Entry Level Assembly Jobs in Lawrence, KS (NOW HIRING)

Overview
Do you want to join a team that's changing the world? Do you have a strong background as a Maintenance Technician? 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
Job: Maintenance Technician Level 3 (Assembly)
Shift: Nights, D- Shift (7pm to 7am) (Thurs, Fri, Sat & Rotating Wed)
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 Maintenance Technician - Level 3 is a multi-craft position responsible for maintaining production equipment and machinery in proper operating order through preventative maintenance, basic troubleshooting, and basic repair under routine guidance. This role performs entry-level maintenance activities under guidance from senior technicians and leadership. The technician works closely with Operations to ensure reliable equipment performance and minimal downtime. This role participates in improvement activities and supports the implementation of Total Preventative Maintenance (TPM) and machine ownership initiatives. This position requires strong technical skills, teamwork, and adherence to all safety and quality standards within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Essential Duties:
Functional Operations:

• Work closely with Operations teams to maintain PECNA equipment
• Perform maintenance tasks following established procedures, work instructions, and guidance from senior technicians
• Check settings, gauge readings, Human Machine Interface (HMI), and sensors regularly to keep machines operating within specifications
• Perform regular preventative maintenance per documented requirements (e.g., cleaning, lubricating shafts, bearings, gears)
• Tighten bolts, inspect belts/chains for wear and tension, and replace belts, filters, and other consumable components as needed
• Grease or lubricate fittings, joints, unions, and motors as required
• Perform thorough cleaning activities on dismantled equipment and reassemble per OEM specifications under guidance
• Clean, organize, inventory, stock, and maintain shop and production areas, parts, tools, and supplies in a 6S environment
• Operate and maintain tools and equipment in assigned areas

Performance Optimization & Continuous Improvement:

• Perform basic troubleshooting to replace worn or broken parts
• Conduct visual and audible inspections to detect abnormalities and support scheduling of repairs
• Examine machine components to detect wear and imperfections
• Assist with basic electrical or mechanical troubleshooting on non-functioning electro-mechanical equipment under guidance
• Use hand tools, power tools, electric meters, measuring devices, and material handling equipment
• Identify faulty operations and defective material; escalate issues to supervisors as needed
• Conduct initial multimeter readings of motors and gain exposure to PLC ladder logic with guidance
• Support identification of causes of unexpected breakdowns and escalate findings as needed
• Respond to routine equipment issues and support restoration of normal operations
• Escalate non-routine or unresolved issues to higher-level technicians
• Assist in developing and updating Standard Work as required

Training & Team Support:

• Provide basic task-level guidance to peers and support training activities as assigned
• Actively participate in on-the-job training and skill development
• Maintain flexibility to work all scheduled shift hours

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Communication:

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve issues promptly
• Support implementation of industry-standard compliant processes and procedures
• Communicate equipment status, issues, and completed work clearly to operations and maintenance teams

Quality, Safety, & Compliance:

• Maintain accurate records of completed work, including After Action Reviews (AARs)
• Ensure compliance with all safety regulations, standard operating procedures, and company quality policies
• Follow 6S workplace organization standards and maintain a clean, safe, and well-organized work area
• Adhere to all Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) requirements and maintenance safety procedures
• Utilize required personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow all safety protocols specific to maintenance activities

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None

Travel Requirement:

• None

Education, Certifications, and Licenses:
Required:

• High school diploma, GED, or 2 years of prior experience in functional area

Preferred:

• Associate degree or higher in a technical discipline (e.g., Industrial Maintenance, Mechatronics, Electrical Technology)
• Lean Manufacturing Certification or Yellow Belt
• Journeyman Certification
• PECNA-approved Technical Training

Essential Qualifications:

• 2+ years of relevant maintenance or technical work experience
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, flexible environment and learn new tools and concepts quickly
• Successful completion of Ramsay mechanical or electrical aptitude assessment
• Basic mathematical skills and ability to perform standard calculations
• Ability to learn and understand the organization's production equipment and processes
• Adaptable, collaborative, and communicative team player with strong problem-solving skills
• Willingness to receive guidance and contribute to a team-oriented culture
• 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:

• 4+ years of relevant maintenance or technical work experience
• Completion of PECNA Maintenance Apprenticeship Program
• Prior experience in a manufacturing or production environment
• Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) training and experience
• Resilient, self-motivated, and able to perform effectively under pressure

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: 40%
• Stand: 50%

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

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-105622