Material Handler

Overview

Do you want to join a team that’s changing the world? Do you have a strong background as a Material Handler? 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!

Job 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.

Material Handler Responsibilities

The Material Handler is responsible for the safe and efficient movement of materials within the facility, supporting production by delivering supplies, managing inventory, and handling shipping and receiving activities. This role requires operating material handling equipment, maintaining documentation, and adhering to safety and quality standards.

Essential Duties Functional Operations

• Deliver raw materials and components to production areas based on schedule and demand
• Load and unload trucks safely using pallet jacks and walkie riders
• Perform inspections of incoming materials and prepare accurate documentation
• Conduct regular inventory checks and monitor material flow aligned with production requirements
• Operate and maintain tools and mobile equipment (e.g., forklifts, walkies)

Performance Optimization & Continuous Improvement

• Support implementation of efficient material movement systems to improve workflow and minimize downtime
• Participate in identifying and resolving material flow bottlenecks
• Suggest improvements to inventory tracking, documentation, and logistics processes

Training & Team Support

• Train peers at the same or lower level on departmental tasks, safety practices, and equipment operation
• Support new team members during onboarding and assist with hands‑on learning

Cross‑Functional Collaboration & Communication

• Communicate clearly with coworkers, supervisors, and other departments to coordinate materials delivery and pickup
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to troubleshoot and resolve material flow or inventory discrepancies

Quality, Safety, & Compliance

• Ensure all material handling activities comply with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and safety regulations
• Maintain a clean and organized workspace following 6S principles
• Support processes to meet quality, regulatory, and customer standards
• Perform regular equipment checks, including cleaning and fluid replenishment
• Maintain flexibility to work all scheduled shifts as business needs require

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None

Travel Requirement

• None

Education, Certifications, and Licenses

Required :

• High school diploma, GED, or 2 years of prior experience in functional area

Preferred :

• Forklift Operator Certification (OSHA Compliant)
• HAZMAT Certification / Hazardous Materials Handling
• OSHA 10-Hour or 30-Hour General Industry Certification

Essential Qualifications

• Safety‑conscious attitude and ability to work effectively in a team environment
• Proficiency in English (reading, writing, speaking)
• 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

• 1-2 years of experience in a manufacturing or assembly environment
• Experience operating mobile equipment (forklift, walkies)
• Familiarity with chemical/oil labeling and storage

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 (