Facilities Operations Technician Lead - Level 6

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 Facilities Operations Lead - Level 6 performs advanced-level facilities operations and serves as the technical and process leader for mechanical and electrical systems with minimal supervision. This role ensures the safe, reliable, and consistent operation of facility utilities and infrastructure by overseeing system performance, driving standardization, and optimizing maintenance practices. The lead technician responds to complex operational issues, provides technical direction, and leads resolution efforts for critical system failures. This position is responsible for driving continuous improvement, establishing operational standards, and supporting overall site reliability within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Essential Duties:

Functional Operations:

• Operate and monitor facility control systems, including SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) and life support systems
• Oversee electrical supply and distribution systems from yard to point of use
• Monitor and ensure performance of water systems, including DI, RO, and industrial water systems
• Oversee boiler operations and preventive maintenance activities
• Monitor and maintain chemical supply and refining processes in compliance with safety and environmental requirements
• Oversee air systems, including compressed air and specialty gas systems, to ensure reliability and performance
• Monitor wastewater treatment operations and ensure compliance with environmental standards
• Oversee HVAC systems to ensure consistent operation and environmental control
• Coordinate and drive resolution of critical operational issues and system disruptions
• Ensure accurate documentation of labor hours, maintenance activities, and system performance in CMMS
• Operate and maintain tools and equipment within functional area

Performance Optimization & Continuous Improvement:

• Analyze system performance trends and implement corrective and preventive strategies to improve reliability and efficiency
• Provide technical guidance and coordination for advanced troubleshooting activities
• Balance reactive and planned maintenance activities to optimize team effectiveness
• Develop, implement, and standardize Maintenance Operating Procedures (MOPs) and Job Safety Analyses (JSAs)
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on uptime, performance, and operational consistency
• Identify opportunities to optimize maintenance practices and reduce downtime across systems
• Ensure data integrity and reporting accuracy within CMMS for performance tracking and analysis

Training & Team Support:

• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to level 3, 4, 5, and peer Level 6 technicians to ensure consistency in advanced troubleshooting and operational practices
• Serve as a subject matter expert across multiple facility systems and technical disciplines
• Support development of technical training materials and standard work practices
• Promote alignment and consistency in technical practices across shifts and among peer Level 6 technicians
• Reinforce adherence to safety, operational procedures, and best practices
• Serve as escalation point for complex technical issues and guide resolution efforts
• Support knowledge sharing and continuous skill development across the team
• This role does not have direct authority to hire, transfer, suspend, promote, or discipline employees

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Communication:

• Serve as a key liaison between facilities operations, engineering, construction, and internal stakeholders
• Coordinate with vendors, contractors, and external partners to ensure compliance with company standards and project requirements
• Respond to site emergencies and coordinate resolution efforts with internal and external resources
• Communicate system performance, risks, and operational updates to stakeholders
• Compile and deliver shift or operational reports summarizing system status, issues, and maintenance activities
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive system improvements and operational efficiency

Quality, Safety, & Compliance:

• Ensure compliance with all safety procedures, policies, and regulatory requirements, including OSHA and environmental standards
• Drive implementation and promote adherence to safety programs, risk mitigation strategies, and safe work practices
• Maintain accurate and detailed logs, reports, and CMMS documentation to support audits and inspections
• Own and standardize procedures to ensure consistency in operations and maintenance execution
• Uphold 6S initiatives and promote a culture of safety, cleanliness, and operational discipline
• Ensure proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and adherence to all safety protocols
• Maintain flexibility to work all scheduled shift hours and respond to urgent site needs when required

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None (provides technical and process leadership only)

Travel Requirement:

• None

Education, Certifications, and Licenses:

Required:

• High school diploma, GED, or 2 years of prior experience in a facilities, maintenance, or related functional area

Preferred:

• Trade school or vocational training in mechanical, electrical, HVAC, or a related field
• Relevant licenses and certifications such as MEWP, PIT, CDL, or state-issued driver’s license
• Advanced safety and technical certifications such as OSHA 30, HAZWOPER, NFPA70E or NFPA70B

Essential Qualifications:

• 5+ years of facilities, industrial maintenance, or related work experience
• Advanced knowledge of utility generation and distribution systems, mechanical systems, and electrical systems within an industrial or manufacturing environment
• Demonstrated expertise in operating and troubleshooting complex facility systems across multiple disciplines
• Strong proficiency in SCADA systems, diagnostic tools, and performance monitoring systems
• Ability to read and interpret diagrams, schematics, blueprints, and technical documentation
• Extensive experience using CMMS systems for maintenance tracking, reporting, and analysis
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex troubleshooting efforts and drive resolution of critical system issues
• Strong communication and coordination skills with ability to influence cross-functional teams
• Demonstrates initiative, technical leadership, and the ability to drive process improvement and standardization
• 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:

• 10+ years of experience in a facilities role within a high-volume manufacturing environment (automotive or battery industry preferred)
• Experience supporting system design, commissioning, or capital project execution
• Experience with reliability programs, maintenance strategy development, or operational standardization initiatives
• Experience in mechanical engineering, construction management, or advanced operational systems
• Experience using scheduling or advanced maintenance management software

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.: Continuous
• Up to 20 lbs.: Continuous
• Up to 35 lbs.: Frequent
• 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 routed 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.