Quality Control Technician - Level 3

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 3 performs advanced inspection, testing, and quality analysis to ensure product compliance in a high-volume lithium-ion battery manufacturing environment. Working with limited supervision, this role applies sound technical judgment to evaluate nonconformances, support resolution activities, and ensure accurate quality documentation. The technician uses data-driven methods to identify trends, contribute to root cause analysis, and support corrective and preventive actions. This position represents the transition from inspection-focused work to broader technical responsibility, including deeper analysis, cross-functional collaboration, and process improvement support.

Essential Duties:

Functional Operations:

• Perform advanced product inspections and testing using precision measurement tools and established methods
• Evaluate nonconforming materials and support containment, documentation, and disposition activities in accordance with defined processes
• Conduct detailed defect assessment and assist with failure characterization
• Verify calibration and proper functionality of inspection and test equipment prior to use
• Validate inspection methods and ensure adherence to control plans and SOPs
• Accurately document inspection results, nonconformances, and quality records for traceability
• Operate and maintain tools and equipment within functional area

Performance Optimization & Continuous Improvement:

• Analyze quality data using statistical methods (e.g., trend analysis, SPC) to identify variation and improvement opportunities
• Contribute to root cause analysis using structured problem-solving tools (e.g., 5 Whys, Fishbone)
• Support corrective and preventive actions (CAPA), including implementation and effectiveness verification
• Identify recurring quality issues and recommend process improvements based on data and findings
• Assist with process validation activities and continuous improvement initiatives

Training & Team Support:

• Train and mentor Quality Inspectors and Technicians at the same or lower levels within the functional area
• Provide guidance to Operators and Inspectors on quality standards, inspection methods, and defect identification
• Support onboarding and hands-on training of new team members
• Assist in updating training materials, SOPs, and control plans
• Provide feedback to leadership on training needs and process gaps

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Communication:

• Partner with Operations, Engineering, and Maintenance to investigate and resolve quality issues
• Communicate inspection results, trends, and quality concerns clearly to relevant stakeholders
• Support implementation of process improvements and corrective actions within the functional area
• Escalate quality risks or recurring issues with supporting data and observations

Quality, Safety, & Compliance:

• Support adherence to quality management systems (e.g., ISO 9001, IATF 16949) and internal procedures
• Participate in internal and external audits as required
• Maintain accurate, complete, and audit-ready documentation for inspections and quality activities
• Ensure compliance with control plans, SOPs, and customer/regulatory requirements
• 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

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:

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

Essential Qualifications:

• 2+ years of related work experience in quality inspection, quality control, or a related manufacturing role
• Strong working knowledge of quality control principles, inspection methods, and manufacturing processes
• Proficiency with measurement tools and inspection equipment (e.g., calipers, micrometers, gauges)
• Experience evaluating nonconformances and supporting resolution activities
• Familiarity with root cause analysis and corrective action processes
• Working knowledge of statistical process control (SPC) and basic data analysis techniques
• Ability to read and interpret technical documents, drawings, and specifications
• Strong attention to detail and analytical problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently within defined guidelines and make sound decisions
• Effective communication and collaboration skills across teams
• Basic computer skills, including data entry and use of standard software (e.g., MS Office, MES)
• Safety-conscious mindset with adherence to safety and PPE 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:

• 4+ years of experience in a quality role within a high-volume manufacturing environment (automotive or battery industry preferred)
• Progression from a PECNA Level 2 Quality Control Inspector role or equivalent experience
• Experience supporting internal or external quality audits
• Familiarity with quality management systems (e.g., ISO 9001, IATF 16949)
• Exposure to advanced quality tools (e.g., PFMEA, Control Plans, MSA)
• Experience with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) or ERP systems
• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Excel (data analysis, trending, reporting)
• Experience supporting continuous improvement or process validation activities

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.

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.