Equipment Specialist I

Panasonic • De Soto, KS

7d • Onsite

About The Position

Summary:
Join us at Panasonic Energy as we expand to De Soto, Kansas, where we’re building the world’s largest lithium-ion battery factory. This is an exciting opportunity to grow your career while contributing to the future of electric vehicles. As part of our team, you’ll help push the limits of battery technology, enhancing performance and efficiency in sustainable transportation.
Our state-of-the-art facility, just outside the Kansas City Metro, will be a hub for innovation in green energy solutions. If you're passionate about sustainability and eager to contribute to the electric vehicle revolution, we invite you to be part of our dynamic team. Join us and make a meaningful impact on the future of energy and transportation.
Job Summary:
The Equipment Specialist I supports equipment reliability, defect reduction, productivity improvement, and safe manufacturing operations through the application of developing mechanical, troubleshooting, and data analysis skills. This role performs routine equipment repairs, equipment recovery, inspections, and improvement activities while learning increasingly complex manufacturing systems and processes. Working closely with production teams, maintenance personnel, engineers, and senior specialists, the Equipment Specialist I participates in root cause investigations, implements corrective actions, and supports continuous improvement initiatives using problem-solving methodologies such as PDCA. The position serves as an entry point into technical engineering support by building expertise in equipment performance, machine systems, and manufacturing operations.

Requirements

• High School Diploma, GED, or 3 years of technical training, apprenticeship training, or equivalent hands-on mechanical experience
• 2+ years of manufacturing, industrial maintenance, equipment support, automation, mechatronics, or related technical experience, completion of the PECNA Maintenance Apprenticeship Program, or completion of the Skilled Machine Technician Apprenticeship Program and a minimum of 6 months as a Skilled Machine Technician
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and basic understanding of mechanical systems, electrical systems, hydraulics, and pneumatic equipment
• Successful completion of Ramsay mechanical or electrical aptitude assessment
• Ability to troubleshoot routine equipment issues using established procedures and guidance
• Computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office applications, manufacturing execution systems (MES), and other production support software
• Ability to collect, organize, and interpret basic operational and equipment performance data
• Ability to read and interpret technical documents, work instructions, and standard operating procedures
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented manufacturing environment
• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations including ratios, percentages, measurements, and interpretation of charts and graphs
• 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

• Associate’s degree in Electronic Technology, Mechatronics, Industrial Maintenance, Manufacturing Technology, or related technical field
• Completion of PECNA Maintenance Apprenticeship Program
• PLC training or certification
• PECNA-approved technical training
• 4+ years of industrial maintenance experience in a manufacturing environment
• Experience interpreting mechanical or electrical drawings
• Experience with manufacturing execution systems (MES), Tableau, or similar production data systems
• Exposure to PLCs, automation systems, machine controls, or vision systems
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, PDCA, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies
• Experience supporting defect reduction, equipment reliability, or productivity improvement initiatives
• Experience using Excel for basic data analysis and reporting
• Experience with welding, fabrication, machining, or equipment repair
• Exposure to Python, JMP, or other data analysis tools

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot, repair, and maintain manufacturing equipment under established procedures and guidance from senior team members
• Develop working knowledge of assigned production equipment, machine functions, and process operations
• Perform equipment recovery activities and verify machine functionality following maintenance, repair, or improvement activities
• Install improvement parts, conduct measurements, and assist with equipment modifications
• Identify and troubleshoot routine mechanical issues involving sensors, bearings, gearboxes, linear guides, conveyors, and related machine components
• Use precision measurement tools including dial indicators, calipers, micrometers, and other diagnostic instruments
• Maintain accurate documentation of equipment repairs, adjustments, inspections, and improvement activities
• Support machine startup, qualification, and operational readiness activities as assigned
• Participate in PDCA-based problem solving and root cause investigations
• Monitor equipment and process performance data to identify abnormalities and verify effectiveness of corrective actions
• Utilize basic Excel functionality, charts, and graphs to analyze and communicate equipment performance trends
• Assist with implementation of corrective and preventive actions designed to reduce defects, alarms, downtime, and productivity losses
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on equipment reliability, safety, quality, and operational performance
• Escalate complex technical issues to senior specialists, engineers, or leadership as appropriate
• Participate in technical training programs to develop expertise across multiple equipment platforms and production processes
• Share information and lessons learned with team members
• Support training activities, audits, and certifications as assigned
• Demonstrate willingness to learn new technologies, equipment systems, and troubleshooting techniques
• Complete shift pass-downs and provide accurate updates regarding equipment status and unfinished work
• Work closely with production, maintenance, engineering, and quality teams to coordinate equipment-related activities
• Communicate equipment concerns, performance issues, and repair status to appropriate stakeholders
• Maintain active communication with leadership regarding job-related concerns, abnormal conditions, and equipment performance issues
• Support engineering projects by collecting data, providing technical observations, and assisting with implementation activities
• Contribute to a collaborative team environment focused on operational excellence and continuous improvement
• Follow all company, departmental, environmental, quality, and safety policies and procedures
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment
• Comply with all equipment safety requirements, lockout/tagout procedures, and safe work practices
• Support quality initiatives by identifying and addressing equipment-related sources of defects and variation
• Ensure work activities are completed in accordance with established standards, procedures, and documentation requirements

Benefits

• Highly inclusive and class-leading healthcare options to include family planning, mental health, and pet insurance
• Employee assistance programs that support total well-being with complimentary session offered each and every month
• Company-matched and fully vested 401K retirement program that starts immediately from date of enrollment
• Annual bonus program, High5 employee recognition and awards platform, quarterly and annual employee recognition
• Simplified access to self-guided and representative-supported short and long-term financial wellness and retirement planning
• Educational Assistance & Reimbursement Program
• Inclusion programs and associated employee resource groups that promote representation and belonging
• Leadership, career, and mentorship development programs opportunities at all levels across the organization
• Collaborative and motivating culture that is rooted in continuous personal and professional growth

What This Job Offers

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