Quality Control Technician - Level 3 C-Shift (Thu, Fri, Sat, alternating Wed) days

Panasonic Avionics Corporation; De Soto (KS); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare options

401K retirement plan

Annual bonus program

Educational Assistance & Reimbursement

Job summary

Panasonic Energy Corporation of North America in De Soto, Kansas is recruiting a Customer Quality Technician – Level 3 to evaluate lithium‑ion batteries, ensure quality and safety, and support continuous improvement in a high‑volume manufacturing environment.

You will perform routine lab tests, document results, and collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Quality teams to resolve issues and uphold SOPs and safety standards.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of related work experience in quality inspection, testing, or a manufacturing environment.
• Basic understanding of mechanical and/or electrical principles.
• Must have working-level knowledge of English (reading, writing, and speaking).

Responsibilities

• Perform routine performance and safety testing on lithium-ion cells according to established specifications and procedures
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment (e.g., charge/discharge units, environmental chambers, and measurement tools)
• Follow SOPs for safe handling, testing, storage, and disposal of lithium-ion batteries
• Accurately collect and document test data and observations
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify and resolve issues
• Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory requirements

Skills

Attention to detail

Verbal and written communication

English proficiency

Education

High school diploma or GED

Technical degree (Associate/Bachelor)

Tools

Excel

LIMS

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!

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 Customer Quality Technician – Level 3 supports the testing and evaluation of lithium-ion batteries to ensure product quality, safety, and reliability, with a focus on meeting customer requirements. This role performs routine laboratory testing, accurately records and communicates results, and assists in basic investigation of customer and internal quality issues. The technician works under established procedures and guidance from senior team members to support timely resolution of quality concerns and continuous improvement efforts while ensuring adherence to defined processes, safety standards, and quality requirements.

Essential Duties

Functional Operations

• Perform routine performance and safety testing on lithium-ion cells according to established specifications and procedures
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment (e.g., charge/discharge units, environmental chambers, and measurement tools) within the functional area
• Follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for safe handling, testing, storage, and disposal of lithium-ion batteries
• Accurately collect and document test data and observations

Performance Optimization & Continuous Improvement

• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on defect reduction and process efficiency
• Identify and report basic trends, anomalies, or inconsistencies in test results
• Assist in root cause investigations and corrective action activities under guidance

Training & Team Support

• Train and mentor technicians at the same or lower level within the functional area
• Support onboarding and knowledge sharing of standard processes and procedures

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Communication

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (e.g., Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality) to identify and resolve issues in a timely manner
• Communicate test results and quality concerns clearly and accurately to team members

Quality, Safety, & Compliance

• Support proper implementation of processes and procedures to ensure compliance with industry standards, regulatory requirements, and customer specifications
• Follow all safety protocols and properly utilize required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Uphold 6S initiatives and ensure area cleanliness is maintained to safety and operational standards
• Ensure compliance with company policies and quality management systems
• Ability to work all scheduled shift hours

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None

Travel Requirement

• None

Education, Certifications, and Licenses

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

• 2+ years of related work experience in quality inspection, testing, or a manufacturing environment
• Basic understanding of mechanical and/or electrical principles
• Ability to follow detailed instructions and work in a structured laboratory or manufacturing environment
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in data collection and reporting
• Basic problem-solving skills and ability to elevate issues appropriately
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Familiarity with basic measuring tools and inspection techniques
• 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)

Preferred Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in a quality or testing role within a high-volume manufacturing environment (automotive or battery industry preferred)
• Exposure to lithium-ion battery testing or similar technical lab environments
• Basic knowledge of quality systems (e.g., ISO 9001, IATF 16949)
• Experience with basic data tracking tools or systems (e.g., Excel, LIMS, or similar)

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements

• To ensure health and safety in the workplace and for employee protection, wearing PPE is required 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.

Physical Demands

Physical Activities

Percentage of time (equaling 100%) during the normal workday the employee is required to:

• Sit: 10%
• Walk: 45%
• Stand: 45%

Required Lifting and Carrying

Rare (<1%), Occasional (1-33%), Frequent (34-66%), Continuous (67-100%)

For this position, the required frequency is:

• Up to 10 lbs.: Occasional
• Up to 20 lbs.: Occasional
• Up to 35 lbs.: Occasional
• Team-lift only (over 35 lbs.): Rare

The foregoing description is not intended and should not be construed to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, 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. In addition, employees are expected to participate in cross‑training and may be assigned responsibilities in other areas as business needs evolve.

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.

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.

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. Join us at Panasonic Energy, where your onsite presence is valued, and we strive to make each moment count in your professional journey.

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

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 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 Corporation of North America.