Dock Operator

About the Role

Join Panasonic Energy as we expand to De Soto, Kansas, building the world’s largest lithium-ion battery factory. This role offers the opportunity to grow your career while contributing to the future of electric vehicles. You’ll help push the limits of battery technology, enhancing performance and efficiency in sustainable transportation at our state-of-the-art facility near the Kansas City Metro. 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.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain tools such as forklifts, pallet jacks, and other material handling equipment safely.
• Unload and inspect incoming materials; verify against purchase orders and documentation.
• Package, label, and load outbound goods according to customer and shipping requirements.
• Transport materials to production areas and ensure First in First Out (FIFO) compliance.
• Maintain accurate inventory records using RFID/barcode scanners and Warehouse Management Systems (WMS).
• Generate and manage shipping/receiving documentation and lot tracking.
• Perform routine equipment and dock-area inspections to identify issues and support continuous improvement.
• Participate in problem-solving activities to improve material flow and dock efficiency.
• Train others at the same or lower level within the functional area.
• Communicate with internal teams and suppliers to resolve material discrepancies.
• Coordinate with warehouse, production, purchasing, or logistics teams to ensure timely material flow.
• Ensure all dock activities comply with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and safety regulations.
• Follow all safety procedures and PPE requirements.
• Maintain a clean and organized workspace following 6S principles.
• Support processes to meet quality, regulatory, and customer standards.
• Maintain flexibility to work all scheduled shifts as business needs require.

Requirements

• High school diploma, GED, or 2 years of prior experience in a functional area.
• Safety-conscious attitude and ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Basic mathematical skills to accurately count materials and products.
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• 1-2 years of experience in a fast-paced warehouse, manufacturing, automation, or assembly environment.
• Familiarity with material handling processes, shipping/receiving, and inventory control.
• Forklift certification or experience with lift equipment.
• Experience operating mobile equipment.
• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook).
• Experience with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS).
• Knowledge of safety protocols, shipping regulations, and industry standards.
• Forklift Operator Certification (OSHA Compliant).
• HAZMAT Certification / Hazardous Materials Handling.
• OSHA 10-Hour or 30-Hour General Industry Certification.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

To ensure health and safety in the workplace, 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 during the normal workday the employee is required to:

• Sit: 10%
• Walk: 45%
• Stand: 45%

Required Lifting and Carrying:

• Up to 10 lbs.: Continuous (67-100%)
• Up to 20 lbs.: Continuous (67-100%)
• Up to 35 lbs.: Continuous (67-100%)
• Team-lift only (over 35 lbs.): Continuous (67-100%)

About Us

At Panasonic Energy, 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 provide opportunities for career growth, innovation, and the chance to push the boundaries of lithium-ion battery technology to enhance efficiency and performance in electric vehicles. We foster an environment where your contributions make a meaningful impact on the future of energy and transportation.

Benefits

• Highly inclusive and class-leading healthcare options, including family planning, mental health, and pet insurance.
• Employee assistance programs supporting total well-being with complimentary sessions offered monthly.
• Company-matched and fully vested 401K retirement program starting 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 promoting representation and belonging.
• Leadership, career, and mentorship development programs at all levels across the organization.
• Collaborative and motivating culture rooted in continuous personal and professional growth.