Utilities Chemical Technician

Overview

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

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 Chemical Technician - KS performs entry-level chemical operations and facilities support activities under close supervision. This role supports chemical processing systems—including water treatment, chemical delivery, and mixing systems—by following established procedures, work instructions, and guidance from senior technicians and leadership. The technician responds to routine operational issues while developing technical skills and gaining hands-on experience across facility chemical systems. This position is responsible for learning fundamental chemical handling processes, adhering to safety and compliance standards, and contributing to overall team effectiveness within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Essential Duties:

Functional Operations:

• Operate and support chemical processing equipment under close supervision, including pumps, reverse osmosis (RO/DI) systems, mixers, and chemical delivery systems
• Perform routine system checks, chemical transfers, and monitoring activities following SOPs
• Perform basic control checks on raw materials and intermediate chemical processes to ensure adherence to specifications
• Collect samples during production processes for testing and analysis
• Complete chemical load check-in/check-out procedures and maintain accurate documentation
• Document and maintain accurate batch records, chemical usage, and operating parameters to support production processes
• Use basic measuring and diagnostic tools to monitor system performance
• Perform routine maintenance activities including cleaning, basic calibration support, and minor equipment adjustments
• Operate and maintain tools and equipment within functional area

Performance Optimization & Continuous Improvement:

• Identify and report equipment abnormalities, inefficiencies, or safety concerns to senior technicians
• Support continuous improvement initiatives by following established processes and providing feedback
• Participate in basic problem-solving activities and team improvement discussions

Training & Team Support:

• Train and mentor team members at the same or lower level within job scope
• Actively participate in on-the-job training and skill development activities
• Develop foundational knowledge of chemical systems, safety practices, and facility operations

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Communication:

• Collaborate with engineers, chemists, maintenance, and facilities teams to support operations
• Work with vendors and contractors under direction to support maintenance and system improvements
• Communicate clearly regarding system status, issues, and completed work

Quality, Safety, & Compliance:

• Follow all safety procedures, SOPs, and regulatory requirements (OSHA, EPA, HazCom)
• Properly utilize PPE including respirators, chemical suits, and arc flash protection as required
• Maintain accurate records of batch data, chemical usage, system parameters, and quality checks
• Support compliance with industry standards, regulatory requirements, and customer specifications
• Uphold 6S standards and maintain area cleanliness
• Support initial response to chemical spills or hazardous material incidents under supervision
• Maintain awareness of applicable safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements affecting chemical operations

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None

Travel Requirement:

• None

Education, Certifications, and Licenses:

Required:

• High school diploma, GED, or 2 years of related experience in chemical processing, facilities, or maintenance
• Valid state-issued driver’s license and ability to operate a vehicle as required for the role

Preferred:

• Associate degree in Chemical Technology, Engineering, or related field
• OSHA 10/30, HAZWOPER awareness, or NFPA70E training
• Hazardous Materials Technician certification
• Mobile Elevated Work Platform (MEWP) certification

Essential Qualifications:

• 2+ years of related experience in chemical processing, facilities, or industrial environments
• Basic understanding of chemical handling, safety procedures, and regulatory requirements
• Fundamental troubleshooting skills (mechanical and electrical systems)
• Familiarity with CMMS or maintenance tracking systems
• Ability to operate basic tools and test equipment
• Ability to work rotating shifts and overtime as needed
• Physical ability to perform job duties including lifting and working in confined spaces
• 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:

• 4+ years of experience in chemical or manufacturing environments
• Experience in water treatment or chemical delivery systems
• Exposure to hazardous materials handling (HAZWOPER)
• Experience in high-volume manufacturing environments

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 on 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 that is rooted 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.

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