Skilled Machine Technician - Level 1

Overview

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.

Essential Duties:
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

Supervisory Responsibilities:

* None Travel Requirement:

Education, Certifications, and Licenses:

Required:

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

Essential

Qualifications:

* 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

Preferred Qualifications:

* 1-2 years of prior experience in functional area

* Prior exposure to a manufacturing/production environment

* Demonstrated Standard Work and Job Instruction training completion, including familiarity with Kaizen and active participation in Standard Work Improvement activities

* Proficiency with hand tools,…