Controls Engineering Technician I

Panasonic • De Soto, KS

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Controls Engineering Technician I supports the operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of automated manufacturing equipment and control systems at Panasonic Energy’s battery manufacturing facility in De Soto, Kansas. The role uses foundational electrical, automation, and troubleshooting skills to identify, diagnose, and resolve equipment issues affecting safety, quality, and production. Working under the guidance of the Controls Technician Supervisor and alongside Engineering, Maintenance, and Production teams, the technician restores equipment functionality, supports corrective actions, and develops proficiency across manufacturing systems and controls platforms. The position is expected to independently resolve routine electrical and controls-related issues while continuing to develop technical expertise.

The role includes troubleshooting electrical systems and equipment up to 480VAC, working with PLCs, HMIs, vision systems, sensors, servo systems, motors, drives, and industrial networks, and using approved software to manage machine parameters and configuration settings. Technicians document maintenance and repair work, support preventive and predictive maintenance, participate in continuous improvement, and follow safety, quality, and compliance procedures. PPE may include a Tyvek suit, safety shoes, gloves, safety glasses, face mask, bump cap, or a hazmat suit with respirator.

Panasonic Energy describes its work as producing lithium-ion batteries and advancing sustainable energy solutions. The role is onsite. Benefits include health coverage options, retirement savings with company matching, paid time off, educational assistance, wellbeing programs, recognition, an annual bonus opportunity, and onsite food options. Pre-employment drug testing is required, and applicants must have unrestricted authorization to work in the U.S.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree in Mechatronics, Automation Technology, Electrical Engineering Technology, Electronics Technology, Industrial Maintenance Technology, or a related technical field; relevant experience may substitute for the education requirement.
• Foundational experience or technical training in industrial automation, controls, maintenance, manufacturing operations, or a related technical environment.
• Experience troubleshooting electrical and electromechanical systems in a manufacturing environment.
• Working knowledge of electrical systems, motor controls, PLCs, HMIs, sensors, servos, drives, and industrial automation equipment.
• Ability to troubleshoot electrical systems and equipment up to 480VAC.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, technical drawings, manuals, and standard operating procedures.
• Basic understanding of PLC programming concepts, industrial communication networks, automation platforms, and troubleshooting methodologies.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• 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 perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Valid authorization to work in the U.S. without restriction.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Industrial Technology, or a related field.
• Technical certifications related to industrial automation, controls, robotics, or electrical systems, such as QET Certification.
• At least 2 years of experience supporting automated manufacturing or industrial control systems.
• Experience troubleshooting Mitsubishi, Omron, Keyence, Siemens, Rockwell, or similar PLC platforms.
• Experience with servo motors, servo drives, robotics, machine vision systems, and automated production equipment.
• Experience troubleshooting industrial communication networks, including EtherCAT, DeviceNet, CC-Link, and Mechatrolink.
• Familiarity with NFPA 70E, NFPA 79, and industrial machinery safety standards.
• Experience using controls software for system configuration, diagnostics, and equipment recovery.
• Experience in high-volume battery manufacturing or a related industrial environment such as electronics, automotive, semiconductor, or energy storage manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair electrical, electromechanical, and automated manufacturing equipment to restore safe and efficient operation.
• Perform testing, fault diagnosis, component replacement, wiring modifications, and equipment recovery according to established procedures.
• Troubleshoot controls-related issues involving PLCs, HMIs, vision systems, sensors, servo systems, motors, drives, industrial communication networks, and automation platforms.
• Use electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, technical drawings, specifications, manuals, and standard operating procedures to support troubleshooting and repairs.
• Troubleshoot electrical systems and equipment up to 480VAC while following safety procedures.
• Use approved controls software to upload, download, back up, and restore machine parameters and configuration settings.
• Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities, repairs, troubleshooting efforts, and equipment performance.
• Develop working knowledge of manufacturing equipment across production areas and business units.
• Identify recurring equipment issues and support root cause analysis, corrective actions, and equipment improvements with observations, technical data, and troubleshooting input.
• Participate in preventive maintenance, predictive maintenance, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Assist with equipment testing and verification after repairs, modifications, and maintenance activities.
• Contribute recommendations to improve safety, quality, productivity, equipment performance, and operational effectiveness.
• Develop technical knowledge of manufacturing equipment, electrical systems, automation technologies, and facility standards.
• Share troubleshooting information with Maintenance and Production personnel and assist with equipment recovery.
• Seek guidance from experienced technicians, engineers, and supervisors to expand technical expertise.
• Complete required technical, safety, and compliance training.
• Communicate equipment issues, repair status, troubleshooting findings, operational concerns, and shift handoff information accurately and professionally.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Maintenance, Production, Quality, and Operations teams.
• Escalate complex equipment and controls issues with thorough troubleshooting details and supporting documentation.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships in a team-oriented manufacturing environment.
• Follow company safety policies, lockout/tagout procedures, electrical safety requirements, and regulatory standards.
• Ensure equipment is operating safely and reliably before returning machinery to production.
• Follow quality standards, work instructions, and documented procedures during troubleshooting and repairs.
• Support compliance with applicable OSHA, NFPA, and company standards, use required PPE, and promote a safe working environment.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, prescription plans, Health Savings Account, and Flexible Spending Account options.
• Voluntary life, accident, critical illness, disability, legal, identity theft, and pet insurance.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company matching contributions and immediate vesting.
• Vacation, holidays, personal days, sick leave, volunteer leave, and parental and caregiver leave.
• Tuition reimbursement for job-related courses after six months of service.
• Lifestyle Spending Account, EAP, virtual health management, chronic condition support, neurodiversity resources, tobacco cessation, substance abuse support, and life stage and fertility resources; eligibility varies.
• Employee recognition and awards platform with quarterly and annual recognition.
• Opportunity for an annual performance-based bonus.
• Onsite cafes, snack and beverage kitchens, vendor visits, and employee events.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree