Assistant Vehicle Inspector Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

Overview
Do you want to join a team that's changing the world? Do you have a strong background as a Quality Control Inspector - Level 2? 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 Inspector - Level 2 performs intermediate inspection activities to ensure product quality within a high-volume lithium-ion battery manufacturing environment. Reporting to the Quality Supervisor, this role applies established inspection procedures while working with increased independence to evaluate product conformity, identify defects, and support resolution of quality issues. The inspector collaborates with cross-functional teams and contributes to data-driven decision-making, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement efforts. This role builds on foundational inspection skills and expands into deeper analysis, ownership, and team support.
Essential Duties:
Functional Operations:

• Perform inspections following Control Plans and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Use precision measurement tools (e.g., calipers, micrometers, gauges) to verify product conformity
• Inspect products independently, analyze results, and take appropriate action within established guidelines
• Verify calibration and proper functioning of inspection equipment prior to use
• Document inspection results accurately and maintain records for traceability
• Operate and maintain tools and equipment within functional area

Performance Optimization & Continuous Improvement:

• Analyze inspection data to identify trends and support implementation of countermeasures
• Assist in root cause analysis and support corrective and preventive actions
• Recommend process improvements based on inspection findings and quality data

Training & Team Support:

• Train and mentor inspectors at the same or lower level within the functional area
• Support onboarding and hands-on training of new inspectors
• Provide feedback to supervisors on training needs and process improvements
• Continue to build technical skills and apply feedback for ongoing development

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Communication:

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including production, engineering, and maintenance, to identify and support the resolution of quality issues in a timely manner
• Communicate inspection findings, trends, and quality concerns clearly to relevant stakeholders

Quality, Safety, & Compliance:

• Support proper implementation of processes and procedures
• Participate in internal and external quality audits as required
• Maintain adherence to all quality, general plant, and company policies and procedures
• Uphold 6S initiatives and ensure area cleanliness is maintained to safety and operational standards
• Follow all safety protocols and PPE requirements during inspection activities
• Ability to work all scheduled shift hours

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None

Travel Requirement:

• None

Education, Certifications, and Licenses:
Required:

• High school diploma, GED, or 2 years of prior experience in functional area

Preferred:

• Associate's degree or technical certification in Quality, Manufacturing, or a related field
• Six Sigma Yellow Belt (or equivalent)
• OSHA 10-Hour or 30-Hour General Industry Certification

Essential Qualifications:

• 1.5+ years of experience in quality inspection, manufacturing, or a related role
• Working knowledge of quality control and inspection procedures
• Proficiency with measurement tools and inspection equipment (e.g., calipers, micrometers, gauges)
• Ability to read and interpret technical documents, drawings, and specifications
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to identify and document nonconformities
• Ability to work independently within defined guidelines and escalate issues as needed
• Effective communication skills and ability to collaborate across teams
• Basic data analysis skills and familiarity with quality concepts such as root cause analysis
• Basic computer skills, including data entry and use of standard software (e.g., MS Office)
• Safety-conscious mindset with the ability to follow safety and PPE requirements
• Ability to meet physical job requirements
• Must have working-level knowledge of the English language, including reading, writing, and speaking English
• 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 Qualifications:

• 2+ years of experience in manufacturing or inspection roles, preferably in battery, automotive, or electronics industries
• Progression from a PECNA Level 1 Quality Control Inspector role or equivalent experience
• Exposure to quality management systems (e.g., ISO 9001, IATF 16949)
• Experience with Statistical Process Control (SPC) and basic root cause analysis tools (e.g., 5 Whys, Fishbone)
• Familiarity with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) or ERP systems
• Experience supporting quality audits or continuous improvement initiatives

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements:

• To ensure health and safety in the workplace and for employee protection, wearing PPE is required 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.

Physical Demands:
Physical Activities: Percentage of time (equaling 100%) during the normal workday the employee is required to:

• Sit: 10%
• Walk: 30%
• Stand: 60%

Required Lifting and Carrying: Rare (<1%), 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.): Rare

The foregoing description is not intended and should not be construed to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, 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. In addition, employees are expected to participate in cross-training and may be assigned responsibilities in other areas as business needs evolve.
Who We Are:
Meet Panasonic Energy! 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.
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!
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.
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
• 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.

Supplemental Information:
Pre-employment drug testing is required.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, 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 Corporation of North America.
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