Customer Quality Engineer III

Overview Customer Quality Engineer III role at Panasonic Energy, supporting customer and product quality objectives through data collection, analysis, and structured problem solving related to lithium-ion battery performance, safety, and reliability testing and qualification processes. Responsibilities Functional Operations: apply deep technical expertise to routine performance, safety, and reliability testing on lithium-ion cells in accordance with specifications and procedures Develop, review, and validate testing standards, methods, and acceptance criteria to ensure robust and repeatable results Lead medium-sized laboratory or quality projects, managing scope, timelines, and resource coordination Plan and execute product qualification and product change management affecting customers Conduct root cause analysis and corrective actions and preventative actions with cross-functional internal stakeholders and customers Performance Optimization & Continuous Improvement: independently resolve complex, multi-variable quality and testing problems using structured problem-solving methodologies Perform advanced data analysis to identify trends, systemic failure modes, and improvement opportunities Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on product quality, test efficiency, and defect reduction Develop and implement new or improved test methods, procedures, or processes based on data-driven insights Provide technical guidance during root cause analysis and corrective action implementation Training & Team Support: mentor Customer Quality Engineer I and II team members through technical coaching and knowledge sharing Serve as a technical resource for laboratory technicians and engineers on testing practices and problem resolution May lead small cross-functional project teams or focused technical workstreams Cross-Functional Collaboration & Communication: collaborate across departments to resolve complex quality issues Communicate technical findings, risks, and recommendations to management and stakeholders Present test results, analyses, and improvement proposals using clear, data-supported narratives Make independent technical decisions within area of expertise and escalate broader risks when needed Quality, Safety, & Compliance: maintain and improve SOPs related to safe handling, testing, storage, and disposal of lithium-ion batteries; lead containment actions and support disposition of nonconforming product; ensure compliance with quality management systems and regulatory requirements; promote a strong safety culture PPE Requirements: follow workplace safety protocols and use appropriate PPE as required The foregoing description is not intended to be exhaustive. It reflects the general nature and level of the job. Qualifications Education, Certifications, and Licenses Required : Bachelor’s degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM), or related field Preferred : Master’s degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, or related technical field; Six Sigma Green Belt, Lean certification, or demonstrated experience leading continuous improvement initiatives Essential Qualifications 4+ years of relevant experience in a manufacturing or R&D environment with laboratory or product testing Proficiency in mechanical and electrical engineering principles as applied to testing, evaluation, and failure analysis Ability to work with limited supervision and exercise independent technical judgment Strong verbal and written communication skills to present technical findings to cross-functional teams and management Ability to document and communicate test data, investigation outcomes, and corrective actions Proficiency in applying statistical techniques (e.g., SPC, basic DOE) Expertise in metrology, measurement techniques, and advanced laboratory equipment Working knowledge of quality management systems (e.g., ISO 9001, IATF 16949) and regulatory requirements Ability to understand production processes, quality requirements, and risk in high-volume manufacturing Collaborative mindset with ability to mentor junior engineers Working proficiency in English Alignment to core principles including contribution to society and teamwork Preferred Qualifications 6+ years of laboratory or product testing experience Experience in high-volume manufacturing environments such as lithium-ion batteries or electronics Hands-on lithium-ion cell testing or manufacturing experience Experience applying advanced testing methodologies (SPC, DOE, HALT, HASS, ORT) and relevant standards Experience leading investigations and corrective actions for complex quality issues Experience with laboratory data systems and data visualization tools Physical Demands Physical Activities: Sit, Walk, Stand with percentages as part of the regular workday Sit: 10% Walk: 40% Stand: 50% Required Lifting and Carrying : Rare to frequent as defined in company policy Up to 10 lbs.: Frequent Up to 20 lbs.: Frequent Up to 35 lbs.: Occasional Team-lift over 35 lbs.: Occasional Benefits & Perks - What’s In It For You Health benefits including medical, dental, vision, prescription plans Voluntary benefits such as life, accident, critical illness, disability 401(k) plan with company matching Paid time off including vacation, holidays, personal days, sick leave, parental and caregiver leave Educational assistance and tuition reimbursement for job-related courses Wellbeing programs and resources Employee recognition programs and annual bonus opportunities On-site food options and cafes Where You’ll Be Onsite roles with a focus on a productive and positive work environment. Who We Are Panasonic Energy is dedicated to transforming the world through sustainable energy by producing safe, high-quality lithium-ion batteries and contributing to EV technology advancement. We are expanding operations to De Soto, Kansas. Supplemental Information Pre-employment drug testing is required. Equal opportunity employer statement and general eligibility information may be included as required by law. Thank you for your interest. #J-18808-Ljbffr Panasonic Avionics Corporation