Utilities Maintenance Technician Lead - Level 6

Panasonic Avionics Corporation; De Soto (KS); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive healthcare options

401K retirement program

Annual bonus program

Educational assistance and reimbursement

Employee assistance programs

Leadership and mentorship development programs

Job summary

Panasonic Avionics Corporation is looking for a Facilities Maintenance Technician Lead in De Soto, Kansas. This role requires leading and executing advanced maintenance of mechanical, electrical, HVAC, and utility systems in an industrial setting. The ideal candidate will have 5+ years of experience, strong leadership skills, and proficiency in troubleshooting. The company offers competitive benefits, a 401K program, and a collaborative work environment, contributing to the future of electric vehicles.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of advanced work experience in industrial maintenance.
• Advanced knowledge in multiple trades including electrical and HVAC.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and electrical safety knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Lead advanced maintenance and repair of facility systems.
• Mentor and train junior technicians on troubleshooting.
• Conduct and analyze preventive maintenance strategies.

Skills

Mechanical systems

Electrical systems

HVAC systems

Preventive maintenance

Problem-solving

Education

High school diploma or GED

Trade school or vocational training

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Overview

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.

Job Summary

The Facilities Maintenance Technician Lead – Level 6 is responsible for leading and executing advanced maintenance and repair of mechanical, electrical, HVAC, and utility systems in an industrial environment. This role combines hands‑on technical expertise with team leadership, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement responsibilities. The ideal candidate demonstrates proactive problem‑solving, advanced technical skills, and the ability to mentor and guide other technicians while ensuring operational efficiency, safety, and compliance with regulatory standards.

Functional Operations

• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, HVAC, and utility systems across the facility
• Conduct advanced preventive maintenance to ensure equipment reliability and operational efficiency
• Assess and respond to utility outages or system malfunctions promptly and accurately
• Manage scopes of work for repairs and maintenance that comply with EHS standards, Lockout/Tagout procedures, and permitting requirements
• Oversee specialized vendor or contractor services to ensure technical and safety compliance
• Interpret schematics, diagrams, and blueprints to guide troubleshooting and repair activities

Performance Optimization & Continuous Improvement

• Analyze equipment performance trends and recommend corrective or preventive maintenance strategies
• Identify opportunities to optimize maintenance practices and reduce downtime
• Guide team members in implementing preventive maintenance strategies to improve overall facility performance
• Develop and implement Maintenance Operating Procedures (MOP) and Job Safety Analyses (JSA) to improve reliability and safety outcomes
• Evaluate and enhance processes to support continuous improvement initiatives

Training & Team Support

• Mentor, train, and coach Level 5 and junior technicians to build team capabilities
• Train and develop team members on multi‑system troubleshooting and repair techniques, including electrical, mechanical, HVAC, and utility systems
• Provide guidance on troubleshooting, repair procedures, and technical problem‑solving
• Promote adherence to safety, operational, and procedural standards
• Serve as the primary point of contact for escalated technical issues and cross‑functional problem‑solving
• No authority to hire, transfer, suspend, lay off, recall, promote, discharge, reward, or discipline other employees

Cross‑Functional Collaboration & Communication

• Coordinate with Engineering, Construction, and other departments to ensure seamless operations
• Respond promptly to site emergencies and work with internal teams and local authorities as needed
• Collaborate with external contractors and vendors to ensure work meets technical, safety, and quality standards
• Communicate effectively with management, customers, and supporting departments regarding maintenance status, issues, and resolutions
• Prepare accurate Daily Shift Reports summarizing maintenance activities, site issues, and operational concerns

Quality, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure all maintenance and operational activities comply with OSHA, NFPA, EPA, and internal EHS policies
• Maintain detailed records and CMMS entries for audits, inspections, and traceability
• Support audits and inspections by ensuring accurate documentation and regulatory compliance
• Uphold 6S and cleanliness standards to maintain a safe and organized work environment
• Operate tools and equipment according to manufacturer specifications and company standards
• Wear required PPE based on functional area, including full Tyvek or hazmat suits with respirators when needed
• Maintain flexibility to work all scheduled shift hours and respond to urgent site needs when required

Education, Certifications, and Licenses

Required

• High school diploma, GED, or 2 years of prior experience in functional area

Preferred

• Trade school or vocational training; 2+ years of trade school or equivalent
• PIT License, MEWP, or State Issued Driver’s License
• CPR Certification
• QET Certification
• NFPA 70E and/or NFPA 70B
• OSHA 10 or 30 Certification
• HAZWOPER 8 or 40 Certification
• HVAC (EPA Section 608) Certification

Essential Qualifications

• 5+ years of advanced work experience in mechanical, electrical, plumbing, pneumatic, or HVAC systems in an industrial manufacturing facility environment
• Advanced knowledge and experience across multiple trades, including electrical, plumbing, mechanical, HVAC, and/or pneumatic systems
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Knowledge and application of Electrical Safety in the Workplace
• Advanced oral and written communication skills with a collaborative, team‑oriented mindset
• Strong self‑initiative, flexibility, and problem‑solving skills
• 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

• 10+ years of related industrial maintenance experience
• Experience in HVAC as a Journeyman/Mechanic or equivalent
• Experience in industrial manufacturing facilities
• Familiarity with computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS)
• Knowledge of OSHA regulations, workplace safety standards, and best practices
• Familiarity with building management systems (BMS)

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

• Sit 10%
• Walk 40%
• Stand 50%

Required Lifting and Carrying

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

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.