Machine Operator 2

Panasonic Avionics Corporation; De Soto (KS); On-site; USD 38,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Panasonic Energy in De Soto, Kansas is seeking a Machine Operator 2 (MO2) to operate automated high-speed lithium-ion battery production equipment in a clean-room setting. You will ensure orderly production, follow SOPs, and maintain equipment cleanliness while supporting safety, quality, and continuous improvement initiatives.

The role requires 1+ year in manufacturing or related fields, English proficiency, and ability to multitask and perform basic math.

Qualifications

• 1+ year in manufacturing, automation, or related environments.
• Proficient in reading and following English SOPs and work instructions.
• Ability to analyze workload and perform multiple tasks.
• Ability to perform basic arithmetic (add, subtract, multiply, divide).
• Able to meet PPE requirements and physical demands.

Responsibilities

• Operate core production machinery following SOPs and work instructions.
• Monitor machine parameters, production status, and material needs to ensure smooth flow.
• Perform daily cleaning of machines and equipment.
• Identify and troubleshoot machine issues and escalate as needed.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of processes and standard work.
• Assist peers and support shift leaders with safety and quality practices.

Skills

English proficiency

Basic math

multitasking

Team collaboration

Education

High School / GED

Job description

Overview

WHO YOU ARE AT PANASONIC ENERGY

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.

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 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-the-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

Education, Certifications, and Licenses

Required:

Preferred: 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%)

• 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 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.

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 benefit 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 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.

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.