Maintenance Apprentice

Summary: We are proud to announce the establishment of a state-of-the-art Li-ion battery factory, set amidst the beautiful Kansas City Metro. This groundbreaking green-field factory will serve as a pioneering hub for innovation in sustainable energy solutions.

If you are passionate about contributing to a sustainable future and being part of a dynamic team shaping the electric vehicle revolution, this opportunity is tailor-made for you. We are seeking dedicated individuals to join us as full-time, on-site team members at our new, state-of-the-art factory located in the thriving city of DeSoto, Kansas.

In this role, the Maintenance Apprentice will be responsible for learning to maintain the production equipment and machinery in proper operating order through preventative maintenance, basic troubleshooting, and basic repair. This is a multi-Craft position. This role will be exposed to improvement activities. Work with Operations team to facilitate a Total Preventative Maintenance (TPM) environment and machine ownership. Additionally, the Apprentice Technician is responsible for performing routine maintenance of all machines

to prevent mechanical failure.

As a Maintenance Apprentice, you play a crucial role in our operations. Your responsibilities include proficiently managing mechanical and electrical equipment and ensuring the safe and effective performance of maintenance tasks within the Panasonic Manufacturing Factory environment. This involves the installation of equipment, repair and replacement of units, and the general upkeep of machinery and equipment.

Time Requirements: The schedule for the FAME Program consists of classroom hours two days per week, from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The remaining three days are dedicated to on-the-job training, the timing of which will be determined by Panasonic Energy North America.

Essential Duties:

• Works closely with Program Facilitators, dedicated Trainers, Mentors, and the Panasonic Maintenance and Operations team members to maintain assigned equipment.
• Completing the program combined on-the-job training, learning experiences, and education from the technical college program. Ability to learn, retain, and effectively demonstrate various hand tools, including lathes, drill presses, etc.
• Ensures that spare parts are kept in an inventory accurately.
• Checks settings, gauge readings, Human Machine Interface (HMI), and sensors regularly to keep machines operating at appropriate specifications.
• Perform regular preventative maintenance on machines according to documented requirements, such as cleaning and lubricating shafts, bearings, gears, and other parts.
• Performs complex cleaning activities on dismantled equipment and reassembles per OEM specifications.
• Performs electrical or mechanical troubleshooting to determine problems in non-functioning electro-mechanical equipment.
• Suggests, develops, and implements machine modifications and processes to ensure machine and production efficiencies.
• Maintains accurate records of completed work on the equipment and machines, including After Action Reviews (AAR)
• Conducts initial multimeter readings, performing an insulation megohmmeter test on motors and reading PLC Ladder logic.
• Follows all safety procedures and conforms to Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO) procedures.
  
  

As apprentices, you will be expected to demonstrate a variety of behavioral competencies, many of which are considered employability skills. These skills should be addressed in both the related technical instruction and through the OJT with the help of your supervisor and mentor. These competencies include.

• 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)
• Technical Skills – ability to repair and maintain equipment and machines. Knowledge of various equipment and the general or specific tools required to fix and maintain equipment.
• Critical thinking skills are crucial – making quick decisions and solving problems correctly and efficiently are essential. While some repairs may be complex or challenging, it is vital to master diagnostic skills and be prepared to be creative and unconventional when necessary.
• Attention to detail is crucial in technical work, which requires precision with little room for errors. Maintenance work is often fast paced, requiring a keen troubleshooter to resolve issues and get things running smoothly again quickly.
• Administrative; Organizational skills; Interpersonal and Communication Skills
  
  

Completion Requirements (Panasonic And Program)

• The apprenticeship program is strictly competency-based and requires a minimum of 12 months (2000 hours). Apprentices must demonstrate mastery of all competencies within a maximum period of 2 years (4000 hours). This is in conjunction with 780 hours of recommended related instruction.
• Throughout the duration of the apprenticeship program, there will be four separate check-in sessions to comprehensively evaluate and assess student/employee performance, knowledge, skills, and experience. These evaluations will be based on classroom teachings and practical learning. These sessions aim to ensure strict adherence to the program's structured timeline and objectives, which are vital for successfully completing the apprenticeship within the allocated period.
  
  

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 includes equipment such as a full Tyvek suit, safety shoes, gloves, safety glasses, face mask, and a full hazmat suit that includes a respirator.
  
  

The above-mentioned description, in combination with all program requirements, is not exhaustive and should not be construed as a comprehensive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, work conditions, and training programs associated with this position. Instead, it is intended to accurately reflect the general nature and level necessary to meet the requirements successfully.

Qualifications: Requirements - Required and/or Preferred

Education:

• Basic/Required: High School Degree or GED
  
  

Essential Qualifications:

• Passing score on Ramsay Maintenance competency test
  
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Minimum of 6 months of experience as a maintenance technician
• Prepare written documentation in a clear and concise manner.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, flexible environment and take the initiative to learn new tools and concepts quickly.
• Must have working-level knowledge of the English language, including reading, writing, and speaking English.
• Must have basic Mathematical knowledge and be able to do standard calculations.
  
  

Preferred License(s):

• None
  
  

Preferred Certification(s):

• None
  
  

Successful Candidates: to the Maintenance Apprenticeship program will need to apply to the Kansas City FAME program, complete a Kansas City Community College application, and entrance exam.

Physical Demands:

Physical Activities: (Percentage of time (equaling 100%) during the normal workday the employee is required to)

• Sit: 20%
• Walk: 20%
• Stand: 50%
• Lift: 10%
  
  

Required Lifting and Carrying: (Required frequency is: Not required (0%), Occasional (1-33%), Frequent (34-66%, Continuous (67-100%)

• Up to 10 lbs.: Occasional
• Up to 20 lbs.: Occasional
• Up to 35 lbs.: Occasional
• Team-lift only (over 35 lbs.): Occasional
  
  

About Us: At the heart of this visionary project, Panasonic is committed to manufacturing innovative cylindrical lithium-ion cells that will power the future of electric mobility. These cells will be meticulously crafted to meet the growing demands of the automotive industry, supporting various electric vehicle manufacturers in their quest for eco-friendly transportation solutions.

This role presents a unique chance to be at the forefront of innovation, working within a forward-thinking organization that is committed to environmental responsibility and the advancement of green technology. Be a part of our mission to power the future and make a difference in the world of electric mobility with Panasonic!

Supplemental Information: Pre-employment drug testing is required. 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.

Panasonic is an Equal Opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by law. All qualified individuals are required to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

Thank you for your interest in Panasonic Energy Corporation of North America.