Equipment Specialist II

Overview Do you want to join a team that's changing the world? Do you have a strong background as an Equipment Specialist? Then we're looking for you! Check out the job description and apply now! Put your skills to meaningful use, gain unique experience, and work with world-class team members with diverse backgrounds and expertise who share the same vision. Join the PECNA team today! Responsibilities Summary: Join us at 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, 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. Job Summary: The Equipment Specialist II is a fully proficient technical specialist responsible for improving equipment reliability, reducing defects, increasing productivity, and supporting safe manufacturing operations through advanced troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement activities. This role independently diagnoses and resolves complex equipment issues, implements corrective and preventive actions, and provides technical support across multiple manufacturing processes and equipment platforms. Working closely with production, maintenance, quality, and engineering teams, the Equipment Specialist II utilizes mechanical expertise, controls knowledge, and data analysis to drive equipment performance and operational excellence. The position serves as a key technical resource and mentor to developing team members while supporting the execution of engineering and process improvement initiatives. Essential Duties: Functional Operations: Independently troubleshoot, repair, and maintain manufacturing equipment with minimal supervision Demonstrate advanced understanding of assigned production equipment, machine functions, and manufacturing processes Recover equipment following failures, repairs, upgrades, and improvement activities and verify operational readiness Diagnose and resolve complex mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and basic electrical system issues Utilize machine knowledge to identify mechanisms contributing to defects, alarms, downtime, and performance losses Install, test, and validate equipment improvements, modifications, and engineering changes Interpret mechanical and electrical drawings to support troubleshooting, maintenance, and equipment modifications Utilize precision measurement equipment including dial indicators, calipers, micrometers, and other specialized diagnostic tools Maintain complete and accurate documentation of troubleshooting activities, repairs, equipment modifications, and project work Performance Optimization & Continuous Improvement: Lead PDCA-based problem-solving activities and root cause investigations Perform root cause analysis and develop both immediate countermeasures and permanent corrective actions Analyze equipment, process, and production data to identify trends, correlations, and improvement opportunities Utilize tools such as Excel, Tableau, JMP, MES, or equivalent systems to support decision-making and issue resolution Drive initiatives focused on defect reduction, downtime reduction, equipment reliability, and productivity improvement Identify and prioritize equipment performance issues and develop action plans to address recurring problems Support engineering teams in validating equipment performance, process improvements, and technical solutions Escalate systemic or high-risk issues as appropriate while recommending corrective actions Training & Team Support: Provide technical guidance and support to Equipment Specialist I team members and other operational personnel Demonstrate and teach proper troubleshooting methods, equipment recovery procedures, and precision measurement techniques Assist with onboarding, technical training, certifications, and skill development activities Share best practices, lessons learned, and technical knowledge across shifts and teams Provide accurate and comprehensive shift pass-downs and communicate equipment status effectively Cross-Functional Collaboration & Communication: Collaborate with production, maintenance, engineering, quality, and operational leadership to coordinate equipment-related activities Communicate technical findings, equipment risks, and recommended actions to stakeholders Support planning and execution of equipment outages, upgrades, and improvement projects Coordinate work activities across multiple groups to ensure timely completion of corrective actions Build effective working relationships and serve as a trusted technical resource within the organization Quality, Safety, & Compliance: Follow all company, departmental, environmental, quality, and safety policies and procedures Ensure all equipment work is completed in accordance with established standards, specifications, and documentation requirements Support investigations related to quality issues and equipment-related defects Identify and address safety risks associated with equipment operation and maintenance activities Maintain a safe, clean, and organized work environment while promoting safe work practices Comply with lockout/tagout requirements and all applicable safety regulations Supervisory Responsibilities: None Travel Requirement: None Education, Certifications, and Licenses: Required: Associate degree in Electronic Technology, Mechatronics, Industrial Maintenance, Manufacturing Technology, or related technical field Relevant experience may substitute for required education Preferred: Bachelor's degree in Engineering Technology, Manufacturing Technology, Industrial Technology, or related field QET Certification or equivalent technical certification Six Sigma Yellow Belt or higher Root Cause Analysis training Essential Qualifications: 4+ years of manufacturing, industrial maintenance, equipment support, automation, mechatronics, or related technical experience Demonstrated expertise troubleshooting mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and basic electrical systems Successful completion of Ramsay mechanical or electrical aptitude assessment Ability to independently diagnose equipment failures and implement effective corrective actions Proficiency using Microsoft Office applications, MES, Tableau, and other manufacturing support systems Experience utilizing data analysis tools such as Excel, JMP, MATLAB, or similar platforms Ability to interpret and apply mechanical and electrical drawings during troubleshooting and equipment modifications Working knowledge of PLC systems and controls software, including use as a troubleshooting tool Working knowledge of automated manufacturing equipment and basic troubleshooting of vision systems Ability to develop and execute action plans while coordinating work across multiple teams Strong root cause analysis and problem-solving skills Working knowledge of PDCA, Root Cause Analysis (RCA), Lean Manufacturing, and continuous improvement methodologies Ability to independently prioritize workload, manage multiple equipment-related issues simultaneously, and adjust priorities based on operational needs Ability to provide technical training, coaching, and guidance to less experienced employees Strong verbal and written communication skills Ability to perform mathematical calculations including ratios, percentages, measurements, and interpretation of technical data and graphs 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) Preferred Qualifications: 6+ years of manufacturing or industrial equipment experience Strong background in electrical troubleshooting and controls systems Experience troubleshooting PLC- and automation-based manufacturing equipment Experience with Sysmac, Omron PLC software, or equivalent controls platforms Proficiency with CAD software Experience supporting vision systems and automated inspection equipment 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 Experience leading equipment improvement, defect reduction, reliability, or productivity initiatives Exposure to Python or advanced analytical tools used for manufacturing data analysis Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements: To ensure health and safety in the workplace and for employee protection, wearing PPE is required 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. A respirator fit test will be required based on functional area. Physical Demands: Physical Activities: Percentage of time (equaling 100%) during the normal workday the employee is required to: Sit: 10% Walk: 30% Stand: 60% Required Lifting and Carrying: Rare (<1%), Occasional (1-33%), Frequent (34-66%), Continuous (67-100%) For this position, the required frequency is: Up to 10 lbs.: Continuous Up to 20 lbs.: Continuous Up to 35 lbs.: Frequent Team-lift only (over 35 lbs.): Frequent The foregoing description is not intended and should not be construed to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or work conditions associated with the job. It is intended to be an accurate reflection of the general nature and level of the job. In addition, employees are expected to participate in cross-training and may be assigned responsibilities in other areas as business needs evolve. Who We Are: Meet Panasonic Energy! At Panasonic Energy, you'll do work that matters as we are dedicated to transforming the world through the acceleration of sustainable energy. By producing safe, high-quality lithium-ion batteries, you become part of a team that plays a crucial role in creating technologies that move us. This is an exciting time to join us as we expand our operations to De Soto, Kansas and build the world's largest lithium-ion battery factory. We will provide you with the opportunity to experience career growth in more ways than one. As an innovative thinker, you'll thrive here, as we continually push the boundaries of lithium-ion battery technology and production capabilities to enhance efficiency and performance in EVs. Being part of Panasonic Energy means positively contributing to society, aligning with our commitment to building a better world through sustainable energy solutions. We care about what you care about, fostering an environment where your contributions make a meaningful impact on the future of energy and transportation. Join us and be part of a team that values your work, encourages innovation, and actively contributes to a positive societal impact. In addition to an environment that is as innovative as our products, we offer competitive salaries and benefits. We Take Opportunity Seriously: At Panasonic Energy, we are committed to a workplace that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging. Fairness and Honesty have been part of our core values for more than 100 years and we are proud of our diverse culture as an equal opportunity employer. We understand that your career search may look different than others and embrace the professional, personal, educational, and volunteer opportunities through which people gain experience. If you are actively looking or starting to explore new opportunities, submit your application! Where You'll Be: For our onsite roles, Panasonic Energy is committed to fostering an ideal working environment that goes beyond the conventional. We understand the significance of moments that matter in your onsite experience, and we prioritize creating a workspace that not only promotes productivity but also ensures a fulfilling and positive work atmosphere. Join us at Panasonic Energy, where your onsite presence is valued, and we strive to make each moment count on your professional journey. Benefits & Perks - What's In It For You: Panasonic Energy prioritizes total well-being and offers comprehensive benefits options to support physical, emotional, financial, social, and environmental health: 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 and much more. Supplemental Information: Pre-employment drug testing is required. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. All qualified individuals are required to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. 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. Thank you for your interest in Panasonic Energy Corporation of North America. R-106183