A Manufacturing Machine Operator operates machinery used in a manufacturing facility, including a range of machines used for the production or transport of goods.
: 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 area, 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. Responsibilities
WHAT YOU'LL DO
The Skilled Machine Operator (SMO) is responsible for independently operating multiple automated high-speed lithium-ion battery production machines within an assigned production area, including preceding and subsequent processes as needed. Responsibilities include operating equipment with minimal supervision, monitoring machine and process performance, supporting safe and efficient production, maintaining accurate production and quality records, and ensuring the cleanliness and organization of assigned work areas. The SMO serves as a skilled operator who supports production continuity, quality standards, team development, and continuous improvement while complying with all safety, quality, environmental, and company policies.
Essential Duties:
Functional Operations:
Operate, recover, change over, and shut down production equipment in accordance with SOPs and work instructions while supporting safe, steady production flow. Own safety and quality by following PPE, LOTO, and Critical Safety Rules, stopping the line when concerns arise, and escalating issues promptly. Monitor machine performance, production status, and process conditions to identify abnormalities, take appropriate first action, and protect output quality. Support production continuity through material staging, timely requests for supplies or spare parts, and daily cleaning of machines and equipment. Model Panasonic's high-performance culture by bringing energy, respect, accountability, and a team-first mindset to each shift. Perform manual NG removal and routine operator-level adjustments in accordance with SOPs, work instructions, and quality standards. Maintain accurate production, quality, and equipment-related records in accordance with applicable ISO standards and internal documentation requirements to support traceability, communication, and effective shift handoff.
Perform minor troubleshooting and basic equipment adjustments within defined operator-level scope, escalating equipment or process issues when additional technical support is required. Identify opportunities to improve machine performance, process consistency, and product quality. Contribute to the continuous improvement of operational processes, documentation, and standard work instructions to drive efficiency and productivity. Serve as a skilled operational bridge between Machine Operators and Technicians by supporting first-level response, issue identification, and timely escalation.
Training & Team Support:
Support on-the-job training, team development, and workflow alignment by sharing process knowledge, assisting peers with machine operation, safety practices, and quality control methods, and communicating effectively with shift leaders.
Cross-Functional Collaboration & Communication:
Collaborate with Production, Engineering, Maintenance, and supervisors to identify and resolve quality, equipment, and process-related issues while communicating machine concerns, irregularities, and improvement suggestions promptly.
Safety, Quality, & Compliance:
Support safety, quality, and compliance standards by performing inspections, maintaining accurate records, reporting deviations, following PPE and LOTO requirements, sustaining 6S housekeeping practices, and meeting all operational expectations.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
None Travel Requirement:
None Education, Certifications, and Licenses:
Required :
Preferred :
High school diploma or General Educational Development (GED)
MUST-HAVES
2+ years of prior experience in a manufacturing, automation, assembly, or maintenance environment, or a minimum of 6 months as a Machine Operator 2. Proficient in the English language, including reading, writing, and verbal communication. Ability to analyze and estimate workload while performing multiple tasks Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals Ability to meet the physical demands and the PPE requirements of the role
NICE-TO-HAVES
3+ years of prior experience in a manufacturing, automation, assembly, or maintenance environment. Successful completion of Standard Work and Job Instruction training for internal candidates. An understanding of Kaizen and active participation in Standard Work Improvement activities. 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:
During the standard workday, the employee must be capable of performing the specified activities for 100% of the workday, including:
