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

Education, Certifications, and Licenses:

Required:

• 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.