Utility Associate 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 Utilities 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
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 Utilities Maintenance Technician - Level 3 performs basic troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair of mechanical, electrical, and process utility systems to support operational reliability. This role executes preventive and corrective maintenance under supervision and assists in responding to equipment and utility faults to minimize downtime. The technician follows technical documentation, supports basic system diagnostics, and implements established maintenance procedures. Additionally, the position supports continuous improvement initiatives and adheres to safety and regulatory requirements.
Essential Duties:
Functional Operations:

• Operate and maintain tools and equipment within the functional area
• Perform routine rounds on mechanical, electrical, and utility systems, identifying basic issues and escalating as needed
• Assist with troubleshooting and repair of facilities and production support equipment under direct or close supervision, following established procedures
• Support First Responder activities by assisting higher-level technicians in diagnosing and resolving operational and utility issues
• Assist in assessing utility outages (e.g., compressed air, HVAC, nitrogen, process water) and support implementation of corrective actions
• Read and interpret basic blueprints, schematics, equipment manuals, and work orders with guidance
• Follow established Maintenance Operating Procedures (MOPs) and Job Safety Analyses (JSAs)
• Use hand tools and basic diagnostic equipment to measure system parameters (e.g., pressure, temperature, humidity, airflow, ampacity)
• Escalate complex, non- standard, or recurring equipment issues to higher-level technicians for further diagnosis

Performance Optimization & Continuous Improvement:

• Maintain accurate maintenance records including equipment logs, work orders, and CMMS documentation
• Utilize CMMS to document maintenance activities and track assigned work
• Identify observable equipment performance issues and escalate for further analysis
• Detect faulty operations and defective materials; report and escalate abnormal conditions

Training & Team Support:

• Participate in on-the-job training to build technical skills within the functional area
• Support team members by following direction and reinforcing learned procedures as skills develop

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Communication:

• Collaborate with team members and cross-functional partners to support maintenance activities
• Communicate equipment status, issues, and completed work to supervisors and team members
• Support assigned facility operations and projects

Quality, Safety, & Compliance:

• Follow established processes and procedures to ensure compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements
• Adhere to all safety regulations, including NFPA70E and PPE requirements
• Identify and report unsafe conditions and non-conforming materials
• Maintain 6S standards and a clean, organized work environment
• Work all scheduled shifts

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:

• Trade school or vocational training in a technical field
• Associate degree in Industrial Maintenance, Electrical, Mechanical, HVAC, or related discipline
• Powered Industrial Truck (PIT) License
• Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) Certification
• Valid Driver's License
• CPR/First Aid Certification
• NFPA70E Qualified Electrical Worker (or equivalent electrical safety certification)
• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30
• HAZWOPER 8 or 40

Essential Qualifications:

• 2+ years of experience in industrial maintenance or facilities operations
• Demonstrate basic knowledge of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, pneumatic, and/or HVAC systems, including the ability to perform routine maintenance tasks and assist with troubleshooting in a manufacturing environment
• Apply foundational knowledge of industrial utility systems (e.g., compressed air, vacuum, nitrogen, DI water, process cooling water) with the ability to monitor and report performance issues
• Assist in troubleshooting, diagnosing, and repairing equipment under supervision, following established procedures
• Use CMMS to create and close work orders while documenting basic maintenance activities
• Use basic diagnostic instruments with guidance to collect data for analysis by higher-level technicians
• Apply introductory knowledge across multiple trades to assist with maintenance activities
• Demonstrate basic proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) to document work and communicate updates
• Communicate effectively with team members and escalate issues appropriately
• Demonstrate willingness to learn, adaptability, and strong attention to detail
• 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 progressively responsible experience in industrial maintenance or facilities operations in a manufacturing environment
• Demonstrate developing proficiency in at least one technical discipline (e.g., HVAC, electrical, mechanical systems)
• Exposure to Building Management Systems (BMS) or similar systems for monitoring equipment performance
• Basic understanding of OSHA regulations, NFPA standards, and industrial safety practices
• Familiarity with CMMS systems for tracking maintenance activities and reviewing equipment history

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: 45%
• Stand: 45%

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.: 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.
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