Overview

Do you want to join a team that's changing the world? Do you have a strong background as a Quality Control Technician – Level 4? 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 Quality Control Technician – Level 4 performs advanced quality analysis, process validation, and problem-solving to ensure product and process compliance in a high-volume lithium-ion battery manufacturing environment. Working with minimal supervision, this role applies advanced technical expertise to manage complex nonconformances, drive root cause analysis, and support implementation of effective corrective actions. The technician is responsible for deeper evaluation of process performance, including statistical analysis and validation of quality controls. This position expands influence across functional areas and contributes to the development and improvement of quality systems, standards, and processes.

Essential Duties

Functional Operations:

Perform advanced inspections, testing, and verification activities across products and processes
Manage complex nonconformance activities, including evaluation, containment coordination, and disposition support
Conduct detailed failure analysis and defect characterization to identify underlying causes
Execute product and process audits with minimal supervision
Validate inspection methods, test procedures, and measurement systems (e.g., support MSA activities)
Support new product introduction (NPI), process changes, and equipment qualifications from a quality perspective
Ensure accuracy, completeness, and traceability of quality records and documentation
Operate and maintain tools and equipment within the functional area
Operate and maintain tools and equipment within functional area

Performance Optimization & Continuous Improvement

Perform advanced data analysis using statistical methods (e.g., SPC, Cp/Cpk, trend analysis) to assess process capability and performance
Drive root cause analysis for complex or recurring issues using structured methodologies (e.g., 5 Whys, Fishbone, PFMEA inputs)
Execute and drive follow-through of corrective and preventive actions (CAPA), including effectiveness verification
Identify systemic issues and implement sustainable process improvements
Support development and refinement of control plans, process controls, and quality standards
Contribute to process validation activities and continuous improvement initiatives across functional areas

Training & Team Support

Train and mentor Quality Technicians and Inspectors across multiple levels within the functional area
Serve as a technical resource for quality standards, data analysis, and problem-solving methodologies
Provide guidance to Operations and Engineering on quality requirements and best practices
Support development and standardization of training materials, SOPs, and control plans
Identify skill gaps and provide recommendations for workforce development

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Communication

Partner closely with Operations, Engineering, and Maintenance to resolve complex quality and process issues
Provide data-driven insights and recommendations to support decision-making
Drive implementation of process improvements, equipment changes, and design updates
Escalate high-risk or systemic quality concerns with clear analysis and proposed solutions
Contribute to cross-functional initiatives involving process optimization and quality performance

Quality, Safety, & Compliance

Ensure adherence to quality management systems (e.g., ISO 9001, IATF 16949) and internal standards
Actively support internal and external audits, including preparation and response activities
Maintain and review quality documentation to ensure audit readiness and compliance
Support development and continuous improvement of quality procedures and systems
Uphold 6S standards and maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment
Follow all safety protocols and PPE requirements during all activities
Ability to work all scheduled shift hours

Required

Education, Certifications, and Licenses:

High school diploma, GED, or 2 years of prior experience in functional area

Preferred

Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Quality, Manufacturing, Engineering, or related field
Certified Quality Technician (CQT)
Six Sigma Green Belt or higher
OSHA 10- or 30-Hour General Industry Certification

Essential Qualifications

3+ years of related work experience in quality inspection, quality control, or a related manufacturing role
Strong understanding of quality systems, manufacturing processes, and inspection methodologies
Proficiency with measurement tools and inspection equipment (e.g., calipers, micrometers, gauges)
Experience managing nonconformances and supporting resolution of complex quality issues
Demonstrated ability to perform root cause analysis and drive corrective actions to closure
Working knowledge of statistical process control (SPC) and process capability analysis (Cp/Cpk)
Familiarity with advanced quality tools (e.g., PFMEA, Control Plans, MSA)
Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, specifications, and engineering documentation
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and prioritize tasks effectively
Effective communication and collaboration skills across cross-functional teams
Proficiency with computer systems and data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, MES)
Safety-conscious mindset with adherence to all safety requirements
Ability to meet physical job requirements
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

6+ years of experience in a quality role within a high-volume manufacturing environment (automotive or battery industry preferred)
Progression from a Level 3 Quality Technician role or equivalent experience
Experience supporting process validation, NPI, or equipment qualification activities
Experience with data visualization or analysis tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau, or similar)
Familiarity with basic scripting or automation tools (e.g., Python) for data analysis or monitoring
Experience supporting or participating in internal and external quality audits
Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel (data analysis, trending, reporting)
Experience driving continuous improvement initiatives or process standardization efforts

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.: Frequent
Up to 20 lbs.: Frequent
Up to 35 lbs.: Occasional
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 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 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.

R-104626

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