Controls Engineering Technician I - Nights (Automation)

Location: De Soto, Kansas, United States; onsite, night shift. All candidates must have valid authorization to work in the U.S. without restriction.

Company

Panasonic Energy produces lithium-ion batteries for sustainable energy and electric vehicle applications.

What you will do

• Troubleshoot, diagnose, repair, and recover electrical, electromechanical, and automated manufacturing equipment.
• Work with PLCs, HMIs, vision systems, sensors, servo systems, motors, drives, and industrial communication networks.
• Use electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, technical manuals, and controls software to configure, back up, and restore equipment.
• Support preventive and predictive maintenance, root cause analysis, corrective actions, equipment testing, and continuous improvement.
• Document repairs and equipment performance, communicate shift handoffs, and collaborate with Engineering, Maintenance, Production, Quality, and Operations.
• Follow lockout/tagout, electrical safety, OSHA, NFPA, PPE, and other workplace safety requirements.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree in Mechatronics, Automation Technology, Electrical Engineering Technology, Electronics Technology, Industrial Maintenance Technology, or a related technical field; relevant experience may substitute.
• Foundational experience or technical training in industrial automation, controls, maintenance, manufacturing operations, or a related technical environment.
• Knowledge of electrical systems, motor controls, PLCs, HMIs, sensors, servos, drives, automation equipment, and basic PLC programming concepts.
• Ability to troubleshoot systems up to 480VAC and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, technical drawings, manuals, and procedures.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Working-level English proficiency is required, including reading, writing, and speaking.

Nice to have

• 2+ years supporting automated manufacturing or industrial control systems.
• Experience with Mitsubishi, Omron, Keyence, Siemens, Rockwell, or similar PLC platforms.
• Experience with servo motors, robotics, machine vision, EtherCAT, DeviceNet, CC-Link, or Mechatrolink.
• Familiarity with NFPA 70E, NFPA 79, industrial machinery safety, controls software, or high-volume battery, automotive, electronics, semiconductor, or energy-storage manufacturing.
• Bachelor’s degree or technical certification in electrical, automation, controls, robotics, or a related field.

Culture & Benefits

• Full-time employment at an onsite lithium-ion battery manufacturing facility.
• Medical, dental, vision, prescription, HSA, and FSA options.
• 401(k) plan with company matching and immediate vesting.
• Paid vacation, holidays, personal days, sick leave, volunteer leave, and parental and caregiver leave.
• Tuition reimbursement after six months of service, wellbeing programs, employee recognition, and an annual performance-based bonus opportunity.
• Onsite cafes, snack and beverage kitchens, and employee events.