Machine Operator 1

Panasonic Energy Corporation of North America; De Soto (KS); On-site; USD 25,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare

401(k)

Annual bonus

Employee recognition

Educational assistance

Job summary

Panasonic Energy Corporation of North America seeks a Machine Operator 1 (MO1) to operate automated, high-speed lithium-ion battery production machines in a clean-room environment at the De Soto, Kansas site. The role includes basic machine cleaning, monitoring production status, and ensuring safety and quality while supporting smooth operations.

Qualifications include 0-1 years of prior experience, strong English communication, and the ability to meet PPE requirements and physical demands.

Qualifications

• 0-1 years of prior experience.
• Proficient in English, including reading, writing, and verbal communication.
• Ability to meet the physical demands and PPE requirements of the role.

Responsibilities

• Operate automated, high-speed lithium-ion battery production machines.
• Maintain cleanliness of work areas and perform basic equipment cleaning.
• Monitor machine parameters and production status to ensure quality and efficiency.
• Support materials, supplies, and spare parts requests to sustain production continuity.
• Follow SOPs and work instructions to start, operate, recover, and shut down machinery.

Skills

English proficiency

Education

High school diploma / GED

Job description

Overview

Do you want to join a team that's changing the world? Do you have a strong background as a Machine Operator? 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

The Machine Operator 1 (MO1) is responsible for operating automated, high-speed lithium-ion battery production machines within clean-room environments. Responsibilities include operating machines, ensuring the cleanliness of work areas, and facilitating the safe and efficient production of high-quality batteries. Additionally, the MO1 performs basic equipment cleaning.

Essential Duties

Functional Operations

• Initiate, operate, recover, and shut down core production machinery in accordance with defined Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Work Instructions.
• Operate machines and equipment within the functional area to ensure smooth and continuous production flow.
• Monitor machine parameters, production status, and operational performance to maintain efficiency and output quality.
• Support timely fulfillment of requests for materials, supplies, and spare parts to sustain production continuity.
• Perform daily cleaning of machines and equipment.

Performance Optimization & Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve machine performance, process consistency, and product quality. Contribute to the continuous improvement of operational processes, documentation, and standard work instructions to drive efficiency and productivity.

Training & Team Support

• Assist with workflow alignment by following established processes, supporting team operations, and communicating effectively with shift leaders.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Communication

• Collaborate with Production, Engineering, Maintenance, and Supervisors to identify and resolve quality, equipment, and process-related issues while communicating machine concerns, irregularities, and improvement suggestions promptly.

Safety, Quality, & Compliance

• Support safety, quality, and compliance standards by performing inspections, maintaining accurate records, reporting deviations, following PPE and LOTO requirements, sustaining 6S housekeeping practices, and meeting all operational expectations.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None

Travel Requirement

• None

Required

Education, Certifications, and Licenses:

Preferred: High school diploma, General Education Development (GED), or 1 year of prior work experience.

Essential Qualifications

• 0-1 years of prior experience.
• Proficient in English, including reading, writing, and verbal communication.
• Ability to meet the physical demands and PPE requirements of the role.

Preferred Qualifications

• 1-2 years of prior experience.
• Prior experience in a warehouse, manufacturing, automation, or assembly environment is preferred.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements

• To ensure health and safety in the workplace and protect employees, 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 the functional area.

Physical Demands

Physical Activities: During the standard workday, the employee must be capable of performing the specified activities for 100% of the workday, including:

• Sit: 15% Walk: 10% Stand: 75%

Required Lifting and Carrying: 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

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 transform 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.

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

Panasonic Energy prioritizes total well-being and offers comprehensive benefits options to support physical, emotional, financial, social, and environmental health:

• 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 month.
• Company-matched and fully vested 401(k) retirement program that starts immediately from the 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 program opportunities at all levels across the organization.
• Collaborative and motivating culture 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.

2026-51373