Advanced Equipment Specialist - KS

Panasonic • De Soto, KS

10h • Onsite

About The Position

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 role 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 specialist uses mechanical expertise, controls knowledge, and data analysis to improve equipment performance and operational excellence. The position also serves as a technical resource and mentor to developing team members and supports engineering and process-improvement initiatives.

The position supports Panasonic Energy’s expanding facility in De Soto, Kansas, where the company is building a lithium-ion battery factory. It is an onsite role. Work includes wearing required personal protective equipment, which may include a full Tyvek suit, safety shoes, gloves, safety glasses, a face mask, or a hazmat suit with a respirator; a respirator fit test is required depending on functional area. The normal workday involves sitting 10% of the time, walking 30%, and standing 60%. Lifting requirements include continuously lifting up to 20 lbs., frequently lifting up to 35 lbs., and frequent team lifting for items over 35 lbs.

The position has no supervisory responsibilities and no travel requirement. Pre-employment drug testing is required. Candidates must be authorized to work in the U.S. without restriction.

Requirements

• High school diploma, GED, or five years of equivalent hands-on mechanical experience; relevant experience may substitute for the required education.
• At least four years of manufacturing, industrial maintenance, equipment support, automation, mechatronics, or related technical experience, or at least one 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 with 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 using them as troubleshooting tools.
• Working knowledge of automated manufacturing equipment and basic troubleshooting of vision systems.
• Ability to develop and execute action plans while coordinating work across multiple teams.
• Strong root cause analysis and problem-solving skills.
• Working knowledge of PDCA, Root Cause Analysis (RCA), Lean Manufacturing, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Ability to independently prioritize workload, manage multiple equipment issues, and adjust priorities based on operational needs.
• Ability to train, coach, and guide 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-language knowledge, 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.
• Ability to meet the position’s physical demands, including standing, walking, and lifting requirements, and to wear required PPE; a respirator fit test is required depending on functional area.

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.
• Five or more 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, or laser scanners.
• 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 used 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 its operational readiness.
• Diagnose and resolve complex mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and basic electrical system issues.
• Use machine knowledge to identify mechanisms contributing to defects, alarms, downtime, and performance losses.
• Install, test, and validate equipment improvements, modifications, and engineering changes.
• Interpret mechanical and electrical drawings for troubleshooting, maintenance, and equipment modifications.
• Use precision measurement equipment, including dial indicators, calipers, micrometers, and specialized diagnostic tools.
• Document troubleshooting activities, repairs, equipment modifications, and project work completely and accurately.
• 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 Excel, Tableau, JMP, MES, or equivalent systems to support decisions and issue resolution.
• Drive initiatives to reduce defects and downtime and improve equipment reliability and productivity.
• Identify and prioritize equipment performance issues, develop action plans for recurring problems, and escalate systemic or high-risk issues with recommended corrective actions.
• Support engineering teams in validating equipment performance, process improvements, and technical solutions.
• Provide technical guidance to Equipment Specialist I team members and other operational personnel; teach troubleshooting, recovery procedures, and precision measurement techniques.
• Assist with onboarding, technical training, certifications, and skill development; share best practices and lessons learned across shifts and teams.
• Provide accurate shift pass-downs and communicate equipment status effectively.
• Collaborate with production, maintenance, engineering, quality, and operational leadership to coordinate equipment-related work.
• Communicate technical findings, equipment risks, and recommended actions to stakeholders.
• Support 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 meets applicable standards and documentation requirements.
• Support quality investigations and address equipment-related defects and safety risks.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized work environment, promote 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 offered each month.
• Company-matched, fully vested 401(k) retirement program starting 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.

What This Job Offers

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