Machinist - Level 4

Machinist – 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 Machinist – Level 4 performs intermediate machining tasks involving the fabrication, repair, and modification of machine parts using manual and CNC equipment, welding, and flame cutting tools. This role interprets moderately complex blueprints, process sheets, and sketches to produce parts to precise specifications. The individual partners closely with engineers to enhance part design and optimize machine performance. This position requires a strong understanding of equipment operation and maintenance to support production efficiency and reliability.

Essential duties include:

• Functional operations:
  Operates manual equipment and CNC machinery with intermediate machining skills
• Partners with engineers to improve part design and manufacturing processes
• Repairs, reworks, or modifies mechanical assemblies to meet operational specifications and may lead to more advanced repairs or modifications
• Performs welding for equipment repair and structural support, applying advanced welding techniques as required
• Operates and maintains tools and equipment in assigned areas, ensuring proper calibration and upkeep
• Performance optimization & continuous improvement:
  Effectively manages time, monitors tool wear, and leverages automation to maintain productivity and recommends improvements to tooling and process
• Partners with engineers in root cause and failure analyses to identify corrective actions
• Provides design support and recommendations to engineers to ensure machines are running at optimal efficiency
• Training & team support:
  Able to train others at the same or lower level
• Cross-functional collaboration & communication:
  Collaborates with cross-functional teams to resolve issues promptly and communicates findings and solutions effectively
• Supports implementation of industry-standard complaint processes and procedures
• Quality, safety, & compliance:
  Maintains safe working practices while handling machinery, welding, and cutting equipment
• Ensures compliance with all safety regulations, standard operating procedures, and company quality policies
• Follows 6S workplace organization standards and maintains a clean, safe, and well-organized work area
• Adheres to all Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) and personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements
• Capable of working all scheduled shifts

Education, certifications, and licenses:

Required:

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

Preferred: 1 to 2 years of vocational training or an associate degree in machining, manufacturing, or a related field

Certified MasterCAM Programmer

AWS Certified Welder

CAD/CAM Software Certifications (AutoCAD, Solid Works, etc.)

NIMS (National Institute for Metalworking Skills) Certifications

Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt

OSHA Safety Certification

Essential qualifications:

3+ years of experience in the field of CNC operations, manual machine operations, welding, and fabrication

Solid working knowledge of metallurgy and materials relevant to machining

Strong mathematical skills in Algebra, Geometry, and Trigonometry

Ability to read, interpret, and apply engineering drawings, including three-dimensional models

Proficient in using precision measuring instruments such as calipers and micrometers

Ability to troubleshoot machining issues and implement solutions

Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision

Ability to maintain a safe, organized, and collaborative work environment

Must have…