Equipment Specialist Lead - KS

Overview Do you want to join a team that's changing the world? Do you have a strong background as an Equipment Specialist Lead? 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 Lead serves as the senior technical resource for assigned manufacturing operations and is responsible for coordinating daily activities, supporting equipment reliability, and driving continuous improvement efforts across the team. This role provides advanced technical expertise in equipment troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and process optimization while serving as the primary escalation point for complex equipment-related issues. Working closely with production, maintenance, quality, engineering, and operational leadership, the Equipment Specialist III prioritizes work, facilitates communication, develops team capability, and supports the successful execution of departmental objectives. The position combines advanced technical proficiency with informal leadership responsibilities to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable manufacturing operations. Essential Duties Functional Operations: Serve as the primary technical escalation point for complex equipment issues, equipment recovery efforts, and troubleshooting activitiesCoordinate daily work activities and technical priorities for Equipment Specialists within assigned areas or shiftsDemonstrate expert-level knowledge of assigned manufacturing equipment, machine systems, and production processesLead complex troubleshooting efforts involving mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical, controls, and automated manufacturing systemsSupport equipment startup, qualification, modifications, upgrades, and validation activitiesProvide technical direction during equipment repairs, improvement activities, and engineering change implementationsUtilize machine expertise to identify equipment-related sources of defects, alarms, downtime, and productivity lossesMaintain accurate and complete documentation of equipment activities, troubleshooting efforts, and improvement projectsUtilize precision measurement tools including dial indicators, calipers, micrometers, and other diagnostic instruments to support equipment performance and reliability Performance Optimization & Continuous Improvement Lead cross-functional PDCA activities, root cause investigations, and corrective action developmentAnalyze production, equipment, quality, and maintenance data to identify performance gaps, trends, and improvement opportunitiesDevelop and coordinate action plans to improve reliability, productivity, quality performance, and operational efficiencyEvaluate the effectiveness of corrective and preventive actions and recommend adjustments as necessarySupport achievement of departmental goals, key performance indicators (KPIs), and operational targetsDrive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other structured problem-solving methodologiesPartner with engineering and operational leadership to identify and prioritize strategic improvement opportunitiesMonitor team progress on assigned actions and ensure timely completion of deliverables Training & Team Support Coach, mentor, and develop Equipment Specialists by sharing technical expertise, best practices, and troubleshooting techniquesSupport onboarding, qualification, certification, and technical development activities for team membersIdentify skill gaps and recommend training and development opportunities to leadershipFacilitate knowledge sharing across shifts, teams, and functional groupsPromote a culture of accountability, continuous learning, teamwork, and operational excellenceProvide guidance and support to team members during equipment failures, process issues, and improvement activities Cross-Functional Collaboration & Communication Act as the primary liaison between Equipment Specialists, engineering, maintenance, production, quality, and operational leadershipCommunicate equipment priorities, risks, project status, and escalation needs to stakeholdersCoordinate work activities across multiple groups to ensure efficient execution of equipment-related prioritiesParticipate in production meetings, operational reviews, and escalation discussions as the team's technical representativeSupport supervisors and engineering teams in planning equipment outages, upgrades, and improvement initiativesBuild collaborative relationships with stakeholders to support business objectives and operational performance Quality, Safety, & Compliance Follow all company, departmental, environmental, quality, and safety policies and proceduresEnsure equipment-related work is completed in compliance with established standards, procedures, and documentation requirementsPromote adherence to lockout/tagout requirements and safe work practicesIdentify and address equipment-related safety risks and operational concernsSupport investigations involving quality concerns, equipment failures, and process deviationsMaintain a safe, organized, and compliant work environment while promoting a culture of safety and accountabilityDoes not have authority for hiring, termination, disciplinary actions, performance evaluations, compensation decisions, or other formal supervisory duties Supervisory Responsibilities Provides technical leadership, work coordination, coaching, mentoring, and training support to team membersDoes not have authority for hiring, termination, disciplinary actions, performance evaluations, compensation decisions, or other formal supervisory duties Travel Requirement None Required Education, Certifications, and Licenses: High School Diploma or GEDSuccessful Ramsay mechanical assessmentRelevant 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 Green Belt or higherAdvanced Root Cause Analysis training Essential Qualifications 5+ years of manufacturing, industrial maintenance, equipment support, automation, mechatronics, or related technical experience with increasing responsibility, or a minimum of 1 year as a PECNA Equipment Specialist II or PECNA Advanced Maintenance TechnicianDemonstrated advanced expertise troubleshooting mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical, and automated manufacturing systemsSuccessful completion of Ramsay mechanical or electrical aptitude assessmentAbility to lead complex troubleshooting efforts and resolve high-impact equipment-related issuesDemonstrated ability to influence cross-functional teams and build collaborative working relationshipsProficiency using Microsoft Office applications, MES, Tableau, JMP, and other manufacturing support systemsAdvanced ability to analyze equipment and operational data to identify trends, root causes, and improvement opportunitiesAbility to interpret and apply mechanical and electrical drawings during troubleshooting, equipment modifications, and project implementationStrong working knowledge of PLC systems, controls software, and automated manufacturing equipmentExperience supporting vision systems and related automation technologiesAdvanced root cause analysis, problem-solving, and decision-making skillsWorking knowledge of PDCA, Root Cause Analysis (RCA), Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologiesAbility to prioritize work, manage multiple competing priorities, and coordinate activities across teams and functional groupsDemonstrated ability to coach, mentor, and develop technical employeesStrong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skillsAbility to perform mathematical calculations including ratios, percentages, measurements, and interpretation of technical and operational dataMust 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 6+ years of industrial maintenance experience in a manufacturing environmentPrevious experience serving as a technical lead, project lead, shift lead, or informal team leaderStrong background in electrical troubleshooting, controls systems, and automation technologiesExperience with Sysmac, Omron PLC software, or equivalent controls platformsProficiency with CAD softwareExperience operating and maintaining technical equipment such as 3D printers, microscopes, laser scanners, or similar devicesExperience with fabrication, machining, welding, and custom equipment modificationsDemonstrated success leading equipment reliability, defect reduction, productivity, or process improvement initiativesExperience presenting technical findings, improvement plans, and project updates to leadership teamsProficiency with Python, advanced analytics, or other manufacturing 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-106955