Quality Control Technician Lead - Level 5

Overview

Do you want to join a team that's changing the world? Do you have a strong background as a Quality Control Technician Lead Level 5? 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

Summary: Join us at Panasonic Energy as we expand to De Soto, Kansas, where were building the worlds 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, youll 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 Lead Level 5 plays a key role in supporting day-to-day quality operations within a high-volume lithium-ion battery manufacturing environment. Reporting to the Quality Supervisor, this role ensures product compliance with customer specifications by driving root cause analysis, issue resolution, and process improvement. The position requires close collaboration with Operations, Engineering, and Maintenance teams to identify and address quality concerns. A strong focus on data interpretation, team leadership, and continuous improvement is essential to achieving quality and production goals.

Essential Duties:

Data & Analytics:

• Interpret and analyze quality data tied to Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Develop and maintain process alarms using Python scripts and Foundry

• Utilize data visualization tools to track nonconformities and drive improvements

Training:

• Train others at the same or lower level within functional area

• Provide process guidance and support to QA Inspectors and Operators

• Conduct hands-on training to improve inspection proficiency

• This role does not have authority to hire, transfer, suspend, lay off, recall, promote, discharge, reward, or discipline other employees

Quality Assurance & Compliance:

• Execute product and process audits independently

• Support proper implementation of processes and procedures to ensure compliance with industry standards, regulatory requirements, and customer specifications

• Maintain accurate records of inspections, deviations, and corrective actions

Issue Resolution & Collaboration:

• Lead containment and corrective actions for nonconforming materials

• Collaborate with Operations, Engineering, and Maintenance to resolve quality issues in a timely manner

• Communicate effectively across departments and escalate issues as needed

Other Responsibilities:

• Uphold 6S and plant cleanliness standards

• Operate and maintain tools and equipment within functional area

• Adhere to all quality and PECNA policies and procedures

• Must be able to meet physical demands and PPE requirements

• Ability to work all scheduled shifts

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.

Qualifications: Requirements - Required and/or Preferred

Education:

• Required : High school diploma, GED, or 2 years of prior experience in functional area

• Preferred : Associate or Bachelors degree in a technical field (e.g., Engineering, Quality, Industrial Technology)

Essential Qualifications:

• 6+ years of experience in quality assurance, quality control, or manufacturing inspection

• Strong working knowledge of quality systems, inspection methods, and root cause analysis tools (e.g., 5 Whys, Fishbone, DMAIC)

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and data visualization tools (e.g., Foundry AI, Tableau, Power BI)

• Basic scripting knowledge, especially in Python, for data analysis and automation

• Strong verbal and written communication skills

• Ability to lead and train cross-functional teams

• Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage priorities, and make data-driven decisions

• Must have working-level knowledge of the English language, including reading, writing, and speaking English

Preferred Qualifications:

• 8+ years of related experience, including 35 years in QA roles with a strong focus on corrective and containment actions

• Six Sigma Green Belt or equivalent continuous improvement experience

• Background in battery, automotive, or electronics manufacturing

• Familiarity with ISO 9001, IATF 16949, and related quality systems

• Proficient in SPC, FMEA, control plans, and PPAP

• Advanced Python skills for automation and alarm development

• Experience with MES and ERP systems

• Alignment to Panasonics seven (7) core principles (contribution to society, fairness and honesty, cooperation and team spirit, untiring effort for improvement, courtesy and humility, adaptability, gratitude)

Preferred Certification(s):

• Certified Quality Technician (CQT)

• Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or higher)

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%)

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

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 routed 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, 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.

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