Materials Quality Lab Supervisor
US-KS-De Soto
US Careers (External)
Req #: 43996
Type: Full-Time
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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 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 p
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