Quality Control Inspector – Level 2

Kids for the Future; De Soto (KS); On-site; USD 16,000 - 20,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare options

401K matching

Tuition reimbursement

PTO & holidays

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

Panasonic Energy’s De Soto, Kansas facility is hiring a Quality Control Inspector – Level 2 for full-time, on-site work in a high-volume lithium-ion battery plant. You will execute inspection processes, support root-cause analysis, and ensure adherence to control plans and procedures while collaborating with Operations, Engineering, and Maintenance teams.

The role requires a high school diploma or GED, 18+ months in quality control/inspection, and strong attention to detail.

Qualifications

• Minimum 18 months in quality control/inspection manufacturing.
• Working knowledge of metrology and measurement techniques.
• Ability to read technical drawings, specifications, and SOPs.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work independently.
• English proficiency for reading, writing, and speaking.

Responsibilities

• Perform inspections per Control Plan and SOPs.
• Operate independently to inspect products, analyze results, and take action within guidelines.
• Document inspection results accurately and maintain traceable records.
• Verify calibration and proper functioning of inspection equipment before use.
• Support data analysis efforts to identify trends and implement countermeasures.
• Assist in root cause analysis and corrective action implementation.
• Train others on inspection processes and safety requirements.

Skills

Quality control

Inspection techniques

SOPs

Data analysis

English language

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate degree or technical certification in Quality/Manufacturing

Tools

Calipers

Micrometers

Gauges

Job description

• Base Pay $26.50 / Hour
• Job Category Manufacturing and Production, #PECNAOneOffRoles, Sep26
• Industry Renewable Energy / Green Jobs
• Required Degree High school
• Manage Others No

Why Settle for Ordinary When You Can Help Change the World? Panasonic Energy has launched their groundbreaking, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in De Soto and our team is growing!

This is your chance to grow with one of the best benefits packages in the region, including medical, dental, 401(k), tuition reimbursement, PTO, and holiday pay AND huge opportunities for advancement and career growth. Backed by a proven company that's been transforming the technology industry for over 100 years, this isn't just a job; it's a career that matters. Ready to shape the future of sustainable energy?

Want to meet our talent team in person? We offer walk-in interview hours Monday through Friday from 1pm to 5pm CST at our recruiting office located at 10900 South Clay Blair Boulevard in Olathe, KS 66061. Bring your resume, learn more about this exciting opportunity, and get ready to make a difference with us.

If you are passionate about contributing to a sustainable future and being part of a dynamic team shaping the electric vehicle revolution, this opportunity is tailor-made for you. We are seeking dedicated individuals to join us as full-time, on-site team members at our new, state-of-the-art factory located in the thriving city of De Soto, Kansas.

Position Summary: The Quality Control Inspector – Level 2 is responsible for executing the inspection processes to ensure product compliance within a high-volume lithium-ion battery manufacturing environment. 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.

Shift Schedule

Days & Nights (12 hours)

• 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
• 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
• 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
• Ensure adherence to safety protocols during inspection activities to prevent hazards

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements

To ensure the health and safety in the workplace and for the protection of our employees’, wearing PPE is mandatory including equipment such as a full Tyvek suit, safety shoes, gloves, safety glasses, face mask, and a full hazmat suit that includes a respirator. 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.

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

Must-Haves

• 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)

Nice-To-Haves

• 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

Physical Demands

Physical Activities

During the standard workday, the employee must be capable of performing the specified activities for 100% of the workday, including:

• Sit: 10%
• Walk: 30%
• Stand: 60%

Required Lifting and Carrying

Not required (0%), Occasional (1%-33%), Frequent (34%-66%), Continuous (67%-100%)

• Employee must be able to lift and carry or otherwise move:
• 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:

• 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
• Employee events
• Collaborative and motivating culture routed in continuous personal and professional growth and much more.

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.

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 .

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.

Supplemental Information

Pre-employment drug testing is required.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristic 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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