Quality Control Inspector - Level 2 Day Shift

Overview

Do you want to join a team that's changing the world? Do you have a strong background as a Quality Control Inspector - Level 2? 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 Inspector - Level 2 is responsible for executing inspection processes to ensure product compliance within a high-volume lithium-ion battery manufacturing environment. Reporting to the Quality Supervisor, this role supports daily quality objectives and collaborates with Operations, Engineering, and Maintenance teams to resolve defects and maintain production standards. The position plays a key role in identifying quality issues, supporting root cause analysis, and driving adherence to control plans and procedures. A strong understanding of inspection methods, data analysis, and quality systems is essential for success in this role.

Essential Duties:

Functional Operations:

• Perform inspections per Control Plan and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Operate independently to inspect products, analyze results, and take appropriate action within guidelines
• Take ownership of the quality assurance process within assigned areas
• Verify calibration and proper functioning of inspection equipment before use
• Document inspection results accurately and maintain detailed records for traceability
• Operate and maintain tools and equipment within functional area
• Ability to work all scheduled shift hours

Performance Optimization & Continuous Improvement:

• Support data analysis efforts to identify trends and implement countermeasures
• Assist in performing root cause analysis and support corrective action implementation
• Recommend process improvements based on inspection findings and quality data

Training & Team Support:

• Provide feedback to supervisors on training needs and quality system improvements
• Support hands-on training of new inspectors and provide knowledge transfer within the team
• Ability to train others at same or lower level within functional area

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Communication:

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including production, engineering, and maintenance, to identify and resolve quality issues in a timely manner
• Communicate inspection findings and quality concerns clearly to relevant stakeholders for timely resolution

Quality, Safety, & Compliance:

• Participate in internal and external quality audits as required
• Support proper implementation of quality control processes and procedures to ensure compliance with industry standards, regulatory requirements, and customer specifications
• Participate in maintaining 6S and area cleanliness standards
• Ensure adherence to safety protocols during inspection activities to prevent hazards

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements:

• To ensure health and safety in the workplace and for employee 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:

Education:

• Required: High school diploma, GED, or 2 years of prior experience in functional area
• Preferred: Associate's degree or technical certification in Quality, Manufacturing, or a related field

Essential Qualifications:

• Minimum of 18 months of related work experience in quality control, inspection, or a related manufacturing role
• Working knowledge of metrology, measurement techniques, and inspection equipment used in quality control (e.g., calipers, micrometers, gauges)
• Basic understanding of quality control processes, including inspection techniques and the ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and SOPs
• Quick to learn production processes with strong attention to detail and ability to identify nonconformities
• Works independently within defined guidelines and collaborates effectively in team environments
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; receptive to feedback and continuous learning
• Basic computer literacy, including data entry and use of standard software (e.g., MS Office)
• Awareness of and commitment to safety protocols and a safety-conscious work environment
• Must have working-level knowledge of the English language, including reading, writing, and speaking English
• Meet physical demands and PPE requirements
• 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)

Preferred Qualifications:

• 2+ years of quality control experience, preferably including at least 1 year of experience as a Quality Control Inspector - Level 1
• Experience in the battery, automotive, electronics, or other regulated manufacturing industries
• Knowledge of quality systems such as ISO 9001 or IATF 16949
• Experience with Statistical Process Control (SPC), basic root cause analysis (5 Whys, Fishbone), or other quality tools
• Familiarity with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) or ERP software
• Previous experience supporting or leading quality-related improvement activities or audits
• Willingness to pursue or maintain quality certifications such as Certified Quality Inspector (CQI) or Six Sigma Yellow Belt

Preferred License(s):

• None

Preferred Certification(s):

• Certified Quality Inspector (CQI)
• Six Sigma Yellow Belt

Physical Demands:

Physical Activities: Percentage of time during the normal workday the employee is required to:

• Sit: 10%
• Walk: 70%
• Stand: 20%
• 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.: Frequent
• Team-lift only (over 35 lbs.): Frequent

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:

• 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.

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.

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 (by clicking this link you are being referred to an external site that is not part of Panasonic creating technologies that move us.)

Our journey began in 2017, and now, as the world's largest lithium-ion battery factory, we are expanding operations to De Soto, Kansas, providing 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!

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 of North America.

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