Panasonic Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

Overview
Do you want to join a team that's changing the world? Do you have a strong background as a Skilled Machine Technician - Level 2? 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 Skilled Machine Technician - Level 2 (SMT-2) is responsible for operating automated, high-speed lithium-ion battery production equipment within controlled clean-room environments. This role includes ensuring clean and organized work areas and supporting the safe, efficient production of high-quality batteries. The SMT-2 performs basic equipment cleaning and supports equipment readiness in alignment with production needs.
Essential Duties:
Functional Operations:

• Initiate, operate, recover, and shut down production equipment in accordance with established procedures
• Independently operate multiple machines within assigned production areas with minimal supervision
• Operate tools and equipment within the functional area to ensure consistent, reliable output
• Ensure strict adherence to work instructions and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Support the timely delivery of materials, supplies, and spare parts to sustain production flow

Performance Optimization & Continuous Improvement:

• Identify and respond to machine issues, following established escalation procedures
• Monitor equipment performance and report abnormalities to appropriate teams
• Utilize hand tools and basic measuring instruments as needed for operational support (non-maintenance)
• Identify and communicate opportunities to enhance equipment reliability and process efficiency

Training & Team Support:

• Train peers at the same or lower level on machine operations, quality checks, and safety procedures
• Promote knowledge transfer through peer coaching and hands-on instruction
• Support cross-training efforts to strengthen team versatility and operational coverage

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Communication:

• Collaborate with Production, Engineering, and Maintenance teams to resolve equipment and quality-related issues
• Communicate promptly with Supervisors and Engineers regarding process deviations, equipment concerns, or quality issues
• Maintain clear and effective shift-to-shift communication to ensure operational continuity

Quality, Safety, & Compliance:

• Perform visual inspections and process monitoring to ensure compliance with quality standards
• Accurately document inspections, deviations, and production-related activities within quality systems
• Adhere to all plant policies, quality systems, and PECNA operational standards
• Maintain a clean, organized, and secure work environment in alignment with 6S principles
• Follow all PPE requirements and safety protocols to promote a safe workplace
• Remain flexible to work all assigned shifts based on business needs

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:

• OSHA 10-Hour or 30-Hour General Industry Certification

Essential Qualifications

• 1.5 years of prior experience in functional area
• Prior experience in a manufacturing/production environment
• Safety-conscious attitude and ability to work effectively in a team environment
• 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:

• 2+ years of prior experience in functional area
• Successful completion of Standard Work and Job Instruction training
• An understanding of Kaizen and active participation in Standard Work Improvement activities
• Experience utilizing hand tools, following technical instructions, and conducting quality control procedures

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: 10%
• Stand: 80%

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.: Frequent
• Up to 20 lbs.: Frequent
• 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 in 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.
2026-50196