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 Inspector – Level 1 performs basic inspection tasks to support product quality in a high-volume lithium-ion battery manufacturing environment. Reporting to the Quality Supervisor, this role follows established procedures to check products for defects and ensure they meet specifications. The inspector works closely with production teams to help maintain compliance with quality standards. This is an entry-level position focused on learning and applying core inspection techniques while contributing to overall quality goals.

Essential Duties:

Functional Operations:

• Perform visual and manual inspections following Control Plans and SOPs
• Use basic inspection tools (e.g., gauges, calipers) to verify product conformity
• Operate inspection tools and equipment correctly and safely within functional area
• Perform tasks independently within established procedures

Performance Optimization & Continuous Improvement:

• Communicate inspection results clearly and promptly to team members
• Support identification and timely resolution of quality issues
• Follow guidance from senior inspectors and supervisors to resolve issues

Training & Team Support:

• Assist in training and supporting other entry-level team members within the functional area
• Participate in on-the-job training to build inspection skills
• Assist with onboarding and basic training of entry-level inspectors
• Remain open to feedback and demonstrate willingness to learn

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Communication:

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including production, engineering, and maintenance, to identify and support the resolution of quality issues in a timely manner

Quality, Safety, & Compliance:

• Support proper implementation of processes and procedures
• Maintain adherence to all quality, general plant, and company policies and procedures
• Uphold 6S initiatives and ensure area cleanliness is maintained to safety and operational standards
• Ability to work all scheduled shift hours

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None

Travel Requirement:

• None

Education, Certifications, and Licenses:

Required:

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

Preferred:

• Six Sigma Yellow Belt (or equivalent)
• OSHA 10-Hour or 30-Hour General Industry Certification

Essential Qualifications:

• Basic understanding of quality control and inspection procedures
• Familiarity with common measurement tools (e.g., calipers, micrometers, gauges)
• Ability to read and follow simple technical documents and work instructions
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to recognize defects
• Safety-conscious attitude and ability to follow PPE and safety requirements
• Ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively in a team environment
• Willingness to learn, accept feedback, and follow guidance from others
• Ability to meet physical job requirements
• Willingness to work assigned shifts and follow all safety protocols
• 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:

• 1-2 years of experience in manufacturing or inspection roles (especially in battery, automotive, or electronics industries)
• Exposure to ISO 9001 or other quality management systems
• Basic knowledge of Statistical Process Control (SPC) or root cause analysis
• Familiarity with MES or ERP systems

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: 30%
• Stand: 60%

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.): Rare

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.

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:

• Health Benefits – Offering medical, dental, vision, prescription plans, plus Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account options.
• Voluntary Benefits – Life, accident, critical illness, disability, legal, identity theft, and pet insurance.
• Panasonic Retirement Savings & Investment Plan (PRSIP) – 401(k) plan with company matching contributions and immediate vesting.
• Paid Time-Off Benefits – Vacation, holidays, personal days, sick leave, volunteer, and parental & caregiver leave.
• Educational Assistance – Tuition reimbursement for job-related courses after six months of service.
• Health Management and Wellbeing Programs –Lifestyle Spending Account, EAP, virtual health management, chronic condition, neurodiversity, tobacco cessation, substance abuse support, and life stage and fertility resources. Available to eligible employees starting the first day of the month following your start date. Eligibility for each benefit may vary based on employment status, location, and length of service.
• Employee Recognition Program - High5 employee recognition and awards platform, quarterly and annual employee recognition
• Annual Bonus Program - Opportunity for an annual performance-based bonus.

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.

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 (by clicking this link you are being referred to an external site that is not part of Panasonic creating technologies that move us.)

Our journey began in 2017, and now, as the world's largest lithium-ion battery factory, we are expanding operations to De Soto, Kansas, providing 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!

Supplemental Information:

Pre-employment drug testing is required.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, 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.