Skilled Machine Technician - Level 1

Panasonic Energy Corporation of North America; De Soto (KS); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Benefits

PRSIP 401(k) plan with matching

Paid Time Off

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Panasonic Energy of North America in Kansas is seeking a Skilled Machine Technician – Level 1 (SMT-1) to operate automated lithium-ion battery production equipment in a clean-room setting. Responsibilities include machine operation, basic maintenance, and ensuring safety and quality.

Training, teamwork, and adherence to SOPs are required for this role. The position emphasizes collaboration with Supervisors and Engineers, with a focus on reliability, process control, and continuous improvement in

Qualifications

• High School Diploma, GED, or 2 years in the functional area.
• 0-1 years of prior experience in the functional area.
• Proficient in reading, writing, and verbal English.
• Able to meet physical and PPE requirements for the role.
• Experience in a manufacturing/production environment is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Operate automated high-speed battery production machines per SOPs.
• Perform basic maintenance, cleaning, and housekeeping in clean-room areas.
• Monitor machine parameters and production status for quality and efficiency.
• Assist with supplies, spares, and shift reporting as required.
• Collaborate with Production, Engineering, and Maintenance to resolve issues.

Skills

Proficient in English

0-1 years experience in functionalarea

Education

High School Diploma / GED or 2 years experience

Tools

Hand tools

Job description

Overview

WHO YOU ARE AT PANASONIC ENERGY: Do you want to join a team that's changing the world? Do you have a strong background as a Skilled Machine Technician? Then Panasonic Energy is looking for you! Check out the job description. 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

What you’ll do: Do you want to join a team that's changing the world? Do you have a strong background as a Skilled Machine Technician – Level 1? Then we're looking for you! Check out the job description. 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!

Job Summary

Position Summary: The Skilled Machine Technician – Level 1 (SMT‑1) is responsible for operating automated high‑speed lithium‑ion battery production machines within clean‑room environments. Responsibilities include machine maintenance, ensuring the cleanliness of work areas, and facilitating the safe and efficient production of high‑quality batteries. Additionally, the SMT‑1 performs basic equipment cleaning and maintenance procedures.

Functional Operations

• Initiate, operate, recover, and shut down core production machinery in accordance with defined Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Work Instructions.
• Operate and maintain tools, 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.
• Complete end‑of‑shift and end‑of‑day production reporting and documentation requirements.

Performance Optimization & Continuous Improvement

• Diagnose and troubleshoot machine and equipment errors using observation, escalation procedures, and precision measuring tools.
• Assist Maintenance Technicians in performing basic preventative maintenance tasks to enhance reliability and minimize unplanned downtime.
• 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

• Share process knowledge and insights with team members to strengthen departmental performance and consistency.
• Support supervisor‑led initiatives focused on team development, procedural compliance, and skill advancement.
• Assist peers within the functional area on proper machine operation, safety practices, and quality control methods.
• Maintain awareness of workflow priorities and communicate effectively with shift leaders to align team efforts.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration & Communication

• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams including: Production, Engineering, and Maintenance to identify and resolve quality or equipment‑related issues.
• Communicate machine concerns, process irregularities, and improvement suggestions promptly to Supervisors and Engineers.
• Support departmental coordination during production transitions, maintenance activities, and troubleshooting events.
• Promote a collaborative culture by actively engaging with team members to achieve shared production goals.

Quality, Safety, & Compliance

• Perform visual quality checks and continuous image inspections to uphold product integrity and meet acceptance standards.
• Maintain inspection and deviation records accurately and in compliance with PECNA policies and industry regulations.
• Report all quality deviations or non‑conformances immediately to appropriate personnel.
• Adhere strictly to all company safety policies, PPE standards, and Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized workspace by applying 6S and good housekeeping practices.
• Ensure compliance with environmental, health, and safety standards while supporting a zero‑incident workplace culture.
• Meet all physical, attendance, and behavioral expectations associated with operational roles.
• No authority to hire, transfer, suspend, lay off, recall, promote, discharge, reward, or discipline other employees.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements

• To ensure the health and safety in the workplace and for the protection of our employees,’ wearing PPE is mandatory including equipment such as a full Tyvek suit, safety shoes, gloves, safety glasses, face mask, and a full hazmat suit that includes a respirator. Respirator fit test will be required based on functional area.

The foregoing description is not intended and should not be construed to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills and 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.

Qualifications: Requirements – Required and/or Preferred

Education

• Required: High School Diploma, General Education Development (GED), or 2 years of prior experience in functional area

Must-haves

• 0-1 years of prior experience in functional area
• Proficient in the English language, encompassing adeptness in reading, writing, and verbal communication
• Ability to meet the physical demands and the PPE requirements of the role
• Prior exposure to a manufacturing/production environment

Nice-to-haves

• 1-2 years of prior experience in functional area
• Demonstrated Standard Work and Job Instruction training completion, including familiarity with Kaizen and active participation in Standard Work Improvement activities
• Proficiency with hand tools, technical instructions, and quality control

Preferred License(s): None

Preferred Certification(s): None

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

Required Lifting and Carrying: Not required (0%), Occasional (1%-33%), Frequent (34%-66%), Continuous (67%-100%)

Employee must be able to lift and carry or otherwise move:

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

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:

• Health Benefits – Offering medical, dental, vision, prescription plans, plus Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account options.
• Voluntary Benefits – Life, accident, critical illness, disability, legal, identity theft, and pet insurance.
• Panasonic Retirement Savings & Investment Plan (PRSIP) – 401(k) plan with company matching contributions and immediate vesting.
• Paid Time‑Off Benefits – Vacation, holidays, personal days, sick leave, volunteer, and parental & caregiver leave.
• Educational Assistance – Tuition reimbursement for job‑related courses after six months of service.
• Health Management and Wellbeing Programs –Lifestyle Spending Account, EAP, virtual health management, chronic condition, neurodiversity, tobacco cessation, substance abuse support, and life stage and fertility resources. Available to eligible employees starting the first day of the month following your start date. Eligibility for each benefit may vary based on employment status, location, and length of service.
• Employee Recognition Program – High5 employee recognition and awards platform, quarterly and annual employee recognition
• Annual Bonus Program – Opportunity for an annual performance‑based bonus.

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.

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 (by clicking this link you are being referred to an external site that is not part of Panasonic creating technologies that move us.)

Our journey began in 2017, and now, as the world's largest lithium‑ion battery factory, we are expanding operations to De Soto, Kansas, providing 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.

Supplemental Information

Pre‑employment drug testing is required.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, 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.

Thank you for your interest in Panasonic Energy of North America.

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