Utilities Maintenance Technician Lead – Level 6

Kids for the Future; De Soto (KS); On-site; USD 63,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

Panasonic Energy Corporation of North America in De Soto, Kansas, seeks an Utilities Maintenance Technician Lead – Level 6 to lead advanced maintenance across mechanical, electrical, HVAC, and utility systems in a high‑reliability facility.

The role combines hands‑on technical work with team leadership, mentoring junior technicians, and driving continuous improvement while ensuring safety, OSHA/NFPA/EHS compliance, and operational efficiency.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of advanced work experience in mechanical, electrical, plumbing, or HVAC in an industrial facility.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and basic reporting.
• Knowledge of electrical safety practices and regulatory standards.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, HVAC, and utility systems in an industrial plant.
• Lead preventive maintenance to improve reliability and reduce downtime.
• Mentor Level 5 and junior technicians in multi‑system troubleshooting.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, NFPA, and internal EHS policies.

Skills

5+ years maintenance

Electrical safety

MS Office

Team leadership

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Trade school training

Tools

CMMS knowledge

BMS knowledge

Electrical testing tools

Job description

• Base Pay $35.20 / Hour
• Job Category Manufacturing and Production, #PECNAKSMainFocus, Sep26
• Industry Renewable Energy / Green Jobs

The Utilities Maintenance Technician Lead – Level 6 is responsible for leading and executing advanced maintenance and repair of mechanical, electrical, HVAC, and utility systems in an industrial environment. This role combines hands‑on technical expertise with team leadership, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement responsibilities. The ideal candidate demonstrates proactive problem‑solving, advanced technical skills, and the ability to mentor and guide other technicians while ensuring operational efficiency, safety, and compliance with regulatory standards.

Functional Operations:

• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, HVAC, and utility systems across the facility
• Conduct advanced preventive maintenance to ensure equipment reliability and operational efficiency
• Assess and respond to utility outages or system malfunctions promptly and accurately
• Manage scopes of work for repairs and maintenance that comply with EHS standards, Lockout/Tagout procedures, and permitting requirements
• Oversee specialized vendor or contractor services to ensure technical and safety compliance
• Interpret schematics, diagrams, and blueprints to guide troubleshooting and repair activities

Performance Optimization & Continuous Improvement:

• Analyze equipment performance trends and recommend corrective or preventive maintenance strategies
• Identify opportunities to optimize maintenance practices and reduce downtime
• Guide team members in implementing preventive maintenance strategies to improve overall facility performance
• Develop and implement Maintenance Operating Procedures (MOP) and Job Safety Analyses (JSA) to improve reliability and safety outcomes
• Evaluate and enhance processes to support continuous improvement initiatives
• Training & Team Support:
• Mentor, train, and coach Level 5 and junior technicians to build team capabilities
• Train and develop team members on multi‑system troubleshooting and repair techniques, including electrical, mechanical, HVAC, and utility systems
• Provide guidance on troubleshooting, repair procedures, and technical problem‑solving
• Promote adherence to safety, operational, and procedural standards
• Serve as the primary point of contact for escalated technical issues and cross‑functional problem‑solving
• No authority to hire, transfer, suspend, lay off, recall, promote, discharge, reward, or discipline other employees

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Communication:

• Coordinate with Engineering, Construction, and other departments to ensure seamless operations
• Respond promptly to site emergencies and work with internal teams and local authorities as needed
• Collaborate with external contractors and vendors to ensure work meets technical, safety, and quality standards
• Communicate effectively with management, customers, and supporting departments regarding maintenance status, issues, and resolutions
• Prepare accurate Daily Shift Reports summarizing maintenance activities, site issues, and operational concerns

Quality, Safety, & Compliance:

• Ensure all maintenance and operational activities comply with OSHA, NFPA, EPA, and internal EHS policies
• Maintain detailed records and CMMS entries for audits, inspections, and traceability
• Support audits and inspections by ensuring accurate documentation and regulatory compliance
• Uphold 6S and cleanliness standards to maintain a safe and organized work environment
• Operate tools and equipment according to manufacturer specifications and company standards
• Wear required PPE based on functional area, including full Tyvek or hazmat suits with respirators when needed
• Maintain flexibility to work all scheduled shift hours and respond to urgent site needs when required

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:

• Trade school or vocational training; 2+ years of trade school or equivalent
• PIT License, MEWP, or State Issued Driver’s License
• CPR Certification
• NFPA 70E and/or NFPA 70B
• OSHA 10 or 30 Certification
• HAZWOPER 8 or 40 Certification
• HVAC (EPA Section 608) Certification

Essential Qualifications:

• 5+ years of advanced work experience in mechanical, electrical, plumbing, pneumatic, or HVAC systems in an industrial manufacturing facility environment
• Advanced knowledge and experience across multiple trades, including electrical, plumbing, mechanical, HVAC, and/or pneumatic systems
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Knowledge and application of Electrical Safety in the Workplace
• Advanced oral and written communication skills with a collaborative, team‑oriented mindset
• Strong self‑initiative, flexibility, and problem‑solving skills
• Must have working‑level knowledge of the English language, including reading, writing, and speaking English
• 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:

• 10+ years of related industrial maintenance experience
• Experience in HVAC as a Journeyman/Mechanic or equivalent
• Experience in industrial manufacturing facilities
• Familiarity with computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS)
• Knowledge of OSHA regulations, workplace safety standards, and best practices
• Familiarity with building management systems (BMS)

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: Percentage of time (equaling 100%) during the normal workday the employee is required to:
  • Sit: 10%
  • Walk: 40%
  • Stand: 50%
  • 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.: Frequent
  • Team-lift only (over 35 lbs.): Frequent

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.

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 increating 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, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristic 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 Corporation of North America.

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