Equipment Specialist I

Overview Do you want to join a team that's changing the world? Do you have a strong background as an 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 Equipment Specialist I supports equipment reliability, defect reduction, productivity improvement, and safe manufacturing operations through the application of developing mechanical, troubleshooting, and data analysis skills. This role performs routine equipment repairs, equipment recovery, inspections, and improvement activities while learning increasingly complex manufacturing systems and processes. Working closely with production teams, maintenance personnel, engineers, and senior specialists, the Equipment Specialist I participates in root cause investigations, implements corrective actions, and supports continuous improvement initiatives using problem-solving methodologies such as PDCA. The position serves as an entry point into technical engineering support by building expertise in equipment performance, machine systems, and manufacturing operations. Essential Duties Functional Operations: Troubleshoot, repair, and maintain manufacturing equipment under established procedures and guidance from senior team membersDevelop working knowledge of assigned production equipment, machine functions, and process operationsPerform equipment recovery activities and verify machine functionality following maintenance, repair, or improvement activitiesInstall improvement parts, conduct measurements, and assist with equipment modificationsIdentify and troubleshoot routine mechanical issues involving sensors, bearings, gearboxes, linear guides, conveyors, and related machine componentsUse precision measurement tools including dial indicators, calipers, micrometers, and other diagnostic instrumentsMaintain accurate documentation of equipment repairs, adjustments, inspections, and improvement activitiesSupport machine startup, qualification, and operational readiness activities as assigned Performance Optimization & Continuous Improvement Participate in PDCA-based problem solving and root cause investigationsMonitor equipment and process performance data to identify abnormalities and verify effectiveness of corrective actionsUtilize basic Excel functionality, charts, and graphs to analyze and communicate equipment performance trendsAssist with implementation of corrective and preventive actions designed to reduce defects, alarms, downtime, and productivity lossesSupport continuous improvement initiatives focused on equipment reliability, safety, quality, and operational performanceEscalate complex technical issues to senior specialists, engineers, or leadership as appropriate Training & Team Support Participate in technical training programs to develop expertise across multiple equipment platforms and production processesShare information and lessons learned with team membersSupport training activities, audits, and certifications as assignedDemonstrate willingness to learn new technologies, equipment systems, and troubleshooting techniquesComplete shift pass-downs and provide accurate updates regarding equipment status and unfinished work Cross-Functional Collaboration & Communication Work closely with production, maintenance, engineering, and quality teams to coordinate equipment-related activitiesCommunicate equipment concerns, performance issues, and repair status to appropriate stakeholdersMaintain active communication with leadership regarding job-related concerns, abnormal conditions, and equipment performance issuesSupport engineering projects by collecting data, providing technical observations, and assisting with implementation activitiesContribute to a collaborative team environment focused on operational excellence and continuous improvement Quality, Safety, & Compliance Follow all company, departmental, environmental, quality, and safety policies and proceduresMaintain a clean, organized, and safe work environmentComply with all equipment safety requirements, lockout/tagout procedures, and safe work practicesSupport quality initiatives by identifying and addressing equipment-related sources of defects and variationEnsure work activities are completed in accordance with established standards, procedures, and documentation requirements Supervisory Responsibilities None Travel Requirement None Required Education, Certifications, and Licenses: High School Diploma, GED, or 2 years of technical training, apprenticeship training, or equivalent hands-on mechanical experience Preferred Associate degree in Electronic Technology, Mechatronics, Industrial Maintenance, Manufacturing Technology, or related technical field Essential Qualifications 2+ years of manufacturing, industrial maintenance, equipment support, automation, mechatronics, or related technical experienceDemonstrated mechanical aptitude and basic understanding of mechanical systems, electrical systems, hydraulics, and pneumatic equipmentSuccessful completion of Ramsay mechanical or electrical aptitude assessmentAbility to troubleshoot routine equipment issues using established procedures and guidanceComputer proficiency, including Microsoft Office applications, manufacturing execution systems (MES), and other production support softwareAbility to collect, organize, and interpret basic operational and equipment performance dataAbility to read and interpret technical documents, work instructions, and standard operating proceduresStrong attention to detail and commitment to accuracyEffective verbal and written communication skillsAbility to work collaboratively in a team-oriented manufacturing environmentAbility to perform basic mathematical calculations including ratios, percentages, measurements, and interpretation of charts 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 4+ years of manufacturing or industrial equipment experienceExperience interpreting mechanical or electrical drawingsExperience with manufacturing execution systems (MES), Tableau, or similar production data systemsExposure to PLCs, automation systems, machine controls, or vision systemsKnowledge of Lean Manufacturing, PDCA, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologiesExperience supporting defect reduction, equipment reliability, or productivity improvement initiativesExperience using Excel for basic data analysis and reportingExperience with welding, fabrication, machining, or equipment repairExposure to Python, JMP, or other data analysis tools 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-106182