Quality Engineer I

Overview Do you want to join a team that's changing the world? Do you have a strong background as a Quality Engineer I? 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 Quality Engineer I https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0tMgKm_71qs (by clicking this link you are being referred to an external site that is not part of Panasonic) Meet the Recruiter: Eric Laffey 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 Engineer I works closely with Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, and Quality teams to support manufacturing quality, investigate routine quality issues, and assist with process improvement initiatives within a battery manufacturing environment. This role applies foundational quality engineering principles and standard quality tools to support process consistency, product quality, and compliance with established standards and procedures. Working under close supervision and guidance, the Quality Engineer I supports defined tasks and projects while developing technical expertise and contributing to the success of the battery manufacturing operation. This role primarily impacts individual work assignments and the immediate team. Essential Duties: Functional Operations: Applies basic quality engineering principles, standard methods, and established procedures to support quality activities within assigned production areas Assists with the implementation and maintenance of quality standards, procedures, inspections, and controls Supports data collection, documentation, and analysis activities for quality and process improvement projects Assists with routine investigations of product defects, process deviations, and quality concerns under guidance from more experienced engineers Completes assigned tasks and project deliverables while following established processes and work instructions Performance Optimization & Continuous Improvement: Works on clearly defined quality and process improvement tasks under supervision Applies existing quality tools and methodologies to support issue identification and process performance monitoring Assists with root cause investigations and corrective action activities using structured problem-solving methods Supports containment activities, inspections, and verification efforts within assigned production areas Participates in continuous improvement initiatives focused on reducing defects, improving process stability, and enhancing product quality Assists with data analysis and reporting activities using statistical and quality management tools Training & Team Support: Learns from mentors, senior engineers, and other experienced team members Receives training and guidance on quality engineering principles, manufacturing processes, and industry standards Supports Quality Specialists, Quality Technicians, and Quality Inspectors by providing assistance with routine quality-related activities Participates in team improvement efforts and shares knowledge gained through training and project participation Cross-Functional Collaboration & Communication: Communicates primarily within the immediate team and assigned work groups Collaborates with Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, and Quality personnel on routine assignments and issue resolution activities Documents findings, observations, and investigation results using established templates and procedures Relies on established procedures and guidance when communicating quality concerns or recommending actions Escalates issues, risks, and concerns to senior team members as appropriate Quality, Safety, & Compliance: Follows established quality, safety, environmental, and manufacturing procedures Supports audits, inspections, and assessments to verify compliance with quality standards and documented processes Assists in maintaining quality records, documentation, and Quality Management System (QMS) requirements Complies with applicable quality and regulatory standards (e.g., ISO 9001, IATF 16949, UL, CE, RoHS) within assigned responsibilities Promotes safe work practices and adherence to company policies and procedures Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements: To ensure the health and safety in the workplace and for the protection of our employees, wearing PPE is a possibility and may include equipment such as a full Tyvek suit, safety shoes, gloves, safety glasses, face mask, bump cap, and a full hazmat suit that includes a respirator. The foregoing description is not intended and should not be construed to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills and 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. Qualifications Requirements - Required and/or Preferred Education, Certifications, and Licenses: Required: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Electrical, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality Management, or a STEM field Relevant work experience may be substituted for required education Preferred: Internship, co-op, laboratory, or project experience in manufacturing, quality, engineering, or related technical environments Six Sigma Yellow Belt or coursework in quality, statistics, or continuous improvement methodologies Essential Qualifications: Strong foundational understanding of quality engineering principles, manufacturing processes, and problem-solving methodologies Basic knowledge of statistical and quality tools such as SPC, DOE, CAPA, and root cause analysis Ability to collect, organize, and analyze data using standard software and reporting tools Strong analytical, organizational, and detail-oriented skills Ability to follow established procedures and work effectively under supervision Effective verbal and written communication skills with the ability to collaborate within cross-functional teams Basic understanding of quality management systems and manufacturing quality requirements Ability to learn manufacturing processes and product quality requirements in a fast-paced production environment Demonstrated willingness to learn, accept feedback, and develop technical expertise 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: 2+ years of engineering experience through internships, co-ops, academic projects, or entry-level roles in manufacturing environments Experience in high-volume battery manufacturing or related industries such as electronics, automotive, energy storage, or advanced manufacturing Exposure to quality systems, inspections, audits, laboratory testing, or manufacturing process support Familiarity with quality tools such as FMEA, MSA, control plans, and process capability analysis Basic familiarity with manufacturing control systems and data analysis tools Exposure to programming languages such as SQL, Python, or similar technologies Experience working in fast-paced manufacturing or regulated production environments Physical Demands: Physical Activities: Percentage of time (equaling 100%) during the normal workday the employee is required to: Sit: 30% Walk: 30% Stand: 40% Required Lifting and Carrying: Rare (