Facilities Fire Systems Technician - Level 5

Panasonic•De Soto, KS

7d•Onsite

About The Position

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 Facilities Fire Systems Technician – Level 5 performs advanced inspection, testing, maintenance, troubleshooting, and technical oversight of fire protection and life-safety systems to ensure system reliability, operational readiness, and full regulatory compliance across the site. Serving as a senior technical resource within the Facilities organization, this role provides subject matter expertise for fire alarm, detection, suppression, and related infrastructure systems; leads complex diagnostics and system restoration efforts; and establishes technical standards and best practices. This position includes fire brigade support responsibilities in addition to primary fire systems duties, responding to fire alarms, thermal events, and other emergency situations as part of the site brigade while continuing to support overall facility operations. Because this is not a full-time standby fire position, emergency response may require transitioning from active facility work, securing work areas, accessing response equipment and protective gear, and deploying to the incident scene as needed. Working independently with limited oversight, this position collaborates with internal teams, contractors, local authorities, and regulatory representatives to ensure safe, compliant, and resilient facility operations.

Requirements

High school diploma, GED, or 2 years of prior experience in fire protection or related fields
Current state-issued driver's license
Firefighter I Certification
4+ years of experience as a Fire Systems Technician, Emergency Responder (EMS, LE, FD), or relevant field
SCBA fit testing and firefighter physical clearance required
Ability to lift, climb ladders, work at heights, and work in confined spaces
Capable of performing emergency response duties while wearing full structural firefighting PPE
Advanced knowledge of electrical safety practices and lockout/tagout procedures
Advanced troubleshooting experience with low-voltage systems, including fire alarm, security, or building automation wiring
Advanced knowledge of water-based fire protection systems, including wet, dry, standpipe, and hydrant systems
Ability to independently interpret blueprints, wiring diagrams, P&IDs, technical manuals, and sequence of operations
Ability to evaluate contractor work for technical accuracy and code alignment
Must have working-level knowledge of the English language, including reading, writing, and speaking English
Alignment to Panasonic’s seven (7) core principles (contribution to society, fairness and honesty, cooperation and team spirit, untiring effort for improvement, courtesy and humility, adaptability, gratitude)

Nice To Haves

Associate degree in Fire Protection Technology, Fire Science, Electrical Technology, Industrial Maintenance, Mechanical Systems, Engineering, or related technical field
Relevant technical training in fire alarm, suppression systems, or life-safety systems
OSHA 30 Certification
HAZWOPER 24
ICS 100/200
CPR Certification
Hazmat Technician Certification
NFPA 70E or NFPA 70B
8+ years of experience in relevant fire protection or emergency response roles
Knowledge of applicable fire protection codes and standards, including NFPA requirements
Experience serving as technical lead during fire protection system inspections involving Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)
Experience supporting fire protection system upgrades, retrofits, or capital improvement projects
Experience in industrial, manufacturing, or large campus environments

Responsibilities

Perform advanced inspections, testing, maintenance, repairs, and system diagnostics on fire alarm, suppression, and life-safety systems
Develop and maintain advanced expertise in site-specific hazards and response procedures, serving as a primary technical resource for emergency and routine operations
Operate, maintain, and manage fire brigade tools and equipment, including inventory management
Lead technical troubleshooting efforts for complex or high-impact system failures
Provide technical oversight of contractor activities related to fire protection systems
Review and validate contractor inspection, testing, and repair documentation for technical accuracy
Provide initial emergency response actions for thermal events and unwanted system activations, coordinating with internal teams, external responders, and Authorities Having Jurisdiction
Analyze system performance data and identify trends impacting reliability or compliance
Lead root cause evaluations for significant system failures or unwanted activations
Develop and recommend improvements to preventive maintenance strategies and system reliability practices
Ensure completeness and technical accuracy of maintenance records, inspection documentation, and impairment logs
Provide technical guidance, training, and mentorship to Level 3 and Level 4 technicians
Support development and refinement of fire protection procedures and technical documentation
Maintain and advance professional certifications (NICET, OSHA, manufacturer-specific training)
Support fire brigade training initiatives and operational readiness activities
Participate in thermal event, safety, and emergency response training
Serve as primary technical contact for fire protection systems during inspections and testing activities
Maintain qualifications required for fire brigade support duties
Interface with Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) during routine inspections, system testing, and technical reviews, separate from emergency response activities
Collaborate with Engineering, Facilities Operations and Maintenance, EHS, Emergency Management, contractors, and external agencies to resolve complex system issues
Provide technical input for system impairments, restorations, and risk mitigation strategies
Ensure fire protection systems are maintained in compliance with applicable codes, standards, regulatory requirements, and company policies
Provide technical review and support for Permit to Work activities involving fire protection impairments
Support coordination of fire protection system impairments and restorations in accordance with established procedures
Fulfill assigned fire brigade responsibilities consistent with training and site procedures
Maintain 6S and plant quality standards
Meet PPE and physical requirements
Work all assigned shift hours

Benefits

Panasonic Energy prioritizes total well-being and offers comprehensive benefits options to support physical, emotional, financial, social, and environmental health:
Highly inclusive and class-leading healthcare options to include family planning, mental health, and pet insurance
Employee assistance programs that support total well-being with complimentary session offered each and every month
Company-matched and fully vested 401K retirement program that starts immediately from date of enrollment
Annual bonus program, High5 employee recognition and awards platform, quarterly and annual employee recognition
Simplified access to self-guided and representative-supported short and long-term financial wellness and retirement planning
Educational Assistance & Reimbursement Program
Inclusion programs and associated employee resource groups that promote representation and belonging
Leadership, career, and mentorship development programs opportunities at all levels across the organization
Collaborative and motivating culture routed in continuous personal and professional growth and much more.