Controls Engineering Technician I

Do you want to join a team that's changing the world? Do you have a strong background as a Controls Engineering 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!

Controls Engineering Technician

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Meet the Recruiter: Eric Laffey

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 Controls Engineering Technician I supports the operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of automated manufacturing equipment and control systems. This role applies foundational electrical, automation, and troubleshooting skills to identify, diagnose, and resolve equipment issues that impact safety, quality, and production performance. Working under the guidance of the Controls Technician Supervisor and in collaboration with Engineering, Maintenance, and Production teams, the Controls Engineering Technician I restores equipment functionality, supports corrective actions, and develops proficiency across manufacturing systems and controls platforms. This position is expected to independently resolve routine electrical and controls-related issues while continuing to develop technical expertise across manufacturing equipment and automation technologies.

Essential Duties:

Functional Operations:

• Troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair electrical, electromechanical, and automated manufacturing equipment to restore safe and efficient operation
• Perform testing, fault diagnosis, component replacement, wiring modifications, and equipment recovery activities in accordance with established procedures
• Troubleshoot routine controls-related issues involving PLCs, HMIs, vision systems, sensors, servo systems, motors, drives, industrial communication networks, and automation platforms, including Mitsubishi, Omron, Keyence, EtherCAT, DeviceNet, CC-Link, Mechatrolink, and similar systems utilized throughout the facility
• Utilize electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, technical drawings, specifications, manuals, and standard operating procedures to support troubleshooting and repair activities
• Troubleshoot electrical systems and equipment up to 480VAC while adhering to established safety procedures
• Utilize approved controls software to upload, download, back up, and restore machine parameters and configuration settings
• Maintain complete and accurate records of maintenance activities, repairs, troubleshooting efforts, and equipment performance
• Develop and maintain working knowledge of manufacturing equipment across multiple production areas and business units

Performance Optimization & Continuous Improvement:

• Identify recurring equipment issues and support root cause analysis, corrective actions, and equipment improvements by providing observations, technical data, and troubleshooting input
• Participate in preventive maintenance, predictive maintenance, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Assist with equipment testing and verification following repairs, modifications, and maintenance activities
• Support reliability and continuous improvement initiatives by contributing ideas and recommendations that improve safety, quality, productivity, equipment performance, and operational effectiveness

Training & Team Support:

• Continuously develop technical knowledge of manufacturing equipment, electrical systems, automation technologies, and facility standards
• Support Maintenance and Production personnel by sharing troubleshooting information and assisting with equipment recovery efforts
• Seek guidance from experienced technicians, engineers, and supervisors to expand technical expertise and troubleshooting capabilities
• Complete required technical, safety, and compliance training programs while demonstrating a commitment to continuous learning and professional development

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Communication:

• Communicate equipment issues, repair status, troubleshooting findings, operational concerns, and shift handoff information accurately and professionally
• Collaborate with Engineering, Maintenance, Production, Quality, and Operations teams to support departmental objectives
• Escalate complex equipment and controls issues appropriately while providing thorough troubleshooting details and supporting documentation
• Build and maintain positive working relationships that support a team-oriented manufacturing environment

Quality, Safety, & Compliance:

• Adhere to all company safety policies, lockout/tagout procedures, electrical safety requirements, and regulatory standards
• Ensure equipment is operating safely and reliably prior to returning machinery to production
• Follow established quality standards, work instructions, and documented procedures when performing troubleshooting and repair activities
• Support compliance with applicable OSHA, NFPA, and company standards governing industrial equipment and electrical systems while properly utilizing required personal protective equipment (PPE) and promoting a safe working environment

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements:

• To ensure the health and safety in the workplace and for the protection of our employees, wearing PPE is a possibility and may include equipment such as a full Tyvek suit, safety shoes, gloves, safety glasses, face mask, bump cap, and a full hazmat suit that includes a respirator.

The foregoing description is not intended and should not be construed to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills and 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.

Requirements - Required and/or Preferred

Education, Certifications, and Licenses:

Required:

• Associate's degree in Mechatronics, Automation Technology, Electrical Engineering Technology, Electronics Technology, Industrial Maintenance Technology, or a related technical field
• Relevant experience may substitute for required education

Preferred:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Industrial Technology, or a related field
• Technical certifications related to industrial automation, controls, robotics, or electrical systems (e.g., QET Certification)

Essential Qualifications:

• Foundational experience or technical training in industrial automation, controls, maintenance, manufacturing operations, or a related technical environment
• Experience troubleshooting electrical and electromechanical systems in a manufacturing environment
• Working knowledge of electrical systems, motor controls, PLCs, HMIs, sensors, servos, drives, and industrial automation equipment
• Ability to troubleshoot electrical systems and equipment up to 480VAC
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, technical drawings, manuals, and standard operating procedures
• Basic understanding of PLC programming concepts, industrial communication networks, automation platforms, and troubleshooting methodologies
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• 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 experience supporting automated manufacturing or industrial control systems
• Experience troubleshooting Mitsubishi, Omron, Keyence, Siemens, Rockwell, or similar PLC platforms
• Experience with servo motors, servo drives, robotics, machine vision systems, and automated production equipment
• Experience troubleshooting industrial communication networks, including EtherCAT, DeviceNet, CC-Link, and Mechatrolink
• Familiarity with NFPA 70E, NFPA 79, and industrial machinery safety standards
• Experience using controls software for system configuration, diagnostics, and equipment recovery
• Experience in high-volume battery manufacturing or a related industrial environment such as electronics, automotive, semiconductor, or energy storage manufacturing

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

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:

• Health Benefits – Offering medical, dental, vision, prescription plans, plus Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account options.
• Voluntary Benefits – Life, accident, critical illness, disability, legal, identity theft, and pet insurance.
• Panasonic Retirement Savings & Investment Plan (PRSIP) – 401(k) plan with company matching contributions and immediate vesting.
• Paid Time-Off Benefits – Vacation, holidays, personal days, sick leave, volunteer, and parental & caregiver leave.
• Educational Assistance – Tuition reimbursement for job-related courses after six months of service.
• Health Management and Wellbeing Programs –Lifestyle Spending Account, EAP, virtual health management, chronic condition, neurodiversity, tobacco cessation, substance abuse support, and life stage and fertility resources. Available to eligible employees starting the first day of the month following your start date. Eligibility for each benefit may vary based on employment status, location, and length of service.
• Employee Recognition Program - High5 employee recognition and awards platform, quarterly and annual employee recognition
• Annual Bonus Program - Opportunity for an annual performance-based bonus.
• On-site Food Options: Several on-site cafes, plentiful snack and beverage kitchens, revolving on-site vendor visits and employee events.

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.

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.

Our journey began in 2017, and now, as the world's largest lithium-ion battery factory, we are expanding operations to De Soto, Kansas, providing 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!

Supplemental Information:

Pre-employment drug testing is required.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, 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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