Quality Control Technician - Level 3

Panasonic•De Soto, KS

8h•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 – Level 3 performs advanced inspection, testing, and quality analysis to ensure product compliance in a high-volume lithium-ion battery manufacturing environment. Working with limited supervision, this role applies sound technical judgment to evaluate nonconformances, support resolution activities, and ensure accurate quality documentation. The technician uses data-driven methods to identify trends, contribute to root cause analysis, and support corrective and preventive actions. This position represents the transition from inspection-focused work to broader technical responsibility, including deeper analysis, cross-functional collaboration, and process improvement support.

Requirements

High school diploma, GED, or 2 years of prior experience in functional area
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 (e.g., 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 (e.g., 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, 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)

Nice To Haves

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
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 (e.g., ISO 9001, IATF 16949)
Exposure to advanced quality tools (e.g., PFMEA, Control Plans, MSA)
Experience with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) or ERP systems
Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Excel (data analysis, trending, reporting)
Experience supporting continuous improvement or process validation activities

Responsibilities

Perform advanced product inspections and testing using precision measurement tools and established methods
Evaluate nonconforming materials and 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 functional area
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 corrective and preventive actions (CAPA), including implementation and effectiveness verification
Identify recurring quality issues and recommend process improvements based on data and findings
Assist with process validation activities and continuous improvement initiatives
Train and mentor Quality Inspectors and Technicians at the same or lower levels within the functional area
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
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
Support adherence to quality management systems (e.g., 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

Benefits

Health Benefits – Offering medical, dental, vision, prescription plans, plus Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account options.
Voluntary Benefits – Life, accident, critical illness, disability, legal, identity theft, and pet insurance.
Panasonic Retirement Savings & Investment Plan (PRSIP) – 401(k) plan with company matching contributions and immediate vesting.
Paid Time-Off Benefits – Vacation, holidays, personal days, sick leave, volunteer, and parental & caregiver leave.
Educational Assistance – Tuition reimbursement for job-related courses after six months of service.
Health Management and Wellbeing Programs –Lifestyle Spending Account, EAP, virtual health management, chronic condition, neurodiversity, tobacco cessation, substance abuse support, and life stage and fertility resources. Available to eligible employees starting the first day of the month following your start date. Eligibility for each benefit may vary based on employment status, location, and length of service.
Employee Recognition Program - High5 employee recognition and awards platform, quarterly and annual employee recognition
Annual Bonus Program - Opportunity for an annual performance-based bonus.

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