Equipment Specialist III

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 III serves as the senior technical resource for assigned manufacturing operations and is responsible for coordinating daily activities, supporting equipment reliability, and driving continuous improvement efforts across the team. This role provides advanced technical expertise in equipment troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and process optimization while serving as the primary escalation point for complex equipment-related issues. Working closely with production, maintenance, quality, engineering, and operational leadership, the Equipment Specialist III prioritizes work, facilitates communication, develops team capability, and supports the successful execution of departmental objectives. The position combines advanced technical proficiency with informal leadership responsibilities to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable manufacturing operations. Essential Duties: Functional Operations: Serve as the primary technical escalation point for complex equipment issues, equipment recovery efforts, and troubleshooting activities Coordinate daily work activities and technical priorities for Equipment Specialists within assigned areas or shifts Demonstrate expert-level knowledge of assigned manufacturing equipment, machine systems, and production processes Lead complex troubleshooting efforts involving mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical, controls, and automated manufacturing systems Support equipment startup, qualification, modifications, upgrades, and validation activities Provide technical direction during equipment repairs, improvement activities, and engineering change implementations Utilize machine expertise to identify equipment-related sources of defects, alarms, downtime, and productivity losses Maintain accurate and complete documentation of equipment activities, troubleshooting efforts, and improvement projects Utilize precision measurement tools including dial indicators, calipers, micrometers, and other diagnostic instruments to support equipment performance and reliability Performance Optimization & Continuous Improvement: Lead cross-functional PDCA activities, root cause investigations, and corrective action development Analyze production, equipment, quality, and maintenance data to identify performance gaps, trends, and improvement opportunities Develop and coordinate action plans to improve reliability, productivity, quality performance, and operational efficiency Evaluate the effectiveness of corrective and preventive actions and recommend adjustments as necessary Support achievement of departmental goals, key performance indicators (KPIs), and operational targets Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other structured problem-solving methodologies Partner with engineering and operational leadership to identify and prioritize strategic improvement opportunities Monitor team progress on assigned actions and ensure timely completion of deliverables Training & Team Support: Coach, mentor, and develop Equipment Specialists by sharing technical expertise, best practices, and troubleshooting techniques Support onboarding, qualification, certification, and technical development activities for team members Identify skill gaps and recommend training and development opportunities to leadership Facilitate knowledge sharing across shifts, teams, and functional groups Promote a culture of accountability, continuous learning, teamwork, and operational excellence Provide guidance and support to team members during equipment failures, process issues, and improvement activities Cross-Functional Collaboration & Communication: Act as the primary liaison between Equipment Specialists, engineering, maintenance, production, quality, and operational leadership Communicate equipment priorities, risks, project status, and escalation needs to stakeholders Coordinate work activities across multiple groups to ensure efficient execution of equipment-related priorities Participate in production meetings, operational reviews, and escalation discussions as the team's technical representative Support supervisors and engineering teams in planning equipment outages, upgrades, and improvement initiatives Build collaborative relationships with stakeholders to support business objectives and operational performance Quality, Safety, & Compliance: Follow all company, departmental, environmental, quality, and safety policies and procedures Ensure equipment-related work is completed in compliance with established standards, procedures, and documentation requirements Promote adherence to lockout/tagout requirements and safe work practices Identify and address equipment-related safety risks and operational concerns Support investigations involving quality concerns, equipment failures, and process deviations Maintain a safe, organized, and compliant work environment while promoting a culture of safety and accountability Does not have authority for hiring, termination, disciplinary actions, performance evaluations, compensation decisions, or other formal supervisory duties Supervisory Responsibilities: Provides technical leadership, work coordination, coaching, mentoring, and training support to team members Does not have authority for hiring, termination, disciplinary actions, performance evaluations, compensation decisions, or other formal supervisory duties 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 Green Belt or higher Advanced Root Cause Analysis training Essential Qualifications: 6+ years of manufacturing, industrial maintenance, equipment support, automation, mechatronics, or related technical experience Demonstrated advanced expertise troubleshooting mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical, and automated manufacturing systems Successful completion of Ramsay mechanical or electrical aptitude assessment Ability to lead complex troubleshooting efforts and resolve high-impact equipment-related issues Demonstrated ability to influence cross-functional teams and build collaborative working relationships Proficiency using Microsoft Office applications, MES, Tableau, JMP, and other manufacturing support systems Advanced ability to analyze equipment and operational data to identify trends, root causes, and improvement opportunities Ability to interpret and apply mechanical and electrical drawings during troubleshooting, equipment modifications, and project implementation Strong working knowledge of PLC systems, controls software, and automated manufacturing equipment Experience supporting vision systems and related automation technologies Advanced root cause analysis, problem-solving, and decision-making skills Working knowledge of PDCA, Root Cause Analysis (RCA), Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies Ability to prioritize work, manage multiple competing priorities, and coordinate activities across teams and functional groups Demonstrated ability to coach, mentor, and develop technical employees Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills Ability to perform mathematical calculations including ratios, percentages, measurements, and interpretation of technical and operational data 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: Previous experience serving as a technical lead, project lead, shift lead, or informal team leader Strong background in electrical troubleshooting, controls systems, and automation technologies Experience with Sysmac, Omron PLC software, or equivalent controls platforms Proficiency with CAD software 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 Demonstrated success leading equipment reliability, defect reduction, productivity, or process improvement initiatives Experience presenting technical findings, improvement plans, and project updates to leadership teams Proficiency with Python, advanced analytics, or other manufacturing data analysis tools 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-106184