Skilled Machine Technician (Level 4)

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.

Position Summary: The Skilled Machine Technician - Level 4 (SMT- 4) independently operates automated high-speed lithium-ion battery production machines within controlled environments. These responsibilities encompass ensuring the safe and efficient production of top-quality batteries through machine and work area maintenance, implementing root cause corrective action (RCCA), continuous improvement, advanced troubleshooting, and maintenance. As an SMT-4, the role includes conducting training for colleagues to maintain high production standards and adherence to safety protocols.

Essential Duties:

• Serves as a model by executing responsibilities in accordance with safety policies and procedures.
• Minimize operational downtime through advanced preventative and reactive maintenance methodologies, including Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), LEAN manufacturing, and optimized equipment alignment.
• Serve as an advocate for the Panasonic Production System (PPS) and assume responsibility for spearheading continuous improvements (CI).
• Experienced equipment operator expert in initiating, operating, and troubleshooting a wide range of machinery with advanced equipment repair and maintenance proficiency.
• Ensure a clean and secure work environment is maintained by strictly adhering to the 6S principles: Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain, Safety. Demonstrate a profound understanding of departmental workflows and processes and exhibit meticulous attention to detail - contribution is critical in guaranteeing a safe and efficient work environment.
• Responsible for ensuring and supporting cost-effective production, safety, and key performance indicators (KPIs) are utilized as driving forces.
• Performing ongoing image inspections and visual quality checks to verify adherence to acceptance standards through diligent process monitoring.
• Responsible for creating, composing, and revising work instructions, standard operating procedures (SOP), and standard work instructions (SWI), as well as preparing essential documentation as required.
• Responsible for conducting peer-to-peer training sessions, during which you will instruct and guide your colleagues or peers.
• Ability to meet the physical demands and the PPE requirements of the role
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify and resolve issues in a timely manner.
• Support proper implementation of processes and procedures to ensure compliance with industry standards, regulatory requirements, and customer specifications.
• Operate and maintain tools and equipment within functional area
• Ability to work all scheduled shift hours

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements:

• To ensure the health and safety in the workplace and for the protection of our employees’, wearing PPE is mandatory including equipment such as a full Tyvek suit, safety shoes, gloves, safety glasses, face mask, and a full hazmat suit that includes a respirator. Pre-employment respirator fit test will be required based on functional area.

The foregoing description is not intended and should not be construed to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills and efforts or work conditions associated with the job. It is intended to accurately reflect the general nature and level of the job.

Qualifications: Requirements - Required and/or Preferred

Education

• Required: High School Diploma, General Education Development (GED), 2 years of prior experience in functional area

Essential Qualifications

• 5 years of prior experience in functional area
• Proficient in the English language, encompassing adeptness in reading, writing, and verbal communication.
• Prior experience in a fast-paced, high-volume manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated proficiency in sub-assemblies, drive units, and equipment rebuilds.
• Proficient in the Microsoft Office suite and experienced in computer operations, with knowledge of navigating department-specific system programs.

Preferred Qualifications

• 6 years of prior experience in functional area
• Successful completion of Standard Work and Job Instruction training, comprehensive understanding and advocacy of Kaizen, and active participation and support in Standard Work Improvement activities.
• Minimum of six years of experience in a fast-paced, high-volume manufacturing environment.
• Extensive experience in managing the launch of new production lines, sub-assemblies, drive units, and refurbishing of equipment/rebuilds.

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred License(s): None

Preferred Certification(s): None

Physical Demands

Physical Activities: During the standard workday, the employee must be capable of performing the specified activities for 100% of the workday, including:

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

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

Employee must be able to lift and carry or otherwise move:

• 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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