Facilities Mechanical Engineer I

Panasonic•De Soto, KS

2d•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. Job Summary: The Facilities Mechanical Engineer I supports the operation, maintenance, and optimization of mechanical facility systems, including HVAC, plumbing, and associated controls. The position involves collaborating with the Operations & Maintenance team to troubleshoot issues, conduct assessments, and ensure efficient system performance. Responsibilities also include enforcing safety procedures and responding to emergencies. The role requires strong communication with engineers across disciplines to share best practices and support facility design and operational standards. Works independently on routine assignments and impacts projects within the functional area.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or related engineering field
Strong foundational understanding of core engineering principles
Skills and experience necessary to satisfy the required “Essential Duties”
Knowledge of and comfort with Microsoft Office Suite software including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
Excellent organizational and verbal skills
Experience with collecting and analyzing technical information
Able to manage multiple concurrent tasks in a fast-paced environment, effectively prioritize work, and deliver quality results
Driven to seek answers, provide timely follow up and remain focused on team success
Strong team building skills and willing to learn from and accept guidance from others
Intuitive, adaptable, resourceful, and collaborative
A strong work ethic with a “get the job done” approach and consistently delivers excellent customer service, both internally and externally
Must have working-level knowledge of the English language, including reading, writing, and speaking English

Nice To Haves

2+ years of engineering experience through internships, co-ops, or entry-level roles in manufacturing environments
Prior experience working as an Engineer Intern at a design firm or manufacturing facility
Some familiarity with commercial facility mechanical equipment and systems
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)

Responsibilities

Support the operation and performance of mechanical facility systems including central and unitary or zone-level HVAC air and hydronic systems, exhaust air systems, plumbing systems, and associated controls
Support mechanical equipment including chillers, cooling towers, pumps, steam boilers, heat exchangers, condensate return, process water, compressed air, central air handler units, makeup air units, clean room recirculation units, dry room dehumidification units, dust collectors, CRAC units, VAV and fan powered terminal units, exhaust fans, domestic water service, domestic hot water heaters, sanitary waste, PLC controls, and SCADA user interface
Conduct routine and ongoing assessments of facility system operations including tests, rounds, and data analysis to ensure proper functioning of systems and equipment
Identify opportunities to improve maintenance practices and operational efficiency through observation and data analysis
Witness Operations and Maintenance activities and coordinate with O&M staff to identify opportunities for improving reliability, maintenance, and operational efficiencies
Understand industrial equipment, processes, and operating parameters to support system and process improvements
Works on clearly defined tasks under supervision
Support the O&M team by sharing technical knowledge related to facility systems operations, diagnostics, and troubleshooting procedures
Provide input and feedback during team meetings and process reviews to improve technical training and procedural accuracy
Learns from mentors
Collaborate with O&M, Production, and Engineering teams to coordinate maintenance activities and ensure reliable utility support for manufacturing operations
Assist the Operations and Maintenance team with updating Standard Operating Procedures and as-built documentation
Support the Operations and Maintenance and Production teams with troubleshooting root causes of utility performance issues
Communicates within immediate team and relies upon established procedures
Ensure adherence to all company safety policies, environmental regulations, and standard operating procedures
Maintain a clean, organized, and hazard-free work environment consistent with 6S principles
Support audits and inspections by maintaining accurate documentation, calibration records, and maintenance logs
Respond rapidly and effectively to emergency situations such as fire, equipment failure, or facility evacuations to protect personnel and assets
Perform other duties as assigned to support facility reliability, compliance, and operational excellence

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 & 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.
Employee Recognition Program - High5 employee recognition and awards platform, quarterly and annual employee recognition
Annual Bonus Program - Opportunity for an annual performance-based bonus.
On-site Food Options: Several on-site cafes, plentiful snack and beverage kitchens, revolving on-site vendor visits and employee events
Free Shuttle: Rides to and from work!