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Overview

Do you want to join a team that's changing the world? Do you have a strong background as a Materials Quality Lab Supervisor? 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 Panasonic Energy team today!

Responsibilities

Meet the Recruiter: Eric Laffey (https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-laffey/)

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 Materials Quality Lab Supervisor is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the laboratory, ensuring efficient workflow and the timely delivery of accurate test results. This role includes training and mentoring lab technicians and inspectors in proper testing procedures and methodologies. The supervisor should have hands-on experience with laboratory analysis tools such as chromatography, SEM/EDS, FTIR, or equivalent technologies. This role also contributes to a culture of continuous improvement by sharing best practices, providing training, and fostering a collaborative environment.

Essential Duties:

Laboratory Operations

+ Oversee day-to-day operations of the lab, ensuring smooth workflow and timely delivery of results

+ Maintain laboratory equipment, perform routine maintenance, calibration, and schedule repairs as needed

+ Manage inventory of laboratory consumables to ensure uninterrupted testing operations

Quality Control & Analysis

+ Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) for testing and analysis

+ Conduct laboratory analyses swiftly to support production and identify root causes of issues

+ Utilize analytical instrumentation to perform testing and provide data-driven insights

+ Analyze and evaluate process input/output data to reduce defects and improve battery performance

Team Leadership & Training

+ Develop and lead a team of Quality Technicians and Inspectors to conduct in-process and final product inspections

+ Train technicians and inspectors in proper testing and inspection protocols

+ Promote a culture of continuous improvement through best practices and professional development

Production & Safety Support

+ Assist in resolving production quality issues within the cell manufacturing process

+ Oversee daily operations to ensure adherence to safety standards and protocols

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements:

+ To ensure the health and safety in the workplace and for our employees’ 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

Requirements - Required and/or Preferred

Education

+ Required: High School Diploma or equivalent

+ Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field

Essential Qualifications

+ 5+ years of experience in quality assurance/control, including at least 2 years of direct supervisory or team leadership experience in a manufacturing or technical environment

+ Ability to lead, train, and mentor lab technicians and ensure adherence to safety, quality, and procedural standards

+ Effective communicator with strong interpersonal and conflict resolution skills

+ Demonstrated adaptability and ability to work across all levels of the organization

+ Demonstrated knowledge of elemental analysis, electrochemistry, or other chemistry-based laboratory methods from academic or industry settings

+ Strong background in chemical handling and adherence to laboratory safety protocols

+ Familiarity with quality management tools such as control charts, FTA (Fault Tree Analysis), and FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis)

+ Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

+ Exceptional organizational skills, critical thinking abilities, and attention to detail

+ Must have working-level knowledge of the English language, including reading, writing, and speaking English

Preferred Qualifications:

+ 3+ years of supervisory experience, especially in high-volume or regulated manufacturing (e.g., automotive, electronics, or energy storage)

+ Experience applying or auditing under the ISO 9001 quality management system

+ Background in high-volume manufacturing laboratory environments, particularly in support of production operations

+ Proficiency in materials characterization techniques such as chromatography, SEM/EDS, FTIR, or other advanced analytical tools

+ Experience with non-destructive inspection techniques, including CT scanner systems for electronic components

+ Experience working with data processing and visualization platforms such as LIMS, Power BI, or Foundry

+ Experience in developing analytical laboratory methods and validation protocols

+ Familiarity with statistical process control (SPC) and other data-driven quality improvement tools

+ Proven success in supporting defect reduction initiatives in mass production settings

+ 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):

+ Certified Quality Technician (CQT) or Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) – from the American Society for Quality (ASQ) or similar organizations

+ Six Sigma Green Belt or higher (e.g., Black Belt) – for process improvement and defect reduction

+ ISO 9001:2015 Internal Auditor Certification – to support quality system compliance and audits

+ Hazardous Materials Handling Certification (e.g., OSHA HAZWOPER or equivalent) – for safe chemical handling in laboratory environments

+ Lean Manufacturing Certification – to support continuous improvement and waste reduction initiatives

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.): Not Required

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

+ Diversity, equity, and 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.

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.

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!

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.

_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 of North America.

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