Controls Engineering Technician I

Panasonic • De Soto, KS

12d • Onsite

About The Position

Join Panasonic Energy at our new, world's largest lithium-ion battery factory in De Soto, Kansas. This role supports the operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of automated manufacturing equipment and control systems. You will apply foundational electrical, automation, and troubleshooting skills to identify and resolve equipment issues impacting safety, quality, and production. Working under guidance, you will restore equipment functionality, support corrective actions, and develop expertise across various manufacturing systems and controls platforms. The goal is to independently resolve routine electrical and controls issues while continuously enhancing technical skills.

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 required education.
• 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.
• Must have working-level knowledge of the English language, including reading, writing, and speaking English.
• Alignment to Panasonic’s seven (7) core principles (contribution to society, fairness and honesty, cooperation and team spirit, untiring effort for improvement, courtesy and humility, adaptability, gratitude).

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 (e.g., QET Certification).
• 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 activities in accordance with established procedures.
• Troubleshoot routine controls-related issues involving PLCs, HMIs, vision systems, sensors, servo systems, motors, drives, industrial communication networks, and automation platforms, including Mitsubishi, Omron, Keyence, EtherCAT, DeviceNet, CC-Link, Mechatrolink, and similar systems.
• Utilize electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, technical drawings, specifications, manuals, and standard operating procedures to support troubleshooting and repair activities.
• Troubleshoot electrical systems and equipment up to 480VAC while adhering to established safety procedures.
• Utilize approved controls software to upload, download, back up, and restore machine parameters and configuration settings.
• Maintain complete and accurate records of maintenance activities, repairs, troubleshooting efforts, and equipment performance.
• Develop and maintain working knowledge of manufacturing equipment across multiple production areas and business units.
• Identify recurring equipment issues and support root cause analysis, corrective actions, and equipment improvements by providing observations, technical data, and troubleshooting input.
• Participate in preventive maintenance, predictive maintenance, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Assist with equipment testing and verification following repairs, modifications, and maintenance activities.
• Support reliability and continuous improvement initiatives by contributing ideas and recommendations that improve safety, quality, productivity, equipment performance, and operational effectiveness.
• Continuously develop technical knowledge of manufacturing equipment, electrical systems, automation technologies, and facility standards.
• Support Maintenance and Production personnel by sharing troubleshooting information and assisting with equipment recovery efforts.
• Seek guidance from experienced technicians, engineers, and supervisors to expand technical expertise and troubleshooting capabilities.
• Complete required technical, safety, and compliance training programs while demonstrating a commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
• 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 to support departmental objectives.
• Escalate complex equipment and controls issues appropriately while providing thorough troubleshooting details and supporting documentation.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships that support a team-oriented manufacturing environment.
• Adhere to all company safety policies, lockout/tagout procedures, electrical safety requirements, and regulatory standards.
• Ensure equipment is operating safely and reliably prior to returning machinery to production.
• Follow established quality standards, work instructions, and documented procedures when performing troubleshooting and repair activities.
• Support compliance with applicable OSHA, NFPA, and company standards governing industrial equipment and electrical systems while properly utilizing required personal protective equipment (PPE) and promoting a safe working environment.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, prescription plans, plus Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account options.
• Life, accident, critical illness, disability, legal, identity theft, and pet insurance.
• 401(k) plan with company matching contributions and immediate vesting.
• Vacation, holidays, personal days, sick leave, volunteer, and parental & caregiver leave.
• Tuition reimbursement for job-related courses after six months of service.
• Lifestyle Spending Account, EAP, virtual health management, chronic condition, neurodiversity, tobacco cessation, substance abuse support, and life stage and fertility resources.
• High5 employee recognition and awards platform, quarterly and annual employee recognition.
• Opportunity for an annual performance-based bonus.
• Several on-site cafes, plentiful snack and beverage kitchens, revolving on-site vendor visits and employee events.

What This Job Offers

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