Quality Control Technician - Level 3, Days A-Shift
Panasonic Energy Corporation of North America, De Soto, KS, United States
Join Panasonic Energy at our De Soto, Kansas facility. We’re building the world’s largest lithium-ion battery factory and looking for a Quality Control Technician – Level 3 to help shape the future of electric vehicle technology.
Responsibilities
Job Summary:
Perform advanced inspection, testing, and quality analysis in a high-volume lithium-ion battery manufacturing environment with limited supervision. Apply technical judgment to evaluate nonconformances, support resolutions, and maintain accurate quality documentation. Provide data‑driven insights for root cause analysis, corrective actions, and continuous process improvement.
Essential Duties
Perform advanced product inspections and testing using precision measurement tools and established methods.
Evaluate nonconforming materials, 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 the 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 CAPA, including implementation and effectiveness verification.
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.
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 (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, & Licenses
High school diploma, GED, or 2 years of prior experience in a 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 (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 (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.
Alignment to Panasonic’s seven core principles.
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 (ISO 9001, IATF 16949).
Exposure to advanced quality tools (PFMEA, Control Plans, MSA).
Experience with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) or ERP systems.
Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
Experience supporting continuous improvement or process validation activities.
PPE Requirements
Full Tyvek suit, safety shoes, gloves, safety glasses, face mask, and a full hazmat suit with respirator. Respirator fit test required.
Physical Demands
Percentage of time: Sit 10 %, Walk 45 %, Stand 45 %.
Required lifting: Up to 10 lbs – frequent; Up to 20 lbs – frequent; Up to 35 lbs – occasional; team‑lift over 35 lbs – occasional.
Disclaimer:
This description is not intended to be exhaustive. Employees may be assigned other responsibilities as business needs evolve.
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.
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Responsibilities
Job Summary:
Perform advanced inspection, testing, and quality analysis in a high-volume lithium-ion battery manufacturing environment with limited supervision. Apply technical judgment to evaluate nonconformances, support resolutions, and maintain accurate quality documentation. Provide data‑driven insights for root cause analysis, corrective actions, and continuous process improvement.
Essential Duties
Perform advanced product inspections and testing using precision measurement tools and established methods.
Evaluate nonconforming materials, 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 the 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 CAPA, including implementation and effectiveness verification.
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.
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 (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, & Licenses
High school diploma, GED, or 2 years of prior experience in a 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 (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 (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.
Alignment to Panasonic’s seven core principles.
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 (ISO 9001, IATF 16949).
Exposure to advanced quality tools (PFMEA, Control Plans, MSA).
Experience with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) or ERP systems.
Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
Experience supporting continuous improvement or process validation activities.
PPE Requirements
Full Tyvek suit, safety shoes, gloves, safety glasses, face mask, and a full hazmat suit with respirator. Respirator fit test required.
Physical Demands
Percentage of time: Sit 10 %, Walk 45 %, Stand 45 %.
Required lifting: Up to 10 lbs – frequent; Up to 20 lbs – frequent; Up to 35 lbs – occasional; team‑lift over 35 lbs – occasional.
Disclaimer:
This description is not intended to be exhaustive. Employees may be assigned other responsibilities as business needs evolve.
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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr