Manufacturing Equipment Technician III

Panasonic • De Soto, KS

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Manufacturing Equipment Technician III serves as the senior technical resource for assigned manufacturing operations and is responsible for coordinating daily activities, supporting equipment reliability, and driving continuous improvement efforts across the team. This role provides advanced technical expertise in equipment troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and process optimization while serving as the primary escalation point for complex equipment-related issues. Working closely with production, maintenance, quality, engineering, and operational leadership, the Equipment Specialist III prioritizes work, facilitates communication, develops team capability, and supports the successful execution of departmental objectives. The position combines advanced technical proficiency with informal leadership responsibilities to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable manufacturing operations.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED
• Successful Ramsay mechanical assessment
• 5+ years of manufacturing, industrial maintenance, equipment support, automation, mechatronics, or related technical experience with increasing responsibility, or a minimum of 1 year as a PECNA Equipment Specialist II or PECNA Advanced Maintenance Technician
• Demonstrated advanced expertise troubleshooting mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical, and automated manufacturing systems
• Successful completion of Ramsay mechanical or electrical aptitude assessment
• Ability to lead complex troubleshooting efforts and resolve high-impact equipment-related issues
• Demonstrated ability to influence cross-functional teams and build collaborative working relationships
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office applications, MES, Tableau, JMP, and other manufacturing support systems
• Advanced ability to analyze equipment and operational data to identify trends, root causes, and improvement opportunities
• Ability to interpret and apply mechanical and electrical drawings during troubleshooting, equipment modifications, and project implementation
• Strong working knowledge of PLC systems, controls software, and automated manufacturing equipment
• Experience supporting vision systems and related automation technologies
• Advanced root cause analysis, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Working knowledge of PDCA, Root Cause Analysis (RCA), Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies
• Ability to prioritize work, manage multiple competing priorities, and coordinate activities across teams and functional groups
• Demonstrated ability to coach, mentor, and develop technical employees
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations including ratios, percentages, measurements, and interpretation of technical and operational data
• 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)
• Full Tyvek suit, safety shoes, gloves, safety glasses, face mask, and a full hazmat suit that includes a respirator
• Respirator fit test will be required based on functional area
• Sit: 10%
• Walk: 30%
• Stand: 60%
• Up to 10 lbs.: Continuous
• Up to 20 lbs.: Continuous
• Up to 35 lbs.: Frequent
• Team-lift only (over 35 lbs.): Frequent
• Valid authorization to work in the U.S. without restriction

Nice To Haves

• Associate's degree in Engineering Technology, Manufacturing Technology, Industrial Technology, or related field
• Completion of the PECNA Maintenance Apprenticeship Program
• QET Certification or equivalent technical certification
• Six Sigma Green Belt or higher
• Advanced Root Cause Analysis training
• 6+ years of industrial maintenance experience in a manufacturing environment
• Previous experience serving as a technical lead, project lead, shift lead, or informal team leader
• Strong background in electrical troubleshooting, controls systems, and automation technologies
• Experience with Sysmac, Omron PLC software, or equivalent controls platforms
• Proficiency with CAD software
• Experience operating and maintaining technical equipment such as 3D printers, microscopes, laser scanners, or similar devices
• Experience with fabrication, machining, welding, and custom equipment modifications
• Demonstrated success leading equipment reliability, defect reduction, productivity, or process improvement initiatives
• Experience presenting technical findings, improvement plans, and project updates to leadership teams
• Proficiency with Python, advanced analytics, or other manufacturing data analysis tools

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary technical escalation point for complex equipment issues, equipment recovery efforts, and troubleshooting activities
• Coordinate daily work activities and technical priorities for Equipment Specialists within assigned areas or shifts
• Demonstrate expert-level knowledge of assigned manufacturing equipment, machine systems, and production processes
• Lead complex troubleshooting efforts involving mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical, controls, and automated manufacturing systems
• Support equipment startup, qualification, modifications, upgrades, and validation activities
• Provide technical direction during equipment repairs, improvement activities, and engineering change implementations
• Utilize machine expertise to identify equipment-related sources of defects, alarms, downtime, and productivity losses
• Maintain accurate and complete documentation of equipment activities, troubleshooting efforts, and improvement projects
• Utilize precision measurement tools including dial indicators, calipers, micrometers, and other diagnostic instruments to support equipment performance and reliability
• Lead cross-functional PDCA activities, root cause investigations, and corrective action development
• Analyze production, equipment, quality, and maintenance data to identify performance gaps, trends, and improvement opportunities
• Develop and coordinate action plans to improve reliability, productivity, quality performance, and operational efficiency
• Evaluate the effectiveness of corrective and preventive actions and recommend adjustments as necessary
• Support achievement of departmental goals, key performance indicators (KPIs), and operational targets
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other structured problem-solving methodologies
• Partner with engineering and operational leadership to identify and prioritize strategic improvement opportunities
• Monitor team progress on assigned actions and ensure timely completion of deliverables
• Coach, mentor, and develop Equipment Specialists by sharing technical expertise, best practices, and troubleshooting techniques
• Support onboarding, qualification, certification, and technical development activities for team members
• Identify skill gaps and recommend training and development opportunities to leadership
• Facilitate knowledge sharing across shifts, teams, and functional groups
• Promote a culture of accountability, continuous learning, teamwork, and operational excellence
• Provide guidance and support to team members during equipment failures, process issues, and improvement activities
• Act as the primary liaison between Equipment Specialists, engineering, maintenance, production, quality, and operational leadership
• Communicate equipment priorities, risks, project status, and escalation needs to stakeholders
• Coordinate work activities across multiple groups to ensure efficient execution of equipment-related priorities
• Participate in production meetings, operational reviews, and escalation discussions as the team's technical representative
• Support supervisors and engineering teams in planning equipment outages, upgrades, and improvement initiatives
• Build collaborative relationships with stakeholders to support business objectives and operational performance
• Follow all company, departmental, environmental, quality, and safety policies and procedures
• Ensure equipment-related work is completed in compliance with established standards, procedures, and documentation requirements
• Promote adherence to lockout/tagout requirements and safe work practices
• Identify and address equipment-related safety risks and operational concerns
• Support investigations involving quality concerns, equipment failures, and process deviations
• Maintain a safe, organized, and compliant work environment while promoting a culture of safety and accountability
• Provides technical leadership, work coordination, coaching, mentoring, and training support to team members

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: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED