Skilled Machine Technician – Level 1

Panasonic • De Soto, KS

1d • Onsite

About The Position

WHO YOU ARE AT PANASONIC ENERGY: Do you want to join a team that's changing the world? Do you have a strong background as a Skilled Machine Technician? Then Panasonic Energy is looking for you! Check out the job description and apply now! 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!

WHAT YOU’LL DO: Do you want to join a team that's changing the world? Do you have a strong background as a Skilled Machine Technician – Level 1? Then we're looking for you! Check out the job description and apply now! 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!
Job Summary:
Position Summary: The Skilled Machine Technician – Level 1 (SMT-1) is responsible for operating automated high-speed lithium-ion battery production machines within clean-room environments. Responsibilities include machine maintenance, ensuring the cleanliness of work areas, and facilitating the safe and efficient production of high-quality batteries. Additionally, the SMT-1 performs basic equipment cleaning and maintenance procedures.

Requirements

• High School Diploma, General Education Development (GED), or 2 years of prior experience in functional area
• 0-1 years of prior experience in functional area
• Proficient in the English language, encompassing adeptness in reading, writing, and verbal communication
• Ability to meet the physical demands and the PPE requirements of the role
• Prior exposure to a manufacturing/production environment

Nice To Haves

• 1-2 years of prior experience in functional area
• Demonstrated Standard Work and Job Instruction training completion, including familiarity with Kaizen and active participation in Standard Work Improvement activities
• Proficiency with hand tools, technical instructions, and quality control

Responsibilities

• Initiate, operate, recover, and shut down core production machinery in accordance with defined Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Work Instructions.
• Operate and maintain tools, machines, and equipment within the functional area to ensure smooth and continuous production flow.
• Monitor machine parameters, production status, and operational performance to maintain efficiency and output quality.
• Support timely fulfillment of requests for materials, supplies, and spare parts to sustain production continuity.
• Complete end-of-shift and end-of-day production reporting and documentation requirements.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot machine and equipment errors using observation, escalation procedures, and precision measuring tools.
• Assist Maintenance Technicians in performing basic preventative maintenance tasks to enhance reliability and minimize unplanned downtime.
• Identify opportunities to improve machine performance, process consistency, and product quality.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of operational processes, documentation, and standard work instructions to drive efficiency and productivity.
• Share process knowledge and insights with team members to strengthen departmental performance and consistency.
• Support supervisor-led initiatives focused on team development, procedural compliance, and skill advancement.
• Assist peers within the functional area on proper machine operation, safety practices, and quality control methods.
• Maintain awareness of workflow priorities and communicate effectively with shift leaders to align team efforts.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including: Production, Engineering, and Maintenance to identify and resolve quality or equipment-related issues.
• Communicate machine concerns, process irregularities, and improvement suggestions promptly to Supervisors and Engineers.
• Support departmental coordination during production transitions, maintenance activities, and troubleshooting events.
• Promote a collaborative culture by actively engaging with team members to achieve shared production goals.
• Perform visual quality checks and continuous image inspections to uphold product integrity and meet acceptance standards.
• Maintain inspection and deviation records accurately and in compliance with PECNA policies and industry regulations.
• Report all quality deviations or non-conformances immediately to appropriate personnel.
• Adhere strictly to all company safety policies, PPE standards, and Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized workspace by applying 6S and good housekeeping practices.
• Ensure compliance with environmental, health, and safety standards while supporting a zero-incident workplace culture.
• Meet all physical, attendance, and behavioral expectations associated with operational roles.

Benefits

• Health Benefits – Offering medical, dental, vision, prescription plans, plus Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account options.
• Voluntary Benefits – Life, accident, critical illness, disability, legal, identity theft, and pet insurance.
• Panasonic Retirement Savings & Investment Plan (PRSIP) – 401(k) plan with company matching contributions and immediate vesting.
• Paid Time-Off Benefits – Vacation, holidays, personal days, sick leave, volunteer, and parental & caregiver leave.
• Educational Assistance – Tuition reimbursement for job-related courses after six months of service.
• Health Management and Wellbeing Programs –Lifestyle Spending Account, EAP, virtual health management, chronic condition, neurodiversity, tobacco cessation, substance abuse support, and life stage and fertility resources. Available to eligible employees starting the first day of the month following your start date. Eligibility for each benefit may vary based on employment status, location, and length of service.
• Employee Recognition Program - High5 employee recognition and awards platform, quarterly and annual employee recognition
• Annual Bonus Program - Opportunity for an annual performance-based bonus.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED