Advanced Equipment Specialist - KS

Overview Do you want to join a team that's changing the world? Do you have a strong background as an Advanced Equipment Specialist? Then we're looking for you! Check out the job description and apply now! 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 Advanced Equipment Specialist is a fully proficient technical specialist responsible for improving equipment reliability, reducing defects, increasing productivity, and supporting safe manufacturing operations through advanced troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement activities. This role independently diagnoses and resolves complex equipment issues, implements corrective and preventive actions, and provides technical support across multiple manufacturing processes and equipment platforms. Working closely with production, maintenance, quality, and engineering teams, the Equipment Specialist II utilizes mechanical expertise, controls knowledge, and data analysis to drive equipment performance and operational excellence. The position serves as a key technical resource and mentor to developing team members while supporting the execution of engineering and process improvement initiatives. Essential Duties Functional Operations: Independently troubleshoot, repair, and maintain manufacturing equipment with minimal supervisionDemonstrate advanced understanding of assigned production equipment, machine functions, and manufacturing processesRecover equipment following failures, repairs, upgrades, and improvement activities and verify operational readinessDiagnose and resolve complex mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and basic electrical system issuesUtilize machine knowledge to identify mechanisms contributing to defects, alarms, downtime, and performance lossesInstall, test, and validate equipment improvements, modifications, and engineering changesInterpret mechanical and electrical drawings to support troubleshooting, maintenance, and equipment modificationsUtilize precision measurement equipment including dial indicators, calipers, micrometers, and other specialized diagnostic toolsMaintain complete and accurate documentation of troubleshooting activities, repairs, equipment modifications, and project work Performance Optimization & Continuous Improvement Lead PDCA-based problem-solving activities and root cause investigationsPerform root cause analysis and develop both immediate countermeasures and permanent corrective actionsAnalyze equipment, process, and production data to identify trends, correlations, and improvement opportunitiesUtilize tools such as Excel, Tableau, JMP, MES, or equivalent systems to support decision-making and issue resolutionDrive initiatives focused on defect reduction, downtime reduction, equipment reliability, and productivity improvementIdentify and prioritize equipment performance issues and develop action plans to address recurring problemsSupport engineering teams in validating equipment performance, process improvements, and technical solutionsEscalate systemic or high-risk issues as appropriate while recommending corrective actions Training & Team Support Provide technical guidance and support to Equipment Specialist I team members and other operational personnelDemonstrate and teach proper troubleshooting methods, equipment recovery procedures, and precision measurement techniquesAssist with onboarding, technical training, certifications, and skill development activitiesShare best practices, lessons learned, and technical knowledge across shifts and teamsProvide accurate and comprehensive shift pass-downs and communicate equipment status effectively Cross-Functional Collaboration & Communication Collaborate with production, maintenance, engineering, quality, and operational leadership to coordinate equipment-related activitiesCommunicate technical findings, equipment risks, and recommended actions to stakeholdersSupport planning and execution of equipment outages, upgrades, and improvement projectsCoordinate work activities across multiple groups to ensure timely completion of corrective actionsBuild effective working relationships and serve as a trusted technical resource within the organization Quality, Safety, & Compliance Follow all company, departmental, environmental, quality, and safety policies and proceduresEnsure all equipment work is completed in accordance with established standards, specifications, and documentation requirementsSupport investigations related to quality issues and equipment-related defectsIdentify and address safety risks associated with equipment operation and maintenance activitiesMaintain a safe, clean, and organized work environment while promoting safe work practicesComply with lockout/tagout requirements and all applicable safety regulations Supervisory Responsibilities None Travel Requirement None Required Education, Certifications, and Licenses: High School Diploma, GED, or 5 years of equivalent hands-on mechanical experienceRelevant experience may substitute for required education Preferred Associate's degree in Engineering Technology, Manufacturing Technology, Industrial Technology, or related fieldCompletion of the PECNA Maintenance Apprenticeship ProgramQET Certification or equivalent technical certificationSix Sigma Yellow Belt or higherRoot Cause Analysis training Essential Qualifications 4+ years of manufacturing, industrial maintenance, equipment support, automation, mechatronics, related technical experience, or a minimum of 1 year as a PECNA Maintenance TechnicianDemonstrated expertise troubleshooting mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and basic electrical systemsSuccessful completion of Ramsay mechanical or electrical aptitude assessmentAbility to independently diagnose equipment failures and implement effective corrective actionsProficiency using Microsoft Office applications, MES, Tableau, and other manufacturing support systemsExperience utilizing data analysis tools such as Excel, JMP, MATLAB, or similar platformsAbility to interpret and apply mechanical and electrical drawings during troubleshooting and equipment modificationsWorking knowledge of PLC systems and controls software, including use as a troubleshooting toolWorking knowledge of automated manufacturing equipment and basic troubleshooting of vision systemsAbility to develop and execute action plans while coordinating work across multiple teamsStrong root cause analysis and problem-solving skillsWorking knowledge of PDCA, Root Cause Analysis (RCA), Lean Manufacturing, and continuous improvement methodologiesAbility to independently prioritize workload, manage multiple equipment-related issues simultaneously, and adjust priorities based on operational needsAbility to provide technical training, coaching, and guidance to less experienced employeesStrong verbal and written communication skillsAbility to perform mathematical calculations including ratios, percentages, measurements, and interpretation of technical data and graphsMust have working-level knowledge of the English language, including reading, writing, and speaking EnglishAlignment 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 5+ years of industrial maintenance experience in a manufacturing environmentStrong background in electrical troubleshooting and controls systemsExperience troubleshooting PLC- and automation-based manufacturing equipmentExperience with Sysmac, Omron PLC software, or equivalent controls platformsProficiency with CAD softwareExperience supporting vision systems and automated inspection equipmentExperience operating and maintaining technical equipment such as 3D printers, microscopes, laser scanners, or similar devicesExperience with fabrication, machining, welding, and custom equipment modificationsExperience leading equipment improvement, defect reduction, reliability, or productivity initiativesExposure to Python or advanced analytical tools used for manufacturing data analysis 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: 30%Stand: 60% 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.: ContinuousUp to 20 lbs.: ContinuousUp to 35 lbs.: FrequentTeam-lift only (over 35 lbs.): Frequent 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. If you are actively looking or starting to explore new opportunities, submit your application! 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 benefits 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 insuranceEmployee assistance programs that support total well-being with complimentary session offered each and every monthCompany-matched and fully vested 401K retirement program that starts immediately from date of enrollmentAnnual bonus program, High5 employee recognition and awards platform, quarterly and annual employee recognitionSimplified access to self-guided and representative-supported short and long-term financial wellness and retirement planningEducational Assistance & Reimbursement ProgramInclusion programs and associated employee resource groups that promote representation and belongingLeadership, career, and mentorship development programs opportunities at all levels across the organizationCollaborative and motivating culture that is 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. R-106976