Quality Control Technician - Level 4

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! 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 - Level 4 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: Functional Operations: 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 across multiple levels 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 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 Quality, Manufacturing, Engineering, or related field Certified Quality Technician (CQT) Six Sigma Green Belt or higher OSHA 10- or 30-Hour General Industry Certification Essential Qualifications: 3+ years of related work experience in quality inspection, quality control, or a related manufacturing role Strong understanding of quality systems, manufacturing processes, and inspection methodologies Proficiency with measurement tools and inspection equipment (e.g., calipers, micrometers, gauges) Experience managing nonconformances and supporting resolution of complex quality issues Demonstrated ability to perform root cause analysis and drive corrective actions to closure Working knowledge of statistical process control (SPC) and process capability analysis (Cp/Cpk) Familiarity with advanced quality tools (e.g., PFMEA, Control Plans, MSA) Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, specifications, and engineering documentation Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and prioritize tasks effectively Effective communication and collaboration skills across cross-functional teams Proficiency with computer systems and data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, MES) Safety-conscious mindset with adherence to all safety requirements Ability to meet physical job requirements 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: 6+ years of experience in a quality role within a high-volume manufacturing environment (automotive or battery industry preferred) Progression from a Level 3 Quality Technician role or equivalent experience Experience supporting process validation, NPI, or equipment qualification activities Experience with data visualization or analysis tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau, or similar) Familiarity with basic scripting or automation tools (e.g., Python) for data analysis or monitoring Experience supporting or participating in internal and external quality audits Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel (data analysis, trending, reporting) Experience driving continuous improvement initiatives or process standardization efforts 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 (