Skilled Machine Technician – Level 1

Panasonic • De Soto, KS

5d

About The Position

Position Summary: The Skilled Machine Technician – Level 1 (SMT-1) is responsible for operating automated high-speed lithium-ion battery production machines within clean-room environments. Responsibilities include machine maintenance, ensuring the cleanliness of work areas, and facilitating the safe and efficient production of high-quality batteries. Additionally, the SMT-1 performs basic equipment cleaning and maintenance procedures.

Requirements

• High School Diploma, General Education Development (GED), or 2 years of prior experience in functional area
• 0-1 years of prior experience in functional area
• Proficient in the English language, encompassing adeptness in reading, writing, and verbal communication
• Ability to meet the physical demands and the PPE requirements of the role
• Prior exposure to a manufacturing/production environment

Nice To Haves

• 1-2 years of prior experience in functional area
• Demonstrated Standard Work and Job Instruction training completion, including familiarity with Kaizen and active participation in Standard Work Improvement activities
• Proficiency with hand tools, technical instructions, and quality control

Responsibilities

• Initiate, operate, recover, and shut down core production machinery in accordance with defined Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Work Instructions.
• Operate and maintain tools, machines, and equipment within the functional area to ensure smooth and continuous production flow.
• Monitor machine parameters, production status, and operational performance to maintain efficiency and output quality.
• Support timely fulfillment of requests for materials, supplies, and spare parts to sustain production continuity.
• Complete end-of-shift and end-of-day production reporting and documentation requirements.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot machine and equipment errors using observation, escalation procedures, and precision measuring tools.
• Assist Maintenance Technicians in performing basic preventative maintenance tasks to enhance reliability and minimize unplanned downtime.
• 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.
• Share process knowledge and insights with team members to strengthen departmental performance and consistency.
• Support supervisor-led initiatives focused on team development, procedural compliance, and skill advancement.
• Assist peers within the functional area on proper machine operation, safety practices, and quality control methods.
• Maintain awareness of workflow priorities and communicate effectively with shift leaders to align team efforts.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including: Production, Engineering, and Maintenance to identify and resolve quality or equipment-related issues.
• Communicate machine concerns, process irregularities, and improvement suggestions promptly to Supervisors and Engineers.
• Support departmental coordination during production transitions, maintenance activities, and troubleshooting events.
• Promote a collaborative culture by actively engaging with team members to achieve shared production goals.
• Perform visual quality checks and continuous image inspections to uphold product integrity and meet acceptance standards.
• Maintain inspection and deviation records accurately and in compliance with PECNA policies and industry regulations.
• Report all quality deviations or non-conformances immediately to appropriate personnel.
• Adhere strictly to all company safety policies, PPE standards, and Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized workspace by applying 6S and good housekeeping practices.
• Ensure compliance with environmental, health, and safety standards while supporting a zero-incident workplace culture.
• Meet all physical, attendance, and behavioral expectations associated with operational roles.
• No authority to hire, transfer, suspend, lay off, recall, promote, discharge, reward, or discipline other employees.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees