Quality Control Inspector – Level 2 Night Shift

Panasonic • De Soto, KS

14d • Onsite

About The Position

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 Inspector – Level 2 is responsible for executing inspection processes to ensure product compliance within a high-volume lithium-ion battery manufacturing environment. Reporting to the Quality Supervisor, this role supports daily quality objectives and collaborates with Operations, Engineering, and Maintenance teams to resolve defects and maintain production standards. The position plays a key role in identifying quality issues, supporting root cause analysis, and driving adherence to control plans and procedures. A strong understanding of inspection methods, data analysis, and quality systems is essential for success in this role.

Requirements

• High school diploma, GED, or 2 years of prior experience in functional area
• Minimum of 18 months of related work experience in quality control, inspection, or a related manufacturing role
• Working knowledge of metrology, measurement techniques, and inspection equipment used in quality control (e.g., calipers, micrometers, gauges)
• Basic understanding of quality control processes, including inspection techniques and the ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and SOPs
• Quick to learn production processes with strong attention to detail and ability to identify nonconformities
• Works independently within defined guidelines and collaborates effectively in team environments
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; receptive to feedback and continuous learning
• Basic computer literacy, including data entry and use of standard software (e.g., MS Office)
• Awareness of and commitment to safety protocols and a safety-conscious work environment
• Must have working-level knowledge of the English language, including reading, writing, and speaking English
• Meet physical demands and PPE requirements
• 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)

Nice To Haves

• Associate’s degree or technical certification in Quality, Manufacturing, or a related field
• 2+ years of quality control experience, preferably including at least 1 year of experience as a Quality Control Inspector – Level 1
• Experience in the battery, automotive, electronics, or other regulated manufacturing industries
• Knowledge of quality systems such as ISO 9001 or IATF 16949
• Experience with Statistical Process Control (SPC), basic root cause analysis (5 Whys, Fishbone), or other quality tools
• Familiarity with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) or ERP software
• Previous experience supporting or leading quality-related improvement activities or audits
• Willingness to pursue or maintain quality certifications such as Certified Quality Inspector (CQI) or Six Sigma Yellow Belt
• Certified Quality Inspector (CQI)
• Six Sigma Yellow Belt

Responsibilities

• Perform inspections per Control Plan and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Operate independently to inspect products, analyze results, and take appropriate action within guidelines
• Take ownership of the quality assurance process within assigned areas
• Verify calibration and proper functioning of inspection equipment before use
• Document inspection results accurately and maintain detailed records for traceability
• Operate and maintain tools and equipment within functional area
• Ability to work all scheduled shift hours
• Support data analysis efforts to identify trends and implement countermeasures
• Assist in performing root cause analysis and support corrective action implementation
• Recommend process improvements based on inspection findings and quality data
• Provide feedback to supervisors on training needs and quality system improvements
• Support hands-on training of new inspectors and provide knowledge transfer within the team
• Ability to train others at same or lower level within functional area
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including production, engineering, and maintenance, to identify and resolve quality issues in a timely manner
• Communicate inspection findings and quality concerns clearly to relevant stakeholders for timely resolution
• Participate in internal and external quality audits as required
• Support proper implementation of quality control processes and procedures to ensure compliance with industry standards, regulatory requirements, and customer specifications
• Participate in maintaining 6S and area cleanliness standards
• Ensure adherence to safety protocols during inspection activities to prevent hazards

Benefits

• Health Benefits – Offering medical, dental, vision, prescription plans, plus Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account options.
• Voluntary Benefits – Life, accident, critical illness, disability, legal, identity theft, and pet insurance.
• Panasonic Retirement Savings & Investment Plan (PRSIP) – 401(k) plan with company matching contributions and immediate vesting.
• Paid Time-Off Benefits – Vacation, holidays, personal days, sick leave, volunteer, and parental & caregiver leave.
• Educational Assistance – Tuition reimbursement for job-related courses after six months of service.
• Health Management and Wellbeing Programs –Lifestyle Spending Account, EAP, virtual health management, chronic condition, neurodiversity, tobacco cessation, substance abuse support, and life stage and fertility resources. Available to eligible employees starting the first day of the month following your start date. Eligibility for each benefit may vary based on employment status, location, and length of service.
• Employee Recognition Program - High5 employee recognition and awards platform, quarterly and annual employee recognition
• Annual Bonus Program - Opportunity for an annual performance-based bonus.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED