Maintenance Technician - KS

Panasonic Corporation of North America; De Soto (KS); On-site; USD 19,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive healthcare options

401K retirement plan with companymatch

Annual bonus program and recognition

Educational Assistance & Reimbursement

Career development programs

Inclusive, growth‑driven culture

Job summary

Panasonic Energy Corporation of North America is expanding to De Soto, Kansas, building the world’s largest lithium‑ion battery factory. The Material Handler moves materials safely, supports production, and manages inventory with 6S and SOP adherence.

You will operate forklifts and walkie equipment, ensuring timely deliveries and accurate documentation. Join a world‑class team focused on sustainable energy and EV tech, with strong safety culture, cross‑functional collaboration, and opportunities

Qualifications

• Safety-conscious attitude and ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Proficiency in English (reading, writing, speaking).
• 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).
• High school diploma, GED, or 2 years of prior experience in functional area.
• Forklift Operator Certification (OSHA Compliant).
• HAZMAT Certification / Hazardous Materials Handling.
• OSHA 10‑Hour or 30‑Hour General Industry Certification.

Responsibilities

• Deliver raw materials and components to production areas based on schedule and demand.
• Load and unload trucks safely using pallet jacks and walkie riders.
• Perform inspections of incoming materials and prepare accurate documentation.
• Conduct regular inventory checks and monitor material flow aligned with production requirements.
• Operate and maintain tools and mobile equipment (e.g., forklifts, walkies).
• Support implementation of efficient material movement systems to improve workflow and minimize downtime.
• Participate in identifying and resolving material flow bottlenecks.
• Suggest improvements to inventory tracking, documentation, and logistics processes.
• Train peers at the same or lower level on departmental tasks, safety practices, and equipment operation.
• Communicate clearly with coworkers, supervisors, and other departments to coordinate materials delivery and pickup.

Skills

Safety-conscious

Teamwork

English proficiency

Core principles awareness

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Forklift operation

Walkie/rider equipment

Hazmat handling knowledge

OSHA certifications (10/30)

Job description

Overview

Do you want to join a team that’s changing the world? Do you have a strong background as a Material Handler? 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

Summary: 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.

Job Summary: The Material Handler is responsible for the safe and efficient movement of materials within the facility, supporting production by delivering supplies, managing inventory, and handling shipping and receiving activities. This role requires operating material handling equipment, maintaining documentation, and adhering to safety and quality standards.

Essential Duties

Functional Operations

• Deliver raw materials and components to production areas based on schedule and demand
• Load and unload trucks safely using pallet jacks and walkie riders
• Perform inspections of incoming materials and prepare accurate documentation
• Conduct regular inventory checks and monitor material flow aligned with production requirements
• Operate and maintain tools and mobile equipment (e.g., forklifts, walkies)

Performance Optimization & Continuous Improvement

• Support implementation of efficient material movement systems to improve workflow and minimize downtime
• Participate in identifying and resolving material flow bottlenecks
• Suggest improvements to inventory tracking, documentation, and logistics processes

Training & Team Support

• Train peers at the same or lower level on departmental tasks, safety practices, and equipment operation
• Support new team members during onboarding and assist with hands‑on learning

Cross‑Functional Collaboration & Communication

• Communicate clearly with coworkers, supervisors, and other departments to coordinate materials delivery and pickup
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to troubleshoot and resolve material flow or inventory discrepancies

Quality, Safety, & Compliance

• Ensure all material handling activities comply with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and safety regulations
• Maintain a clean and organized workspace following 6S principles
• Support processes to meet quality, regulatory, and customer standards
• Perform regular equipment checks, including cleaning and fluid replenishment
• Maintain flexibility to work all scheduled shifts as business needs require

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None

Travel Requirement

• None

Education, Certifications, and Licenses

Required

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

Preferred

• Forklift Operator Certification (OSHA Compliant)
• HAZMAT Certification / Hazardous Materials Handling
• OSHA 10‑Hour or 30‑Hour General Industry Certification

Essential Qualifications

• Safety‑conscious attitude and ability to work effectively in a team environment
• Proficiency in English (reading, writing, speaking)
• Alignment to Panasonic’s seven (7) core principles (contribution to society, fairness and honesty, cooperation and team spirit, untiring effort for improvement, courtesy and humility, adaptability, gratitude)

Preferred Qualifications

• 1‑2 years of experience in a manufacturing or assembly environment
• Experience operating mobile equipment (forklift, walkies)
• Familiarity with chemical/oil labeling and storage

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: 45%
• Stand: 45%

Required Lifting and Carrying

• Rare (Less than 1%)
• Occasional (1–33%)
• Frequent (34–66%)
• Continuous (67–100%)

For this position, the required frequency is:

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

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.

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 in 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
• 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 routed 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.

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.