Quality Control Technician Lead - Level 5

Panasonic•De Soto, KS

5d•Onsite

About The Position

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 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.

Requirements

High school diploma, GED, or 2 years of prior experience in functional area
4+ 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

Nice To Haves

Associate or Bachelor’s degree in a technical field (e.g., Engineering, Quality, Industrial Technology)
8+ years of related experience, including 3–5 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 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)
Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or higher)

Responsibilities

Operate and maintain tools and equipment within functional area
Perform product inspections and testing using appropriate measurement tools and methods
Ability to work all scheduled shift hours
Interpret and analyze quality data tied to Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Develop and maintain process alarms using Python scripts and Foundry to proactively identify quality deviations
Utilize data visualization tools to track nonconformities and drive process improvements
Recommend and support corrective or preventive actions based on data analysis findings
Uphold 6S and plant cleanliness standards
Provide process guidance and technical support to QA Inspectors and Technicians
Conduct hands-on training to others at same or lower level within functional area to improve inspection proficiency and adherence to standards
No authority to hire, transfer, suspend, lay off, recall, promote, discharge, reward, or discipline other employees
Collaborate with Operations, Engineering, and Maintenance to resolve quality issues in a timely manner
Lead containment and corrective actions for nonconforming materials and processes
Communicate effectively across departments and escalate issues as needed
Present quality findings, trends, and improvement recommendations to cross-functional teams to support decision-making
Support proper implementation of processes and procedures to ensure compliance with industry standards, regulatory requirements, and customer specifications
Execute product and process audits independently and document findings
Maintain accurate records of inspections, deviations, and corrective actions

Benefits

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.

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