Quality Engineer II

Overview Do you have a strong background as a Quality Engineer II and want to help change the future of sustainable energy? Panasonic Energy is expanding our battery manufacturing operations in De Soto, Kansas, and we’re looking for a dedicated professional to join our team. Responsibilities The Quality Engineer II collaborates with Operations, Engineering, and Maintenance to detect, investigate, and resolve quality issues, defects, and process deviations. The role applies core quality‑engineering principles to support manufacturing quality, process stability, and continuous improvement initiatives within a battery‑manufacturing environment. Functional Operations Apply quality‑engineering knowledge to develop, implement, and maintain quality standards, procedures, and controls. Support small‑to‑medium quality and process‑improvement projects, including scope definition, data collection, analysis, and execution of corrective actions. Collaborate closely with senior engineers on quality and process improvement initiatives. Performance Optimization & Continuous Improvement Investigate and resolve moderately complex quality and process issues using structured problem‑solving methodologies (e.g., 8D, A3, DMAIC). Utilize Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma tools to analyze process data, identify root causes, and support corrective and preventive actions. Participate in the design and execution of experiments (DOE) to validate process changes and improvement effectiveness. Work with cross‑functional teams to support process‑optimization initiatives aimed at improving efficiency, reducing defects, and enhancing product quality. Support day‑to‑day containment actions, rapid countermeasures, and corrective actions within assigned production areas. Training & Team Support Provide day‑to‑day technical support to Quality Specialists, Technicians, and Inspectors. Assist with training activities related to quality tools, standards, inspection methods, and problem‑solving techniques. Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement by sharing best practices and supporting team‑based improvement activities. Cross‑Functional Collaboration & Communication Collaborate with Quality Management, Operations, Engineering, and other teams to proactively identify process inefficiencies and improvement opportunities. Communicate investigation results, corrective actions, and improvement outcomes to team members and leadership. Generate routine reports on quality performance and process‑improvement activities, including key performance indicators (KPIs). Escalate risks, constraints, or unresolved quality issues to senior quality or management personnel as appropriate. Quality, Safety, & Compliance Conduct routine audits, assessments, and inspections of manufacturing processes to confirm compliance with quality standards and documented procedures. Assist in the development, implementation, and maintenance of the Quality Management System (QMS). Ensure work activities comply with applicable quality and regulatory standards (ISO 9001, IATF 16949, UL, CE, RoHS). Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements Use of PPE such as a full Tyvek suit, safety shoes, gloves, safety glasses, face mask, bump cap, or hazmat suit with respirator may be required. Qualifications Requirements – Required and/or Preferred Education, Certifications, and Licenses Required Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Electrical, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality Management, or a related technical field. Preferred Master’s degree in Engineering, Quality Management, or a related discipline. Six Sigma Green Belt (or progression toward certification). ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE). Essential Qualifications Minimum 2 years of relevant experience in quality engineering or a related manufacturing environment, including laboratory or production support. Proficiency in statistical tools such as SPC, DOE, CAPA, and data‑driven problem‑solving techniques. Working knowledge of manufacturing processes, control systems, and programming languages (e.g., Java, SQL, Python). Strong analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving skills with a proactive, detail‑oriented approach. Ability to collaborate effectively with cross‑functional teams and communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing. Self‑motivated with sound judgment to support investigations and corrective actions under supervision. Basic understanding of quality management systems and regulatory requirements (ISO 9001, IATF 16949, etc.). Willingness to learn, receive guidance, and contribute positively to team efforts. Working knowledge of the English language, including reading, writing, and speaking. Alignment with Panasonic’s core principles: contribution to society, fairness and honesty, cooperation and team spirit, untiring effort for improvement, courtesy and humility, adaptability, gratitude. Preferred Qualifications 4+ years of experience in quality engineering or related roles in manufacturing, preferably in lithium‑ion batteries, automotive, electronics, or other regulated industries. Exposure to internal or external quality audits or certification processes. Familiarity with advanced quality tools such as FMEA, MSA, control plans, and process capability analysis. Experience in fast‑paced, high‑volume, or regulated manufacturing environments. Physical Demands Physical Activities Sitting: 10% Walking: 40% Standing: 50% Required Lifting and Carrying Up to 10 lbs.: Frequent Up to 20 lbs.: Frequent Up to 35 lbs.: Occasional Team‑lift only (over 35 lbs.): Occasional Benefits & Perks Health Benefits – medical, dental, vision, prescription plans, Health Savings Account, 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 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/fertility resources; available from the first day of the month after start date, eligibility varies by status, location, and duration of service. Employee Recognition Program – employee recognition and awards platform, quarterly and annual recognition. Annual Bonus Program – opportunity for an annual performance‑based bonus. On‑site Food Options – on‑site cafés, snack and beverage kitchens, on‑site vendor visits, and employee events. Where You Will Be Our onsite roles are designed to foster an ideal working environment that promotes productivity and a positive work atmosphere. The Panasonic Energy team values each employee’s onsite presence and strives to make every moment count. Who We Are Panasonic Energy is committed to transforming the world through sustainable energy solutions. We produce safe, high‑quality lithium‑ion batteries and are the world’s largest battery‑manufacturing facility. Founded in 2017, we are expanding operations in De Soto, Kansas, providing career growth opportunities. We Take Opportunity Seriously We are an equal‑opportunity employer that fosters inclusion and belonging. Fairness and honesty are core values, and we embrace diverse professional, personal, educational, and volunteer opportunities. Supplemental Information Pre‑employment drug testing is required. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, 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. All applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without restriction. #J-18808-Ljbffr Panasonic Avionics Corporation