Description

Do you want to join a team that's changing the world? Do you have a strong background as a Quality Control Technician - Level 4? 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!

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.

The Quality Control Technician - Level 4 supports advanced quality operations in a highvolume lithium-ion battery manufacturing environment. This role focuses on implementing quality initiatives, analyzing data, and executing process improvements with moderate supervision. The technician collaborates cross-functionally with Operations, Engineering, and Maintenance to support issue resolution, containment activities, and the development of quality controls. With intermediate scripting and data visualization skills, this role also provides technical guidance and training to junior team members while maintaining compliance with quality and safety standards.

Night Shift Available:

(Thurs, Fri, Sat, Alternating Wed)

Data & Analytics:

• Assist in interpreting and visualizing quality data using tools such as Foundry or Power BI
• Support the creation of basic process alarms using Python scripts to monitor critical parameters
• Analyze trends in nonconformities and contribute to improvement initiatives based on data findings

Training & Support:

• Train and mentor QA Inspectors and Technicians at the same or lower level within the functional area
• Provide on-the-floor support to Operators and Inspectors in interpreting quality standards
• Assist in preparing training materials and hands-on demonstrations to reinforce inspection accuracy and procedural adherence

Issue Resolution & Collaboration:

• Lead containment efforts and support corrective actions for nonconforming materials
• Work with cross-functional teams to identify and address issues and/or quality concerns in a timely and effective manner
• Escalate unresolved or systemic issues to the Quality Supervisor or Lead Technician as needed

Other Responsibilities:

• Ability to work all scheduled shifts
• Operate and maintain inspection tools and equipment within functional area
• Support 6S initiatives and ensure area cleanliness is maintained to safety and operational standards
• Comply with all company policies and safety protocols, including the use of PPE as required
• Provide feedback to improve inspection methods, quality documentation, or control processes
• No authority to hire, transfer, suspend, lay off, recall, promote, discharge, reward, or discipline other employees

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements:

To ensure the health and safety in the workplace and for our employees' protection, wearing PPE is a possibility 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.

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.

Education:

• Required: High school diploma, GED, or 2 years of prior experience in functional area
• Preferred: Associate or Bachelor's degree in a technical field (e.g., Engineering, Quality, Industrial Technology)

Essential Qualifications:

• 4.5+ years of related work experience in quality inspection, quality control, or a related manufacturing role
• Strong understanding of quality systems, including ISO 9001 and IATF 16949
• Working knowledge of inspection techniques, root cause analysis, and quality documentation
• Basic understanding of Engineering principles
• Ability to read and understand technical instructions and documentation
• Familiarity with scripting tools (e.g., Python) and data visualization platforms such as Foundry, Tableau, or Power BI
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively across teams
• Ability to work independently, follow detailed instructions, and manage time efficiently

Preferred Qualifications:

• 6+ years of experience in a quality role within a high-volume manufacturing environment (automotive or battery industry preferred)
• 1-2 years of experience as a Quality Technician - Level 3 or equivalent quality role in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• Exposure to Six Sigma tools and structured problem-solving techniques (e.g., 5 Whys, Fishbone diagrams)
• Background in battery, electronics, or automotive manufacturing
• Experience with SPC, control plans, or basic FMEA documentation
• 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)
• Certified Quality Technician (CQT) - ASQ
• Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or higher preferred for higher-level project involvement)
• Internal Auditor Certification (ISO 9001 or IATF 16949)

Physical Demands:

Physical Activities: Percentage of time (equaling 100%) during the normal workday the employee is required to:

• Sit: 10%
• Walk: 40%
• Stand: 40%
• Lift: 10%

Required Lifting and Carrying: Not required (0%), Occasional (1-33%), Frequent (34-66%), Continuous (67-100%)

• Up to 10 lbs.: Frequent
• Up to 20 lbs.: Frequent
• Up to 35 lbs.: Occasional
• Team-lift only (over 35 lbs.): Occasional