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: High School Diploma or GED Relevant experience may substitute for required education Preferred: Associate'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 (