Equipment Specialist III (Manufacturing)

Location: De Soto, Kansas, United States; onsite

Company

Panasonic Energy Corporation of North America is expanding a lithium-ion battery manufacturing facility supporting sustainable energy and electric vehicle technology.

What you will do

• Serve as the primary technical escalation point for complex equipment failures, recovery efforts, and troubleshooting.
• Coordinate daily technical priorities for Equipment Specialists and provide informal technical leadership.
• Lead troubleshooting of mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical, controls, and automated manufacturing systems.
• Support equipment startups, qualifications, modifications, upgrades, validations, repairs, and engineering changes.
• Lead PDCA activities, root cause investigations, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Coach team members and collaborate with production, maintenance, quality, engineering, and operational leadership.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED; relevant experience may substitute for education.
• At least 5 years of relevant manufacturing, industrial maintenance, equipment support, automation, mechatronics, or related technical experience, or qualifying PECNA internal experience.
• Advanced troubleshooting expertise across mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical, controls, and automated manufacturing systems.
• Working knowledge of PLC systems, controls software, automated equipment, vision systems, PDCA, RCA, Lean Manufacturing, and Six Sigma.
• Experience analyzing equipment and operational data, interpreting mechanical and electrical drawings, and using manufacturing support systems including MES, Tableau, and JMP.
• Working-level English is required, as well as valid authorization to work in the United States without restriction.

Nice to have

• Associate's degree in engineering, manufacturing, industrial technology, or a related field.
• Six Sigma Green Belt or higher, QET certification, advanced root cause analysis training, or completion of the PECNA Maintenance Apprenticeship Program.
• Experience with Sysmac, Omron PLC software, CAD, Python, advanced analytics, fabrication, machining, welding, or technical equipment such as 3D printers and laser scanners.
• Previous experience as a technical lead, project lead, shift lead, or informal team leader.

Culture & Benefits

• Onsite work at a new lithium-ion battery manufacturing facility near the Kansas City Metro.
• Comprehensive healthcare options, including family planning, mental health, and pet insurance.
• Company-matched and fully vested 401(k) retirement program, annual bonus, and employee recognition programs.
• Educational assistance, reimbursement, leadership development, career development, and mentorship programs.
• PPE, including protective suits, safety shoes, gloves, safety glasses, and respirator-equipped hazmat protection, is required based on the functional area.
• Pre-employment drug testing is required.