Skilled Machine Technician Apprentice

We are proud to announce the establishment of a state-of-the-art Li-ion battery factory, set amidst the beautiful Kansas City Metro. This groundbreaking green-field factory will serve as a pioneering hub for innovation in sustainable energy solutions.

If you are passionate about contributing to a sustainable future and being part of a dynamic team shaping the electric vehicle revolution, this opportunity is tailor-made for you. We are seeking dedicated individuals to join us as full-time, on-site team members at our new, state-of-the-art factory located in the thriving city of DeSoto, Kansas.

In this role, the Skilled Machine Technician Apprentice will be part of a Registered Apprenticeship through the Kansas Department of Labor and will be responsible for learning to operate the production equipment and machinery in proper operating order through basic maintenance, basic troubleshooting, and basic repair. This is a multi-Craft position. This role will be exposed to improvement activities.

As a Skilled Machine Technician Apprentice, you play a crucial role in our operations. Your responsibilities include proficiently operating equipment and ensuring the safe and effective performance of tasks within the Panasonic Manufacturing Factory environment.

Time Requirements: Apprentices will attend eight weeks of intense Related Technical Instruction coursework at either Johnson County Community College or Kansas City Kansas Community College, all of which are paid as part of employment. Following coursework, apprentices will complete 2,000 hours of on-the-job training.

Essential Duties:

• Works closely with Program Facilitators, dedicated Trainers, Mentors, and the Panasonic Maintenance and Operations team members to operate assigned equipment.
• Completes the program combined on-the-job training, learning experiences, and education from the technical college program.
• Maintains accurate records of completed work on the equipment and machines, including After Action Reviews (AAR).
• Follows all safety procedures and conforms to Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO) procedures.

As apprentices, you will be expected to demonstrate a variety of behavioral competencies, many of which are considered employability skills. These skills should be addressed in both the Related Technical Instruction and through the On-the-Job Training with the help of your supervisor and mentor. These competencies include:

• Operates in the workplace in a safe and effective manners.
  • Adheres to safety, health, and environmental rules and regulations.
  • Determines the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
  • Performs the Lockout/Tagout procedure.
  • Conducts job safety analysis.
• Monitors and troubleshoots electrical systems.
  • Adheres to electrical power and control systems safety rules for electrical power and control systems.
  • Troubleshoots and installs electrical systems as needed.
  • Uses proper input and output wiring.
  • Uses networking principles to share data and enable and disable machines using an HMI.
  • Troubleshoots an HMI touchscreen.
  • Identifies the NEMA Emergency Stop Industry best practice.
• Monitors, troubleshoots, installs, and repairs basic mechanical systems
  • Performs a preventive maintenance procedure for a given machine to extend machine life and minimize downtime.
  • Uses tools to inspect, adjust/tighten and assemble/disassemble equipment and support preventive maintenance, inspection and troubleshooting activities.
  • Selects and uses troubleshooting methodologies to find malfunctions in machine systems to return the system to reliable, productive use in the shortest time possible.
• Monitors, troubleshoots, installs, and repairs basic hydraulic/pneumatic systems
  • Adheres to fluid power systems safety rules while understanding safety, health, and environmental rules and regulations.
  • Interprets a hydraulic/pneumatic circuit drawing.
  • Troubleshoots a basic hydraulic/pneumatic circuit.
• Sets up and operates machining equipment
  • Performs safety inspections.
  • Performs basic machining operations including actuators, sensors and other components.
  • Performs maintenance on equipment.
• Perform process improvements and other Continuous Improvement Initiatives
  • Uses 6S to ensure sort, set, shine, standardize, sustain, safety initiatives.
  • Performs various Continuous Improvement solutions.
• 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)
• Critical thinking skills are crucial including making quick decisions and solving problems correctly and efficiently are essential. While some tasks may be complex or challenging, it is vital to prepared to be creative and unconventional when necessary.
• Attention to detail is crucial in technical work which requires precision with little room for errors.
• Administrative; Organizational skills; Interpersonal and Communication Skills

Completion Requirements (Panasonic and Program)

• The apprenticeship program is time-based and requires a minimum of 12 months of on-the job training (2000 hours) plus successful completion of all classwork.
• Throughout the duration of the apprenticeship program, there will be four separate check-in sessions to comprehensively evaluate and assess student/employee performance, knowledge, skills, and experience. These evaluations will be based on classroom teachings and practical learning. These sessions aim to ensure strict adherence to the program's structured timeline and objectives, which are vital for successfully completing the apprenticeship within the allocated period.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements:

• To ensure the health and safety in the workplace and for the protection of our employees,’ wearing PPE is a possibility and includes equipment such as a full Tyvek suit, safety shoes, gloves, safety glasses, face mask, and a full hazmat suit that includes a respirator.

The above-mentioned description, in combination with all program requirements, is not exhaustive and should not be construed as a comprehensive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, work conditions, and training programs associated with this position. Instead, it is intended to accurately reflect the general nature and level necessary to meet the requirements successfully.

Qualifications:  Requirements - Required and/or Preferred

Education:

• Basic/Required: High School Degree or GED or a minimum of 2 years of production or manufacturing experience,

Essential Qualifications:

• Must have working-level knowledge of the English language, including reading, writing, and speaking English.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience in manufacturing environment.
• Experience preparing written documentation in a clear and concise manner.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, flexible environment and take the initiative to learn new tools and concepts quickly.

Physical Demands:

Physical Activities: (Percentage of time (equaling 100%) during the normal workday the employee is required to)

• Sit:                                                       5%
• Walk:                                                   10%
• Stand:                                                 75%
• Lift:                                                      10%

Required Lifting and Carrying: (Required frequency is:  Not required (0%), Occasional (1-33%), Frequent (34-66%, Continuous (67-100%)

• Up to 10 lbs.:                                       Frequent
• Up to 20 lbs.:                                       Frequent
• Up to 35 lbs.:                                       Occasional
• Team-lift only (over 35 lbs.):               Occasional

About Us: At the heart of this visionary project, Panasonic is committed to manufacturing cutting-edge cylindrical lithium-ion cells that will power the future of electric mobility. These cells will be meticulously crafted to meet the growing demands of the automotive industry, supporting various electric vehicle manufacturers in their quest for eco-friendly transportation solutions.
This role presents a unique chance to be at the forefront of innovation, working within a forward-thinking organization that is committed to environmental responsibility and the advancement of green technology. Be a part of our mission to power the future and make a difference in the world of electric mobility with Panasonic!

Supplemental Information: Pre-employment drug testing is required. Due to the high volume of responses, we will only be able to respond to candidates of interest. All candidates must have valid authorization to work in the U.S. without restriction. Panasonic is an Equal Opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by law.  All qualified individuals are required to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

Thank you for your interest in Panasonic Energy Corporation of North America.

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