Machine Operator 2

Panasonic Energy Corporation of North America; De Soto (KS); On-site; USD 46,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Annual bonus program

Educational Assistance

Employee recognition program

Career development opportunities

Diversity and inclusion programs

Job summary

Panasonic Energy Corporation of North America in De Soto, Kansas is seeking a Machine Operator 2 to operate automated high-speed lithium-ion battery production machines within clean-room environments. You will ensure smooth production flow, maintain machine performance, and perform routine machine cleaning.

Join a world-leading battery manufacturer expanding in the Kansas City area, where safety, quality, and continuous improvement are part of daily work.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• 1+ year manufacturing/automation or 6 months as Machine Operator 1.
• Proficient in reading, writing, and verbal English.
• Able to perform basic arithmetic and meet PPE requirements.

Responsibilities

• Operate core production machinery following SOPs and work instructions.
• Maintain clean and safe work areas and perform daily machine cleaning.
• Monitor machine parameters and production status to ensure quality.
• Support material and parts requests to sustain production.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve issues and improve processes.

Skills

English proficiency

Education

High School Diploma or GED

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.

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.

Responsibilities

Job Summary

The Machine Operator 2 (MO2) 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 MO2 performs basic equipment cleaning.

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 and respond to machine issues, following established escalation procedures, including troubleshooting, basic fixes without tools, and escalation as needed.
• 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

• Support on‑job training, team development, and workflow alignment by sharing process knowledge; assisting peers with machine operation, safety practices, and quality control methods; 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

High School Diploma or General Education Development (GED)

Must-haves

• 1+ year of prior experience in a manufacturing, automation, assembly, or maintenance environment, or a minimum of 6 months as a Machine Operator 1
• Proficient in the English language, encompassing adeptness in reading, writing, and verbal communication
• Ability to analyze and estimate workload while performing multiple tasks
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals
• Ability to meet the physical demands and the PPE requirements of the role

Nice-to-haves

• 2+ years of prior experience in manufacturing, automation, assembly, or maintenance environment
• Successful completion of Standard Work and Job Instruction training for internal candidates
• An understanding of Kaizen and active participation in Standard Work Improvement activities

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: 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

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.

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

• 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
• Employee assistance programs that support total well‑being, with complimentary sessions offered each and every month
• 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.