Skilled Machine Technician - Level 1

Skilled Machine Technician – Level 1 (SMT-1)

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.

Responsibilities

Job Summary: The Skilled Machine Technician – Level 1 (SMT-1) is responsible for operating automated high-speed lithium-ion battery production machines within clean-room environments. Responsibilities include machine maintenance, ensuring the cleanliness of work areas, and facilitating the safe and efficient production of high-quality batteries. Additionally, the SMT-1 performs basic equipment cleaning and maintenance procedures.

• Functional Operations:
• Initiate, operate, recover, and shut down core production machinery in accordance with defined Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Work Instructions
• Operate and maintain tools, machines, and equipment within the functional area to ensure smooth and continuous production flow
• Monitor machine parameters, production status, and operational performance to maintain efficiency and output quality
• Support timely fulfillment of requests for materials, supplies, and spare parts to sustain production continuity
• Complete end-of-shift and end-of-day production reporting and documentation requirements
• Performance Optimization & Continuous Improvement:
• Diagnose and troubleshoot machine and equipment errors using observation, escalation procedures, and precision measuring tools
• Assist Maintenance Technicians in performing basic preventative maintenance tasks to enhance reliability and minimize unplanned downtime
• Identify opportunities to improve machine performance, process consistency, and product quality
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of operational processes, documentation, and standard work instructions to drive efficiency and productivity
• Training & Team Support:
• Share process knowledge and insights with team members to strengthen departmental performance and consistency
• Support supervisor-led initiatives focused on team development, procedural compliance, and skill advancement
• Assist peers within the functional area on proper machine operation, safety practices, and quality control methods
• Maintain awareness of workflow priorities and communicate effectively with shift leaders to align team efforts
• Cross-Functional Collaboration & Communication:
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Production, Engineering, and Maintenance to identify and resolve quality or equipment-related issues
• Communicate machine concerns, process irregularities, and improvement suggestions promptly to Supervisors and Engineers
• Support departmental coordination during production transitions, maintenance activities, and troubleshooting events
• Promote a collaborative culture by actively engaging with team members to achieve shared production goals
• Quality, Safety, & Compliance:
• Perform visual quality checks and continuous image inspections to uphold product integrity and meet acceptance standards
• Maintain inspection and deviation records accurately and in compliance with PECNA policies and industry regulations
• Report all quality deviations or non-conformances immediately to appropriate personnel
• Adhere strictly to all company safety policies, PPE standards, and Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized workspace by applying 6S and good housekeeping practices
• Ensure compliance with environmental, health, and safety standards while supporting a zero-incident workplace culture
• Meet all physical, attendance, and behavioral expectations associated with operational roles

Education, Certifications, and Licenses

Required:

• High School Diploma, General Education Development (GED), or 2 years of prior experience in functional area

Preferred:

• 0-1 years of prior experience in functional area
• Proficient in the English language, encompassing adeptness in reading, writing, and verbal communication
• Ability to meet the physical demands and the PPE requirements of the role

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

During the standard workday, the employee must be capable of performing the specified activities for 100% of the workday, including:

• Sit: 15%
• Walk: 10%
• Stand: 75%

Required Lifting and Carrying:

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

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.

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 insurance
• Employee assistance programs that support total well-being with complimentary session offered each and every month
• Company-matched and fully vested 401K retirement program that starts 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 that promote representation and belonging
• Leadership, career, and mentorship development programs opportunities at all levels across the organization
• Collaborative and motivating culture 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.