Skilled Machine Technician

Skilled Machine Technician – Level 2

Join a team that's changing the world! If you have a strong background as a Skilled Machine Technician – Level 2, we're looking for you! 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!

Responsibilities

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.

Job Summary:

The Skilled Machine Technician – Level 2 (SMT–2) is responsible for operating automated, high-speed lithium-ion battery production equipment within controlled clean-room environments. This role includes ensuring clean and organized work areas and supporting the safe, efficient production of high-quality batteries. The SMT-2 performs basic equipment cleaning and supports equipment readiness in alignment with production needs.

Essential Duties:

• Functional Operations:
  Initiate, operate, recover, and shut down production equipment in accordance with established procedures. Independently operate multiple machines within assigned production areas with minimal supervision. Operate tools and equipment within the functional area to ensure consistent, reliable output. Ensure strict adherence to work instructions and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Support the timely delivery of materials, supplies, and spare parts to sustain production flow.
• Performance Optimization & Continuous Improvement:
  Identify and respond to machine issues, following established escalation procedures. Monitor equipment performance and report abnormalities to appropriate teams. Utilize hand tools and basic measuring instruments as needed for operational support (non-maintenance). Identify and communicate opportunities to enhance equipment reliability and process efficiency.
• Training & Team Support:
  Train peers at the same or lower level on machine operations, quality checks, and safety procedures. Promote knowledge transfer through peer coaching and hands-on instruction. Support cross-training efforts to strengthen team versatility and operational coverage.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration & Communication:
  Collaborate with Production, Engineering, and Maintenance teams to resolve equipment and quality-related issues. Communicate promptly with Supervisors and Engineers regarding process deviations, equipment concerns, or quality issues. Maintain clear and effective shift-to-shift communication to ensure operational continuity.
• Quality, Safety, & Compliance:
  Perform visual inspections and process monitoring to ensure compliance with quality standards. Accurately document inspections, deviations, and production-related activities within quality systems. Adhere to all plant policies, quality systems, and PECNA operational standards. Maintain a clean, organized, and secure work environment in alignment with 6S principles. Follow all PPE requirements and safety protocols to promote a safe workplace. Remain flexible to work all assigned shifts based on business needs.

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: OSHA 10-Hour or 30-Hour General Industry Certification

Essential

Qualifications:

1.5 years of prior experience in functional area

Prior experience in a manufacturing/production environment

Safety-conscious attitude and ability to work effectively in a team environment

Must have…