Equipment Specialist I - Days

About the Role

Join the PECNA team and put your skills to meaningful use, gain unique experience, and work with world-class team members who share the same vision of changing the world. This role offers the opportunity to utilize mechanical and data analysis skills to support production and engineering, reducing defects, increasing productivity, and creating a safe environment.

Responsibilities

• Follow all company and departmental policies and procedures.
• Maintain active communication with management and other employees about job-related concerns; inform Lead/Supervisor when problems occur.
• Comply with safety regulations and maintain clean and orderly work areas.
• Aid in root cause analysis following the PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) process.
• Regularly check data to identify problems and verify actions using graphs and basic Excel skills.
• Use machine knowledge to identify mechanisms that can cause defects, alarms, etc.
• Understand basic mechanisms of common mechanical parts (e.g., sensors, bearings, gearboxes, linear guides, conveyors).
• Demonstrate the application of precision tools like dial indicators, calipers, and micrometers.
• Perform tasks such as installing improvement parts, taking measurements, repairing machines, reducing defects or alarms, and improving productivity.
• Communicate with production and maintenance teams to coordinate work.
• Maintain complete and accurate records of all work done on equipment and machines.
• Communicate with team members promptly and accurately; complete pass-down of unfinished tasks to another shift.
• Provide training or complete audits when needed.
• Take direction and execute tasks as assigned.
• Adhere to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements, which may include Tyvek suits, safety shoes, gloves, safety glasses, face masks, bump caps, and full hazmat suits with respirators.

Requirements

• Education:
  • Basic/Required: High School Diploma or GED and/or two years of technical training.
  • Preferred: 2-year Associate’s degree in electronic technology or equivalent experience.
• Computer skills and experience with Microsoft Suite Programs, Tableau, and MES.
• Must be accurate, detail-oriented, and a team player.
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and understanding of generic parts, electrical, hydraulics, and mechanical equipment.
• Ability to perform basic arithmetic (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) using whole numbers, fractions, and decimals; ability to compute rates, ratios, percentages, and interpret bar graphs.
• Working-level knowledge of the English language (reading, writing, and 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

• 2-3 years of manufacturing experience with deep understanding of manufacturing equipment, programming, maintenance, and repair.
• Experience in electrical maintenance.
• Experience interpreting PLC ladder logic.
• Experience with JMP, Python, or other data analysis tools.
• Understanding of basic Lean Six Sigma principles.
• Experience in welding, fabricating, repair, or similar work.
• Ability to analyze data to identify issues and implement countermeasures, followed by permanent corrective actions.
• Ability to interpret mechanical or electrical drawings.

Physical Demands

Physical Activities (Percentage of time during a normal workday):

• Sit: 20%
• Walk: 20%
• Stand: 50%
• Lift: 10%

Required Lifting and Carrying:

• Up to 10 lbs.: Frequent (34-66%)
• Up to 20 lbs.: Frequent (34-66%)
• Up to 35 lbs.: Frequent (34-66%)
• Team-lift only (over 35 lbs.): Frequent (34-66%)

Benefits

• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, prescription plans, plus Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options.
• Voluntary Benefits: Life, accident, critical illness, disability, legal, identity theft, and pet insurance.
• 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 leave, 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, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), virtual health management, chronic condition support, neurodiversity resources, 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).
• Employee Recognition Program: High5 employee recognition and awards platform, quarterly and annual employee recognition.
• Annual Bonus Program: Opportunity for an annual performance-based bonus.
• On-site Food Options: Several on-site cafes, plentiful snack and beverage kitchens, revolving on-site vendor visits, and employee events.
• Free Shuttle: Rides to and from work.

Location

This is an onsite role. Panasonic Energy is committed to fostering an ideal working environment that prioritizes productivity and a fulfilling, positive work atmosphere. Join us at our lithium-ion battery factory, the world’s largest, with expanding operations in De Soto, Kansas.

About the Company

Panasonic Energy is dedicated to transforming the world through sustainable energy solutions. As a leader in producing safe, high-quality lithium-ion batteries, we play a crucial role in advancing technologies that move us forward. Founded in 2017, we continually push the boundaries of lithium-ion battery technology and production capabilities to enhance efficiency and performance in electric vehicles (EVs). Our commitment to innovation and societal impact creates an environment where your contributions make a meaningful difference.