Skilled Machine Operator

Panasonic • De Soto, KS

5d • Onsite

About The Position

Join 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 area, 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.

Requirements

• 2+ years of prior experience in a manufacturing, automation, assembly, or maintenance environment, or a minimum of 6 months as a Machine Operator 2.
• Proficient in the English language, including reading, writing, and verbal communication.
• Ability to analyze and estimate workload while performing multiple tasks
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals
• Ability to meet the physical demands and the PPE requirements of the role

Nice To Haves

• 3+ years of prior experience in a manufacturing, automation, assembly, or maintenance environment.
• Successful completion of Standard Work and Job Instruction training for internal candidates.
• An understanding of Kaizen and active participation in Standard Work Improvement activities.

Responsibilities

• Operate, recover, change over, and shut down production equipment in accordance with SOPs and work instructions while supporting safe, steady production flow.
• Own safety and quality by following PPE, LOTO, and Critical Safety Rules, stopping the line when concerns arise, and escalating issues promptly.
• Monitor machine performance, production status, and process conditions to identify abnormalities, take appropriate first action, and protect output quality.
• Support production continuity through material staging, timely requests for supplies or spare parts, and daily cleaning of machines and equipment.
• Model Panasonic’s high-performance culture by bringing energy, respect, accountability, and a team-first mindset to each shift.
• Perform manual NG removal and routine operator-level adjustments in accordance with SOPs, work instructions, and quality standards.
• Maintain accurate production, quality, and equipment-related records in accordance with applicable ISO standards and internal documentation requirements to support traceability, communication, and effective shift handoff.
• Perform minor troubleshooting and basic equipment adjustments within defined operator-level scope, escalating equipment or process issues when additional technical support is required.
• Identify opportunities to improve machine performance, process consistency, and product quality.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of operational processes, documentation, and standard work instructions to drive efficiency and productivity.
• Serve as a skilled operational bridge between Machine Operators and Technicians by supporting first-level response, issue identification, and timely escalation.
• Support on-the-job training, team development, and workflow alignment by sharing process knowledge, assisting peers with machine operation, safety practices, and quality control methods, and communicating effectively with shift leaders.
• Collaborate with Production, Engineering, Maintenance, and supervisors to identify and resolve quality, equipment, and process-related issues while communicating machine concerns, irregularities, and improvement suggestions promptly.
• Support safety, quality, and compliance standards by performing inspections, maintaining accurate records, reporting deviations, following PPE and LOTO requirements, sustaining 6S housekeeping practices, and meeting all operational expectations.

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 sessions offered each month.
• Company-matched and fully vested 401(k) retirement program that starts immediately from the date of enrollment.
• Annual bonus program, High5 employee recognition and awards platform, and quarterly and annual employee recognition.
• Simplified access to self-guided and representative-supported short- and long-term financial wellness and retirement planning.
• Educational Assistance and Reimbursement Program.
• Inclusion programs and associated employee resource groups that promote representation and belonging.
• Leadership, career, and mentorship development programs and opportunities at all levels across the organization.
• Collaborative and motivating culture rooted in continuous personal and professional growth, and more.

What This Job Offers

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