Facilities Fire Systems Technician - Level 5

Panasonic • De Soto, KS

3d • Onsite

About The Position

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.

The Facilities Fire Systems Technician – Level 5 performs advanced inspection, testing, maintenance, troubleshooting, and technical oversight of fire protection and life-safety systems to ensure system reliability, operational readiness, and full regulatory compliance across the site. Serving as a senior technical resource within the Facilities organization, this role provides subject matter expertise for fire alarm, detection, suppression, and related infrastructure systems; leads complex diagnostics and system restoration efforts; and establishes technical standards and best practices. Working independently with limited oversight, this position collaborates with internal teams, contractors, local authorities, and regulatory representatives to ensure safe, compliant, and resilient facility operations.

Requirements

• High school diploma, GED, or 2 years of prior experience in fire protection or related fields
• Current state-issued driver's license
• 4+ years of experience as a Fire Systems Technician or relevant field
• Ability to lift, climb ladders, work at heights, and work in confined spaces
• Advanced knowledge of electrical safety practices and lockout/tagout procedures
• Advanced troubleshooting experience with low-voltage systems, including fire alarm, security, or building automation wiring
• Advanced knowledge of water-based fire protection systems, including wet, dry, standpipe, and hydrant systems
• Ability to independently interpret blueprints, wiring diagrams, P&IDs, technical manuals, and sequence of operations
• Ability to evaluate contractor work for technical accuracy and code alignment
• 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 degree in Fire Protection Technology, Fire Science, Electrical Technology, Industrial Maintenance, Mechanical Systems, Engineering, or related technical field
• Relevant technical training in fire alarm, suppression systems, or life-safety systems
• OSHA 30 Certification
• NFPA 70E or NFPA 70B
• 8+ years of experience in relevant fire protection roles
• Knowledge of applicable fire protection codes and standards, including NFPA requirements
• Experience serving as technical lead during fire protection system inspections involving Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)
• Experience supporting fire protection system upgrades, retrofits, or capital improvement projects
• Experience in industrial, manufacturing, or large campus environments

Responsibilities

• Perform advanced inspections, testing, maintenance, repairs, and system diagnostics on fire alarm, suppression, fire extinguishers, and life-safety systems
• Develop and maintain advanced expertise in site-specific hazards and facility safety procedures, serving as a primary technical resource for routine operations and technical issue resolution
• Operate, maintain, and manage fire protection tools, equipment, and related system assets, including inventory management
• Lead technical troubleshooting efforts for complex or high-impact system failures
• Provide technical oversight of contractor activities related to fire protection systems
• Review and validate contractor inspection, testing, and repair documentation for technical accuracy
• Lead investigation and resolution efforts related to thermal events, fire alarm activations, system impairments, and unwanted system activations, coordinating with internal teams, contractors, and relevant stakeholders
• Analyze system performance data and identify trends impacting reliability or compliance
• Lead root cause evaluations for significant system failures or unwanted activations
• Develop and recommend improvements to preventive maintenance strategies and system reliability practices
• Ensure completeness and technical accuracy of maintenance records, inspection documentation, and impairment logs
• Provide technical guidance, training, and mentorship to Level 3 and Level 4 technicians
• Support development and refinement of fire protection procedures and technical documentation
• Maintain and advance professional certifications (NICET, OSHA, manufacturer-specific training)
• Support technical training initiatives, system readiness activities, and continuous improvement efforts related to fire protection and life-safety systems
• Serve as primary technical contact for fire protection systems during inspections and testing activities
• Interface with Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) during routine inspections, system testing, and technical reviews
• Collaborate with Engineering, Facilities Operations and Maintenance, EHS, contractors, and external agencies to resolve complex system issues
• Provide technical input for system impairments, restorations, and risk mitigation strategies
• Ensure fire protection systems are maintained in compliance with applicable codes, standards, regulatory requirements, and company policies
• Provide technical review and support for Permit to Work activities involving fire protection impairments
• Support coordination of fire protection system impairments and restorations in accordance with established procedures
• Support proper implementation of processes and procedures
• Maintain 6S and plant quality standards
• Meet PPE and physical requirements
• Work all assigned shift hours

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 and much more.

What This Job Offers

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