Quality Control Technician Lead - Level 5

Overview Do you want to join a team that's changing the world? Do you have a strong background as a Quality Control Technician Lead? 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 Lead - Level 5 serves as the primary technical authority for quality processes within a high-volume lithium-ion battery manufacturing environment. Working independently, this role owns process-level quality performance, including oversight of nonconformance management, advanced data analysis, and sustained process improvement. The technician applies deep expertise to identify systemic issues, implement robust solutions, and ensure alignment with internal standards and customer requirements.

This position drives consistency across functional areas and provides technical direction, mentorship, and guidance to support overall quality performance. Essential Duties:
Functional Operations:
* Ensure consistent application and execution of quality standards and requirements across products and processes
* Own evaluation and disposition processes for complex nonconformances, including coordination of containment and resolution activities
* Perform and oversee product and process audits to ensure compliance and effectiveness of quality controls
* Provide direction on inspection methods, testing strategies, and measurement system application
* Support new product introduction (NPI), process changes, and equipment qualifications with quality requirements and risk assessment
* Ensure accuracy, consistency, and traceability of quality records and documentation
* Operate and maintain tools and equipment within the functional area Performance Optimization & Continuous Improvement:
* Own analysis of quality performance using advanced statistical methods (e.g., SPC, Cp/Cpk, trend analysis) to monitor and improve process capability
* Drive resolution of complex or systemic quality issues using structured problem-solving methodologies (e.g., 5 Whys, Fishbone, DMAIC)
* Own corrective and preventive action (CAPA) processes, including effectiveness and standardization
* Identify gaps in process controls and implement standardized improvements across functional areas
* Develop and maintain data monitoring systems, including dashboards, alarms, or automated tools to proactively detect quality risks
* Contribute to development and standardization of quality systems, control plans, and procedures Training & Team Support:
* Provide technical mentorship and guidance to Quality Technicians and Inspectors across multiple levels
* Serve as a primary resource for advanced quality tools, data analysis, and problem-solving methodologies
* Support development and standardization of training programs, materials, and qualification processes
* Provide direction to cross-functional teams on quality standards, requirements, and best practices
* Identify organizational capability gaps and recommend development strategies
* No authority to hire, transfer, suspend, lay off, recall, promote, discharge, reward, or discipline other employees Cross-Functional Collaboration & Communication:
* Partner with Operations, Engineering, and Maintenance to align and address systemic quality challenges and improve process performance
* Influence decision-making through clear communication of data insights, risks, and recommendations
* Facilitate alignment of quality standards and practices across functional areas
* Escalate critical risks or systemic issues with well-supported analysis and proposed solutions
* Present quality performance, trends, and improvement initiatives to leadership and cross-functional stakeholders Quality, Safety, & Compliance:
* Ensure consistent application and adherence to quality management systems across functional areas
* Play a key role in internal and external audits, including preparation, execution, and response coordination
* Ensure quality processes, documentation, and records meet audit and regulatory expectations
* Drive standardization and continuous…