Apprentice Field Service Technician - Electronics Manufacturing

Panasonic • Hoffman Estates, IL

3d • $18 - $20

About The Position

Panasonic Connect is a leading manufacturer of SMT (Surface Mount Technology) production machines. Our SMT process lines automate the manufacture of complex electronic circuit boards used in smartphones, automotive systems, avionics, consumer electronics, and many other applications.
We are looking for motivated individuals to join our team as Field Service Technician Apprentices. This apprenticeship is designed for candidates who demonstrate a natural aptitude for electronic and mechanical troubleshooting and repair — no formal technical degree required. Selected apprentices will begin with a 4-week paid training program at our Kansas facility before transitioning into a full-time field role. The ideal candidate is hands-on, curious, and eager to build a career servicing advanced factory automation equipment. Upon completing the training program, apprentices will provide on-site technical support to customers using Panasonic SMT manufacturing production machines, including installation and troubleshooting of complex electronic and mechanical systems. The role requires extensive domestic and international travel.
At Panasonic Connect, we connect the power of people and technology to change work, advance society and help connect to tomorrow. Empathy, results, relentlessness and teamwork are the foundations of the Panasonic Connect Culture. Our mission is to elevate the employee experience by empowering individuals to use their voice and have a positive impact on our business.

Requirements

• No formal education or technical degree is required.
• A demonstrated aptitude for electronic and mechanical troubleshooting and repair is required — this may be evidenced through personal projects, hobbies, military service, or prior work experience.
• Ability to travel as required by the position.
• Ability to resolve conflicts by thinking strategically and embracing collaborative engagement.
• Capability to demonstrate technical initiative and contribute to the development of the service team.
• Ability to take necessary action to ensure objectives are fully achieved and that deadlines and commitments are met.
• A high degree of initiative, creativity, and troubleshooting skill, along with a highly collaborative, detail-oriented, and organized nature — critical to success given the complex technical and interpersonal situations encountered in day-to-day activities.
• Solid functional capability in the use of PCs and a variety of software applications.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to interface effectively and professionally with all organizational levels and management — both internally and externally — are required and essential to success in this role.
• Capability to communicate effectively with internal departments, including Technical Support, PMO, Sales, Product Teams, Spare Parts, Engineering, Order Processing, Accounting, and others.
• Capable of lifting over 50 pounds (22.7 kg), standing for long periods on factory floors, and maneuvering in factory production environments and confined spaces to execute technical activities.
• Ability and willingness to travel extensively (often 75% or greater), domestically and internationally, often with very short or immediate notice, with flexible work hours including non-standard business hours, weekends, and occasional holidays, as may be necessary to meet customer project schedules and demands. (Overtime eligible.)
• Completion of the 4-week paid apprenticeship training program at Panasonic's Kansas facility is required prior to full-time field placement.
• All candidates must have valid authorization to work in the U.S.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience with electronics, mechanical systems, or factory environments is a plus, but not required.
• Basic ability to operate a PC and standard software applications is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support for one or more products or processes within Panasonic's SMT solutions portfolio.
• Carry out technical assignments to install, modify, and repair factory automation equipment and software at customer sites, with minimal assistance or supervision.
• Develop and maintain knowledge of the SMT process — including not only the machines themselves, but also programming, configuration, and manufacturing processes.
• Maintain a proactive approach to resolving customer and internal project issues, while exercising effective time management.
• Assume responsibility for on-site service project management, prioritizing equipment and technical issues for immediate corrective action, communicating with pertinent parties, and completing assignments within established timeframes.
• Demonstrate capability to complete software (LNB/DGS) and equipment installations and projects.
• Perform effective and efficient troubleshooting under potentially high-pressure circumstances, with the goal of achieving full problem resolution within 24 hours of arrival at a customer site.
• Provide customers with timely and accurate technical information in a positive, straightforward, and professional manner; conduct meetings with customers to address open issues.
• Deliver basic software system and equipment operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance training to customers.
• Assist the Technical Assistance Center (TAC) in covering the telephone hotline; conduct research to resolve customer issues and ensure an excellent overall customer experience; create Service Notifications and other documentation for future reference.
• Prepare equipment documentation and reports, including installation reports, acceptance reports, service orders, warranty reports, Tech Tips, SAP reports, project reports, and corrective action recommendations as necessary.
• Provide assistance with factory modifications, equipment refurbishment, rebuilds, predictive and corrective maintenance programs, and equipment calibration projects.
• Provide consultative services to customers in site preparation for equipment installations.
• Manage administrative tasks effectively, including travel arrangements, expense reports, and coordination of activities with customers.
• Support the sales team in developing and maintaining close account relationships and satisfying technical customer requirements.
• Serve as a liaison between Field Service Technicians, TAC Support, and Sales and Marketing during the initial portion of the Product Life Cycle; provide timely feedback to sales regarding information gathered at customer sites.
• Supply technical information and other detail to the factory and customer to provide resolution of technical issues.
• Participate in exhibitions and demonstrations of equipment at trade shows, the PA demo room, or at customer sites; inform customers and respond to technical and specification questions and concerns.
• Maintain clear communication and strong relationships with factories to incorporate product and customer specifications; report technical data from customer visits to the factories.
• Additional tasks as assigned and reviewed.

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 and 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed