Utilities Operations Tech - Level 5 Nights D-Shift (Thu, Fri, Sat, alternating Wed)

Facilities Operations Technician - Level 5

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.

The Facilities Operations Technician - Level 5 performs advanced-level facilities operations, including monitoring, maintenance, and complex troubleshooting of mechanical and electrical systems with minimal supervision. This role ensures the safe and reliable operation of facility utilities and infrastructure by independently diagnosing issues and leading technical problem-solving efforts. The technician responds to critical operational issues, performs advanced repairs, and implements solutions to improve system reliability and efficiency. This position is responsible for applying deep technical expertise, supporting continuous improvement initiatives, and contributing to operational excellence within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Essential Duties:

• Functional Operations: Perform system rounds on mechanical and electrical systems with minimal supervision
• Lead advanced troubleshooting and repair activities using specialized tools, equipment, and technical knowledge
• Serve as a primary responder to operational issues and take ownership of diagnosing and resolving system disruptions
• Monitor, maintain, and optimize facility systems including compressed air, HVAC, electrical distribution, and water systems
• Assess utility outages and lead corrective actions to restore service and minimize recurrence
• Utilize advanced measuring and diagnostic tools to evaluate system performance and identify root causes
• Operate and maintain tools and equipment within functional area
• Performance Optimization & Continuous Improvement: Identify equipment abnormalities, inefficiencies, and failure trends and implement corrective and preventive actions
• Lead and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives focused on system reliability and operational efficiency
• Conduct root cause analysis and drive implementation of long-term corrective solutions
• Maintain accurate equipment records, work orders, and CMMS documentation
• Recommend system and process improvements based on operational data and performance trends
• Training & Team Support: Provide technical guidance and mentorship to level 3, 4, and peer level 5 technicians
• Support development of team technical capabilities through knowledge sharing and hands-on guidance
• Reinforce best practices and standard approaches to troubleshooting and maintenance
• Continue to expand expertise across multiple facility systems and trades
• Cross-Functional Collaboration & Communication: Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve complex operational issues and improve system performance
• Coordinate with vendors, contractors, and internal teams to support maintenance activities and ensure compliance with company standards
• Interface regularly with Engineering, Construction, and internal stakeholders to support projects and operational needs
• Communicate system status, risks, and solutions clearly and effectively
• Quality, Safety, & Compliance: Follow all safety procedures, policies, and regulatory requirements at all times
• Support and contribute to implementation of processes and procedures to ensure compliance with industry standards, regulatory requirements, and customer specifications
• Maintain accurate maintenance records, work orders, and documentation in CMMS
• Create, review, and follow Maintenance Operating Procedures (MOPs) and Job Safety Analyses (JSAs)
• Uphold 6S initiatives and ensure area cleanliness is maintained to safety and operational standards
• Utilize required personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow all safety protocols
• Maintain flexibility to work all scheduled shift hours and respond to urgent site needs when required

Education, Certifications, and Licenses:

• Required: High school diploma, GED, or 2 years of prior experience in a facilities, maintenance, or related functional area
• Preferred: Trade school or vocational training in mechanical, electrical, HVAC, or a related field
• Relevant safety and technical certifications, such as OSHA 10 or 30, CPR, HAZWOPER, or NFPA70E

Essential Qualifications:

• 4+ years of facilities, industrial maintenance, or related experience
• Advanced knowledge of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and utility systems in an industrial or manufacturing environment
• Ability to independently lead troubleshooting and repair of complex systems
• Strong proficiency in using hand tools, diagnostic equipment, and measurement devices
• Ability to read and interpret diagrams, schematics, blueprints, and technical documentation
• Experience using CMMS systems for maintenance tracking and reporting
• Demonstrated experience performing root cause analysis and implementing corrective actions
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate across teams
• Demonstrates initiative, technical expertise, and problem-solving ability in a fast-paced environment
• Must have working-level knowledge of the English language, including reading, writing, and speaking English
• Alignment 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:

• 8+ years of experience in a facilities role within a high-volume manufacturing environment (automotive or battery industry preferred)
• Experience supporting and optimizing multiple utility systems across trades such as electrical, HVAC, mechanical, plumbing, or controls
• Experience with advanced root cause analysis and continuous improvement methodologies
• Experience working with contractors, vendors, and cross-functional teams in an industrial setting
• Exposure to mechanical engineering, construction management, capital projects, or scheduling software

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: 45%
• Stand: 45%

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.: Continuous
• Up to 20 lbs.: Continuous
• Up to 35 lbs.: Frequent
• Team-lift only (over 35 lbs.): Occasional

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.

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.

Panasonic Energy prioritizes total well-being