Machine Operator

Panasonic Energy; De Soto (KS); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) plan with company match

Educational assistance and tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Panasonic Energy is looking for a full-time Machine Operator in De Soto, Kansas, to operate automated lithium-ion battery production machines. The role includes maintaining safety standards, ensuring work area cleanliness, and performing basic maintenance tasks. Ideal candidates have a high school diploma and experience in manufacturing or related fields.

Benefits include medical coverage, a 401(k) plan with company match, and employee development programs. Join us for a rewarding career in a collaborative environment!

Qualifications

• High school diploma, GED, or 2 years of prior experience in a functional area.
• Experience in warehouse, manufacturing, automation, or assembly preferred.
• Proficiency with hand tools and quality control processes.

Responsibilities

• Operate automated lithium-ion battery production machines.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot machine errors.
• Maintain clean and secure work areas according to 6S principles.
• Collaborate to resolve quality issues in production.

Skills

Proficient English

Multitasking

Basic arithmetic skills

Knowledge of Metric and Standard measurement

Basic MS Office skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Hand tools

Job description

Job Description

Panasonic Energy is seeking a full‑time, on‑site Machine Operator for its new lithium‑ion battery production facility in De Soto, Kansas.

Position Summary

Responsible for operating automated high‑speed lithium‑ion battery production machines in a clean‑room environment. Tasks include machine maintenance, ensuring work‑area cleanliness, and supporting safe, efficient production of high‑quality batteries.

Shift Availability

• A‑Shift: 6:30 am – 7:15 pm or 6:45 am – 7:30 pm (Sun, Mon, Tues, alternating Wed)
• B‑Shift: 6:30 pm – 7:15 am or 6:45 pm – 7:30 am (Sun, Mon, Tues, alternating Wed)
• C‑Shift: 6:30 am – 7:15 pm or 6:45 am – 7:30 pm (alternating Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat)
• D‑Shift: 6:30 pm – 7:15 am or 6:45 pm – 7:30 am (alternating Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat)

Essential Duties

• Initiate, operate, recover, and shut down machines
• Diagnose and troubleshoot machine errors following escalation procedures
• Use hand tools and precision instruments for basic maintenance and quality control
• Adhere strictly to safety policies and procedures
• Maintain a clean, secure work area using 6S principles
• Understand department workflows and processes
• Ensure timely delivery of materials, supplies, and spare parts to production
• Assist Maintenance Technicians with preventative maintenance
• Monitor processes, conduct visual inspections, and uphold acceptance standards
• Execute work instructions and SOPs
• Complete end‑of‑day reporting and documentation
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to resolve quality issues
• Report quality issues and deviations to Supervisors and Engineers promptly
• Maintain detailed inspection and quality records
• Ensure adherence to quality, plant, and PECNA policies
• Train others at the same or lower level within the functional area
• Work all scheduled shifts and meet physical demands and PPE requirements
• No authority to hire, transfer, suspend, lay off, recall, promote, discharge, reward, or discipline other employees

PPE Requirements

• Full Tyvek suit, safety shoes, gloves, safety glasses, face mask, and full hazmat suit with respirator (fit test required)

Qualifications

Education and Experience

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

Essential Qualifications

• Proficient English (reading, writing, speaking)
• Experience in warehouse, manufacturing, automation, or assembly preferred
• Ability to analyze workload and multitask
• Basic arithmetic (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) in all units of measure
• Knowledge of Metric and Standard measurement systems
• Basic MS Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook) skills preferred

Preferred Qualifications

• 1–2 years of prior functional experience
• Completion of Standard Work and Job Instruction training, familiarity with Kaizen and参与 in improvement activities
• Proficiency with hand tools, technical instructions, and quality control

Preferred License(s)

• None

Preferred Certification(s)

• None

Physical Demands

• Sit: 5%
• Walk: 10%
• Stand: 75%
• Lift: 10%

Required lifting: Up to 10 lbs Frequent; Up to 20 lbs Frequent; Up to 35 lbs Occasional; Team‑lift over 35 lbs Occasional.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and family planning coverage
• Mental health and pet insurance options
• Health‑benefit employee assistance programs
• 401(k) plan with company match and full vesting
• Annual bonus program and employee recognition platform
• Financial wellness and retirement planning resources
• Educational assistance and tuition reimbursement
• Employee resource groups and inclusion programs
• Leadership, career, and mentorship development initiatives
• Regular employee events and a collaborative culture

Supplemental Information

Pre‑employment drug testing is required.

EEO Statement

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 characteristic protected by law. All qualified individuals are required to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

Additional Requirements

All candidates must have valid authorization to work in the U.S. without restriction.