Overview
Do you want to join a team that's changing the world? Do you have a strong background as a Facilities Mechanical Engineer I? 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
Meet the Recruiter: (https://www.linkedin.com/in/anhmartin/) Anh Martin
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 Mechanical Engineer I is responsible for the design, installation, operation, and maintenance of power distribution systems across the facility. It involves managing projects from planning and engineering through construction, commissioning, and ongoing support while ensuring compliance with regulatory codes. The position provides technical guidance, troubleshooting, and oversight of contractors and staff to maintain reliable and efficient mechanical systems. Additionally, it supports production and operations through feasibility studies, system improvements, and cross-functional collaboration to optimize facility performance.
Essential Duties:
Functional Operations:
Support the daily operation and performance of complex mechanical facility systems including central and unitary/zone-level HVAC air and hydronic systems, exhaust air systems, plumbing systems, and related controls
Operate, monitor, and maintain equipment such as chillers, cooling towers, pumps, steam boilers, heat exchangers, condensate return systems, process water systems, compressed air systems, central air handling units, makeup air units, cleanroom recirculation units, dry room dehumidifiers, dust collectors, CRAC units, VAV and fan-powered terminal units, exhaust fans, domestic water and hot water systems, and sanitary waste systems
Utilize PLC controls and SCADA interfaces to track, adjust, and maintain system performance
Support troubleshooting and corrective actions for utility performance issues, identifying root causes and assisting in repairs
Perform routine operational checks, equipment rounds, and data collection to verify proper system functionality and performance stability
Performance Optimization & Continuous Improvement:
Partner with Operations and Maintenance (O&M) staff to identify opportunities to enhance system reliability, operational efficiency, and energy optimization
Assist in updating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Maintenance Process Instructions (MPIs), and as-built documentation to reflect current system configurations and best practices
Contribute to the development and implementation of continuous improvement projects aimed at increasing uptime, reducing maintenance costs, improving equipment performance, and reducing operational costs
Analyze performance data and system trends to recommend enhancements or process adjustments
Training & Team Support:
Support the O&M team by sharing technical knowledge related to facility systems operations, diagnostics, and troubleshooting procedures
Provide input and feedback during team meetings and process reviews to improve technical training and procedural accuracy
Participate in the onboarding and skills development of new maintenance personnel through hands-on guidance and system walk-throughs
Cross-Functional Collaboration & Communication:
Collaborate with O&M, Production, and Engineering teams to coordinate maintenance activities and ensure reliable utility support for manufacturing operations
Communicate effectively with engineers across multiple disciplines and Panasonic sites to promote knowledge sharing, process standardization, and best-practice implementation
Engage with cross-functional stakeholders during system reviews, emergency response situations, and planned maintenance shutdowns to ensure alignment and minimal disruption to operations
Quality, Safety, & Compliance:
Ensure adherence to all company safety policies, environmental regulations, and standard operating procedures
Maintain a clean, organized, and hazard-free work environment consistent with 6S principles
Support audits and inspections by maintaining accurate documentation, calibration records, and maintenance logs
Respond rapidly and effectively to emergency situations such as fire, equipment failure, or facility evacuations to protect personnel and assets
Perform other duties as assigned to support facility reliability, compliance, and operational excellence
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements:
To ensure health and safety in the workplace and for employee protection, wearing PPE is a possibility 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.
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.
Qualifications
Qualifications: Required and/or Preferred
Education:
Required: Basic/Required: Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or related engineering field.
Preferred: N/A
Essential Qualifications:
Skills and experience necessary to satisfy the required "Essential Duties".
Knowledge of and comfort with Microsoft Office Suite software including Excel, Word, Teams, and Outlook.
Excellent organizational and verbal skills.
Being approachable. Must be comfortable communicating/troubleshooting with other departmental peers.
Experience with collecting and analyzing technical information.
The ability to respond effectively, verbally, and in writing to sensitive issues, or complaints.
Excellent interpersonal skills including patience in overcoming communication challenges while resolving technical issues with team members who may have different cultural and lingual backgrounds.
Strong team building skills and willing to learn from and accept guidance from others.
Able to manage multiple concurrent tasks in a fast-paced environment, effectively prioritize work, and deliver quality results.
Intuitive, adaptable, resourceful, and collaborative.
A strong work ethic with a "get the job done" approach and consistently delivers excellent customer service, both internally and externally.
A high level of commitment to customer service to both coworkers and clients.
Must have working-level knowledge of the English language, including reading, writing, and speaking English.
Preferred Qualifications:
Prior experience working as an Engineer Intern at a design firm or manufacturing facility.
Some familiarity with commercial facility mechanical equipment and systems.
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).
Physical Demands:
Physical Activities: Percentage of time (equaling 100%) during the normal workday the employee is required to:
Sit: 25%
Walk: 40%
Stand: 25%
Lift: 10%
Required Lifting and Carrying: Not required (0%), Occasional (1-33%), Frequent (34-66%), Continuous (67-100%)
For this position, the required frequency is:
Up to 10 lbs.: Occasional
Up to 20 lbs.: Occasional
Up to 35 lbs.: Occasional
Team-lift only (over 35 lbs.): Not Required
Who We Are:
Meet Panasonic Energy (https://careers.na.panasonic.com/life-at-panasonic) ! 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 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-x_hDfMqb0) .
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.
LI-AM1
R-103070
