Quality Control Technician II - KS

Panasonic Energy Corporation of North America; De Soto (KS); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Panasonic Energy Corporation of North America in De Soto, Kansas is seeking a Quality Control Technician II to join a state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery manufacturing team. The role focuses on advanced quality analysis, process validation, and root-cause investigations within a high-volume production environment.

You will drive CAPAs, ensure quality control systems, and support audits while collaborating with Operations and Engineering.

Qualifications

• High school diploma, GED, or 2 years of prior experience in functional area.
• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Quality, Manufacturing, Engineering, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Perform advanced inspections, testing, and verification activities across products and processes.
• Manage complex nonconformance activities, including evaluation, containment coordination, and disposition support.
• Conduct detailed failure analysis and defect characterization to identify underlying causes.
• Execute product and process audits with minimal supervision.
• Validate inspection methods, test procedures, and measurement systems (e.g., support MSA activities).
• Support new product introduction (NPI), process changes, and equipment qualifications from a quality perspective.
• Ensure accuracy, completeness, and traceability of quality records and documentation.

Skills

Quality analysis

Statistical analysis

Root cause analysis

Data analysis

Documentation

MSA activities

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Quality/Manufacturing/Engineering

Job description

Overview
Do you want to join a team that's changing the world? Do you have a strong background as a Quality Control Technician? Then we're looking for you! 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!

Overview
Do you want to join a team that's changing the world? Do you have a strong background as a Quality Control Technician? Then we're looking for you! 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 II — KS performs advanced quality analysis, process validation, and problem‑solving to ensure product and process compliance in a high‑volume lithium‑ion battery manufacturing environment. Working with minimal supervision, this role applies advanced technical expertise to manage complex nonconformances, drive root‑cause analysis, and support implementation of effective corrective actions. The technician is responsible for deeper evaluation of process performance, including statistical analysis and validation of quality controls. This position expands influence across functional areas and contributes to the development and improvement of quality systems, standards, and processes.

Essential Duties

• Perform advanced inspections, testing, and verification activities across products and processes
• Manage complex nonconformance activities, including evaluation, containment coordination, and disposition support
• Conduct detailed failure analysis and defect characterization to identify underlying causes
• Execute product and process audits with minimal supervision
• Validate inspection methods, test procedures, and measurement systems (e.g., support MSA activities)
• Support new product introduction (NPI), process changes, and equipment qualifications from a quality perspective
• Ensure accuracy, completeness, and traceability of quality records and documentation
• Operate and maintain tools and equipment within the functional area
• Operate and maintain tools and equipment within functional area

Performance Optimization & Continuous Improvement

• Perform advanced data analysis using statistical methods (e.g., SPC, Cp/Cpk, trend analysis) to assess process capability and performance
• Drive root cause analysis for complex or recurring issues using structured methodologies (e.g., 5 Whys, Fishbone, PFMEA inputs)
• Execute and drive follow-through of corrective and preventive actions (CAPA), including effectiveness verification
• Identify systemic issues and implement sustainable process improvements
• Support development and refinement of control plans, process controls, and quality standards
• Contribute to process validation activities and continuous improvement initiatives across functional areas

Training & Team Support

• Train and mentor Quality Technicians and Inspectors within the functional area
• Serve as a technical resource for quality standards, data analysis, and problem‑solving methodologies
• Provide guidance to Operations and Engineering on quality requirements and best practices
• Support development and standardization of training materials, SOPs, and control plans
• Identify skill gaps and provide recommendations for workforce development

Cross‑Functional Collaboration & Communication

• Partner closely with Operations, Engineering, and Maintenance to resolve complex quality and process issues
• Provide data‑driven insights and recommendations to support decision‑making
• Drive implementation of process improvements, equipment changes, and design updates
• Escalate high‑risk or systemic quality concerns with clear analysis and proposed solutions
• Contribute to cross‑functional initiatives involving process optimization and quality performance

Quality, Safety, & Compliance

• Ensure adherence to quality management systems (e.g., ISO 9001, IATF 16949) and internal standards
• Actively support internal and external audits, including preparation and response activities
• Maintain and review quality documentation to ensure audit readiness and compliance
• Support development and continuous improvement of quality procedures and systems
• 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

Required

Education, Certifications, and Licenses:

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

Preferred

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Quality, Manufacturing, Engineering, or related field
• Certified Quality Technician (CQT)
• Six Sigma Green Belt or higher
• OSHA 10- or 30-Hour General Industry Certification