ladders, work at heights, and work in confined spaces
• Advanced knowledge of electrical safety practices and lockout/tagout procedures
• Advanced troubleshooting experience with low‑voltage systems, including fire alarm, security, or building automation wiring
• Advanced knowledge of water‑based fire protection systems, including wet, dry, standpipe, and hydrant systems
• Ability to independently interpret blueprints, wiring diagrams, P&IDs, technical manuals, and sequence of operations
• Ability to evaluate contractor work for technical accuracy and code alignment
• Must have working‑level knowledge of the English language, including reading, writing, and speaking English
• Alignment to Panasonic’s seven core principles (contribution to society, fairness and honesty, cooperation and team spirit, untiring effort for improvement, courtesy and humility, adaptability, gratitude)

Preferred Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in relevant fire protection roles
• Knowledge of applicable fire protection codes and standards, including NFPA requirements
• Experience serving as technical lead during fire protection system inspections involving Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)
• Experience supporting fire protection system upgrades, retrofits, or capital improvement projects
• Experience in industrial, manufacturing, or large campus environments

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements

• 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 percentages (equaling 100% during the normal workday):

• Sit: 10%
• Walk: 40%
• Stand: 50%

Required lifting and carrying frequency:

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

Benefits

• 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 sessions 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

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.