Facilities Operations Tech - Level 4

Facilities Operations Technician - Level 4

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 4 performs intermediate-level facilities operations, including monitoring, maintenance, and troubleshooting of mechanical and electrical systems with limited supervision. This role supports the safe and reliable operation of facility utilities and infrastructure by independently executing established procedures and contributing to system performance and uptime. The technician responds to operational issues, performs repairs, and applies technical knowledge to diagnose and resolve equipment and system problems. This position is responsible for expanding technical expertise, supporting continuous improvement initiatives, and contributing to operational excellence within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Essential duties include:

• Functional operations: Perform routine rounds on mechanical and electrical systems with limited supervision
• Perform intermediate troubleshooting and repairs using standard tools, equipment, and established procedures
• Serve as a first responder to operational issues and take an active role in diagnosing and resolving system disruptions
• Monitor and maintain facility systems including compressed air, HVAC, electrical distribution, and water systems
• Assess utility outages and implement corrective actions to restore service with minimal supervision
• Use measuring and diagnostic tools to evaluate system performance and identify issues
• Operate and maintain tools and equipment within functional area

Performance optimization & continuous improvement:

• Identify equipment abnormalities, inefficiencies, and recurring issues and recommend corrective actions
• Support and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives focused on reliability and operational efficiency
• Participate in root cause analysis efforts and implement corrective solutions
• Maintain accurate equipment records, work orders, and CMMS documentation

Training & team support:

• Provide training and mentorship to level 3 and peer Level 4 technicians
• Support development of team technical skills through knowledge sharing and on-the-job training
• Continue to build proficiency across multiple technical systems and trades

Cross-functional collaboration & communication:

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot and resolve operational issues in a timely manner
• Work with vendors, contractors, and internal teams to support maintenance activities and ensure compliance with company standards
• Interface regularly with Engineering, Construction, and internal stakeholder teams
• Communicate system status, issues, and resolutions 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
• Draft, 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

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:

• 3+ years of facilities, industrial maintenance, or related experience
• Intermediate knowledge of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, or utility systems in an industrial or manufacturing environment
• Ability to perform troubleshooting and repairs with limited supervision
• Proficiency in using hand tools and diagnostic equipment to identify and resolve issues
• Ability to read and interpret diagrams, schematics, blueprints, and technical documentation
• Experience using CMMS systems for maintenance tracking and documentation
• Effective oral and written communication skills and ability to work collaboratively across teams
• Demonstrates initiative, problem-solving ability, and adaptability 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:

• 6+ years of experience in a facilities role within a high-volume manufacturing environment (automotive or battery industry preferred)
• Experience supporting multiple utility systems and trades (electrical, HVAC, mechanical, plumbing, or controls)
• Experience with 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, 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

In addition, employees are expected to participate in cross-training and may be assigned responsibilities in other areas as business needs evolve.