Panasonic North America
Quality Laboratory Technician - Level 4
Panasonic North America, De Soto, Kansas, United States, 66018
Overview
Do you want to join a team that's changing the world? Do you have a strong background as a Quality Laboratory Technician – Level 4? 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 Laboratory Technician – Level 4 supports the Quality, Operations, and Engineering teams by performing inspections, interpreting data, and identifying product or process issues to ensure compliance with customer specifications and industry standards. This role operates and maintains lab equipment, executes audits, and assists with quality improvement efforts. The technician is expected to work independently at times, communicate findings effectively, and support training of junior team members. The position requires a strong understanding of quality systems, attention to detail, and collaboration across departments.
Essential Duties:
Laboratory Operations & Equipment Management:
Operate and maintain tools and equipment within functional area
Prepare and inspect samples following SOPs; assist in identifying contaminants using standard analytical techniques
Perform basic calibration checks and routine maintenance; escalate complex issues as needed
Follow established procedures for sample handling, labeling, and storage
Maintain work area cleanliness and comply with 6S and safety standards
Data Analysis & Reporting:
Perform data interpretation and support analysis tied to Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Maintain accurate records of inspection results, deviations, and quality-related observations
Use basic scripts or visualization tools to assist with containment actions and issue investigation
Report quality issues or deviations to supervisors and engineers in a timely and clear manner
Quality Systems & Compliance:
Support proper implementation of quality control processes and procedures to ensure compliance with industry standards, regulatory requirements, and customer specifications
Execute internal product and process audits independently; assist with other audits as directed by the Quality Supervisor
Contribute to quality improvement projects focused on product quality, process efficiency, or defect reduction
Ensure adherence to quality, safety, and PECNA policies and procedures
Problem Solving & Communication:
Troubleshoot common quality or process issues and support others in identifying root causes
Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including production, engineering, and maintenance, to identify and resolve quality issues in a timely manner
Operate independently at times without written SOPs; apply sound judgment based on data and prior experience
Communicate results and technical information clearly and professionally to various stakeholders
Team Support:
Train others at the same or lower level within functional area
Support hands-on training of inspectors to improve overall proficiency
Provide direction and support as required for QA Inspectors and Operators in quality improvement projects
Work all scheduled shift hours and cover shifts as needed
Meet the physical demands of the role and follow all PPE requirements
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 chemistry, materials science, or a related field
Essential Qualifications:
3+ years of relevant laboratory, inspection, or quality experience
Proficient in documenting inspection results and maintaining accurate records per SOPs and quality standards
Solid understanding of laboratory safety, 6S practices, quality control fundamentals, and basic engineering concepts
Able to interpret data, support root cause analysis, and apply basic statistical techniques
Experience with standard metrology tools, measurement methods, and inspection techniques
Familiarity with quality management systems (e.g., ISO 9001, IATF 16949) and applicable regulatory requirements (e.g., UL, CE, RoHS)
Competent in Microsoft Office (especially Excel) with clear written and verbal communication skills
Capable of working independently, solving routine issues, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives
Must have working-level knowledge of the English language, including reading, writing, and speaking English
Preferred Qualifications:
6+ years of relevant laboratory, quality, or manufacturing experience
Experience in lithium-ion battery or other advanced manufacturing environments
Involvement in continuous improvement or quality enhancement projects
Familiarity with data analysis or dashboard tools (e.g., Power BI, Foundry, Tableau)
Experience mentoring or training peers or junior team members
Working knowledge of statistical process control (SPC) and common quality metrics (e.g., Cp, Cpk, Pp, Ppk)
Exposure to internal audits and compliance practices under ISO or other regulatory standards
Exhibit PECNA High-Performance Culture (HPC) principles
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 Certification(s):
Six Sigma Green Belt
Physical Demands:
Physical Activities:
Percentage of time (equaling 100%) during the normal workday the employee is required to:
Sit: 20%
Walk: 40%
Stand: 30%
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.: Occasional
Team-lift only (over 35 lbs.): Occasional
Who We Are:
Meet Panasonic Energy (https://careers.na.panasonic.com/life-at-panasonic) ! 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 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-x_hDfMqb0) .
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. If you are actively looking or starting to explore new opportunities, submit your application!
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.
R-103074
Do you want to join a team that's changing the world? Do you have a strong background as a Quality Laboratory Technician – Level 4? 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 Laboratory Technician – Level 4 supports the Quality, Operations, and Engineering teams by performing inspections, interpreting data, and identifying product or process issues to ensure compliance with customer specifications and industry standards. This role operates and maintains lab equipment, executes audits, and assists with quality improvement efforts. The technician is expected to work independently at times, communicate findings effectively, and support training of junior team members. The position requires a strong understanding of quality systems, attention to detail, and collaboration across departments.
Essential Duties:
Laboratory Operations & Equipment Management:
Operate and maintain tools and equipment within functional area
Prepare and inspect samples following SOPs; assist in identifying contaminants using standard analytical techniques
Perform basic calibration checks and routine maintenance; escalate complex issues as needed
Follow established procedures for sample handling, labeling, and storage
Maintain work area cleanliness and comply with 6S and safety standards
Data Analysis & Reporting:
Perform data interpretation and support analysis tied to Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Maintain accurate records of inspection results, deviations, and quality-related observations
Use basic scripts or visualization tools to assist with containment actions and issue investigation
Report quality issues or deviations to supervisors and engineers in a timely and clear manner
Quality Systems & Compliance:
Support proper implementation of quality control processes and procedures to ensure compliance with industry standards, regulatory requirements, and customer specifications
Execute internal product and process audits independently; assist with other audits as directed by the Quality Supervisor
Contribute to quality improvement projects focused on product quality, process efficiency, or defect reduction
Ensure adherence to quality, safety, and PECNA policies and procedures
Problem Solving & Communication:
Troubleshoot common quality or process issues and support others in identifying root causes
Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including production, engineering, and maintenance, to identify and resolve quality issues in a timely manner
Operate independently at times without written SOPs; apply sound judgment based on data and prior experience
Communicate results and technical information clearly and professionally to various stakeholders
Team Support:
Train others at the same or lower level within functional area
Support hands-on training of inspectors to improve overall proficiency
Provide direction and support as required for QA Inspectors and Operators in quality improvement projects
Work all scheduled shift hours and cover shifts as needed
Meet the physical demands of the role and follow all PPE requirements
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 chemistry, materials science, or a related field
Essential Qualifications:
3+ years of relevant laboratory, inspection, or quality experience
Proficient in documenting inspection results and maintaining accurate records per SOPs and quality standards
Solid understanding of laboratory safety, 6S practices, quality control fundamentals, and basic engineering concepts
Able to interpret data, support root cause analysis, and apply basic statistical techniques
Experience with standard metrology tools, measurement methods, and inspection techniques
Familiarity with quality management systems (e.g., ISO 9001, IATF 16949) and applicable regulatory requirements (e.g., UL, CE, RoHS)
Competent in Microsoft Office (especially Excel) with clear written and verbal communication skills
Capable of working independently, solving routine issues, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives
Must have working-level knowledge of the English language, including reading, writing, and speaking English
Preferred Qualifications:
6+ years of relevant laboratory, quality, or manufacturing experience
Experience in lithium-ion battery or other advanced manufacturing environments
Involvement in continuous improvement or quality enhancement projects
Familiarity with data analysis or dashboard tools (e.g., Power BI, Foundry, Tableau)
Experience mentoring or training peers or junior team members
Working knowledge of statistical process control (SPC) and common quality metrics (e.g., Cp, Cpk, Pp, Ppk)
Exposure to internal audits and compliance practices under ISO or other regulatory standards
Exhibit PECNA High-Performance Culture (HPC) principles
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 Certification(s):
Six Sigma Green Belt
Physical Demands:
Physical Activities:
Percentage of time (equaling 100%) during the normal workday the employee is required to:
Sit: 20%
Walk: 40%
Stand: 30%
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.: Occasional
Team-lift only (over 35 lbs.): Occasional
Who We Are:
Meet Panasonic Energy (https://careers.na.panasonic.com/life-at-panasonic) ! 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 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-x_hDfMqb0) .
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. If you are actively looking or starting to explore new opportunities, submit your application!
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.
R-103074