Facilities Fire Systems Technician - Level 5

Overview Do you want to join a team that's changing the world? Do you have a strong background as a Facilities Fire Systems 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 Facilities Fire Systems Technician - Level 5 performs advanced inspection, testing, maintenance, troubleshooting, and technical oversight of fire protection and life-safety systems to ensure system reliability, operational readiness, and full regulatory compliance across the site. Serving as a senior technical resource within the Facilities organization, this role provides subject matter expertise for fire alarm, detection, suppression, and related infrastructure systems; leads complex diagnostics and system restoration efforts; and establishes technical standards and best practices. Working independently with limited oversight, this position collaborates with internal teams, contractors, local authorities, and regulatory representatives to ensure safe, compliant, and resilient facility operations. Essential Duties: Functional Operations: Perform advanced inspections, testing, maintenance, repairs, and system diagnostics on fire alarm, suppression, fire extinguishers, and life-safety systems Develop and maintain advanced expertise in site-specific hazards and facility safety procedures, serving as a primary technical resource for routine operations and technical issue resolution Operate, maintain, and manage fire protection tools, equipment, and related system assets, including inventory management Lead technical troubleshooting efforts for complex or high-impact system failures Provide technical oversight of contractor activities related to fire protection systems Review and validate contractor inspection, testing, and repair documentation for technical accuracy Lead investigation and resolution efforts related to thermal events, fire alarm activations, system impairments, and unwanted system activations, coordinating with internal teams, contractors, and relevant stakeholders Performance Optimization & Continuous Improvement: Analyze system performance data and identify trends impacting reliability or compliance Lead root cause evaluations for significant system failures or unwanted activations Develop and recommend improvements to preventive maintenance strategies and system reliability practices Ensure completeness and technical accuracy of maintenance records, inspection documentation, and impairment logs Training & Team Support: Provide technical guidance, training, and mentorship to Level 3 and Level 4 technicians Support development and refinement of fire protection procedures and technical documentation Maintain and advance professional certifications (NICET, OSHA, manufacturer-specific training) Support technical training initiatives, system readiness activities, and continuous improvement efforts related to fire protection and life-safety systems Cross-Functional Collaboration & Communication: Serve as primary technical contact for fire protection systems during inspections and testing activities Interface with Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) during routine inspections, system testing, and technical reviews Collaborate with Engineering, Facilities Operations and Maintenance, EHS, contractors, and external agencies to resolve complex system issues Provide technical input for system impairments, restorations, and risk mitigation strategies Quality, Safety, & Compliance: Ensure fire protection systems are maintained in compliance with applicable codes, standards, regulatory requirements, and company policies Provide technical review and support for Permit to Work activities involving fire protection impairments Support coordination of fire protection system impairments and restorations in accordance with established procedures Support proper implementation of processes and procedures Maintain 6S and plant quality standards Meet PPE and physical requirements Work all assigned shift hours Supervisory Responsibilities: None Travel Requirement: None Education, Certifications, and Licenses: Required: High school diploma, GED, or 2 years of prior experience in fire protection or related fields Current state-issued driver's license Preferred: Associate degree in Fire Protection Technology, Fire Science, Electrical Technology, Industrial Maintenance, Mechanical Systems, Engineering, or related technical field Relevant technical training in fire alarm, suppression systems, or life-safety systems OSHA 30 Certification NFPA 70E or NFPA 70B Essential Qualifications: 4+ years of experience as a Fire Systems Technician or relevant field Ability to lift, climb ladders, work at heights, and work in confined spaces Advanced knowledge of electrical safety practices and lockout/tagout procedures Advanced troubleshooting experience with low-voltage systems, including fire alarm, security, or building automation wiring Advanced knowledge of water-based fire protection systems, including wet, dry, standpipe, and hydrant systems Ability to independently interpret blueprints, wiring diagrams, P&IDs, technical manuals, and sequence of operations Ability to evaluate contractor work for technical accuracy and code alignment 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: 8+ years of experience in relevant fire protection roles Knowledge of applicable fire protection codes and standards, including NFPA requirements Experience serving as technical lead during fire protection system inspections involving Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) Experience supporting fire protection system upgrades, retrofits, or capital improvement projects Experience in industrial, manufacturing, or large campus 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: 40% Stand: 50% Required Lifting and Carrying: Rare (