Advanced Equipment Specialist - KS

Panasonic•De Soto, KS

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Panasonic Energy is expanding its operations in De Soto, Kansas, where it is building a lithium-ion battery factory. The Advanced Equipment Specialist is a fully proficient technical specialist who improves equipment reliability, reduces defects, increases productivity, and supports safe manufacturing operations through advanced troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement. The specialist independently diagnoses and resolves complex equipment issues, implements corrective and preventive actions, and provides technical support across manufacturing processes and equipment platforms. Working with production, maintenance, quality, and engineering teams, the role applies mechanical expertise, controls knowledge, and data analysis to improve equipment performance and operational excellence. It also serves as a technical resource and mentor to developing team members and supports engineering and process-improvement initiatives.

Requirements

High school diploma, GED, or five years of equivalent hands-on mechanical experience; relevant experience may substitute for required education.
At least 4 years of manufacturing, industrial maintenance, equipment support, automation, mechatronics, or related technical experience, or at least 1 year as a PECNA Maintenance Technician.
Demonstrated expertise troubleshooting mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and basic electrical systems.
Successful completion of the Ramsay mechanical or electrical aptitude assessment.
Ability to independently diagnose equipment failures and implement effective corrective actions.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, MES, Tableau, and other manufacturing support systems.
Experience using data analysis tools such as Excel, JMP, MATLAB, or similar platforms.
Ability to interpret and apply mechanical and electrical drawings during troubleshooting and equipment modifications.
Working knowledge of PLC systems and controls software, including their use as troubleshooting tools.
Working knowledge of automated manufacturing equipment and basic troubleshooting of vision systems.
Ability to develop and execute action plans and coordinate work across multiple teams.
Strong root cause analysis and problem-solving skills.
Working knowledge of PDCA, Root Cause Analysis, Lean Manufacturing, and continuous improvement methodologies.
Ability to independently prioritize workload, manage multiple equipment-related issues, and adjust priorities to operational needs.
Ability to provide technical training, coaching, and guidance to less experienced employees.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to perform mathematical calculations involving ratios, percentages, measurements, and interpretation of technical data and graphs.
Working-level English proficiency, including reading, writing, and speaking.
Alignment with Panasonic's seven core principles: contribution to society, fairness and honesty, cooperation and team spirit, untiring effort for improvement, courtesy and humility, adaptability, and gratitude.
Wear required PPE, which may include a full Tyvek suit, safety shoes, gloves, safety glasses, face mask, and a full hazmat suit with respirator; a respirator fit test is required based on functional area.
All candidates must have valid authorization to work in the U.S. without restriction.

Nice To Haves

Associate's degree in Engineering Technology, Manufacturing Technology, Industrial Technology, or a related field.
Completion of the PECNA Maintenance Apprenticeship Program.
QET Certification or equivalent technical certification.
Six Sigma Yellow Belt or higher.
Root Cause Analysis training.
At least 5 years of industrial maintenance experience in a manufacturing environment.
Strong background in electrical troubleshooting and controls systems.
Experience troubleshooting PLC- and automation-based manufacturing equipment.
Experience with Sysmac, Omron PLC software, or equivalent controls platforms.
Proficiency with CAD software.
Experience supporting vision systems and automated inspection equipment.
Experience operating and maintaining technical equipment such as 3D printers, microscopes, laser scanners, or similar devices.
Experience with fabrication, machining, welding, and custom equipment modifications.
Experience leading equipment improvement, defect reduction, reliability, or productivity initiatives.
Exposure to Python or advanced analytical tools for manufacturing data analysis.

Responsibilities

Independently troubleshoot, repair, and maintain manufacturing equipment with minimal supervision.
Demonstrate advanced understanding of assigned production equipment, machine functions, and manufacturing processes.
Recover equipment after failures, repairs, upgrades, and improvement activities, and verify operational readiness.
Diagnose and resolve complex mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and basic electrical system issues.
Identify equipment mechanisms contributing to defects, alarms, downtime, and performance losses.
Install, test, and validate equipment improvements, modifications, and engineering changes.
Interpret mechanical and electrical drawings to support troubleshooting, maintenance, and equipment modifications.
Use precision measurement equipment and specialized diagnostic tools.
Document troubleshooting, repairs, equipment modifications, and project work accurately and completely.
Lead PDCA-based problem-solving activities and root cause investigations; develop immediate countermeasures and permanent corrective actions.
Analyze equipment, process, and production data to identify trends, correlations, and improvement opportunities.
Use tools such as Excel, Tableau, JMP, MES, or equivalent systems to support decision-making and issue resolution.
Drive initiatives to reduce defects and downtime and improve equipment reliability and productivity.
Prioritize equipment performance issues and develop action plans for recurring problems.
Support engineering teams in validating equipment performance, process improvements, and technical solutions.
Escalate systemic or high-risk issues and recommend corrective actions.
Provide technical guidance to Equipment Specialist I team members and other operational personnel.
Teach troubleshooting methods, equipment recovery procedures, and precision measurement techniques; assist with onboarding, training, certifications, and skill development.
Share best practices and lessons learned across shifts and teams, and provide accurate shift pass-downs and equipment status updates.
Collaborate with production, maintenance, engineering, quality, and operational leadership on equipment-related activities.
Communicate technical findings, equipment risks, and recommended actions to stakeholders.
Support the planning and execution of equipment outages, upgrades, and improvement projects, coordinating work across groups.
Follow company, departmental, environmental, quality, and safety policies and procedures.
Ensure equipment work follows established standards, specifications, and documentation requirements.
Support investigations into quality issues and equipment-related defects; identify and address safety risks.
Maintain a safe, clean, and organized work environment, follow safe work practices, and comply with lockout/tagout requirements and applicable safety regulations.
Participate in cross-training and perform responsibilities in other areas as business needs evolve.

Benefits

Comprehensive healthcare options, including family planning, mental health, and pet insurance.
Employee assistance programs with complimentary sessions each month.
Company-matched, fully vested 401(k) retirement program beginning immediately upon enrollment.
Annual bonus program.
High5 employee recognition and awards platform, with quarterly and annual employee recognition.
Financial wellness and retirement planning resources.
Educational Assistance & Reimbursement Program.
Inclusion programs and employee resource groups.
Leadership, career, and mentorship development programs.
Collaborative culture supporting personal and professional growth.