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 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.

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.

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:

• 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 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)

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.

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