Quality Engineering Technician I

About the Role

Panasonic Energy Corporation of North America (PECNA) is collaborating with Tesla Motors, Inc. in a large-scale advanced battery manufacturing facility known as the Gigafactory near Reno, Nevada. This role offers the opportunity to work in a cutting-edge environment focused on transforming the world through sustainable energy and high-quality lithium-ion battery production.

Responsibilities

• Conduct and implement quality control systems for Li-ion battery manufacturing processes.
• Perform incoming materials quality control in the warehouse for cell production.
• Help establish quality control systems in the materials warehouse of battery production.
• Conduct inspection work for incoming materials including cell parts, battery active materials, and chemical materials to ensure battery safety and performance.
• Assist in the analysis and evaluation of materials input/output data to reduce defects and improve battery performance.
• Provide support for cell manufacturing process auditing on materials to assure production quality.
• Wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), which may include a full Tyvek suit, safety shoes, gloves, safety glasses, face mask, bump cap, and a full hazmat suit with a respirator.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Familiarity with quality management tools (control chart, FTA, FMEA, etc.) and MS Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
• Practical experience with materials analysis, testing, and chemical analysis equipment.
• 3+ years of quality technician background is preferred.
• Associate’s or Junior College degree in a science or engineering field.
• Experience using ISO 9001 quality management system auditing.
• Background as a quality technician in high-volume manufacturing is strongly desired.
• Extensive data analysis experience, such as statistical process control of production data.
• Experience in defect reduction of high-volume manufacturing products.

Physical Demands

Physical activities during the normal workday (equaling 100%):

• Sit: 20%
• Walk: 50%
• Stand: 20%
• Lift: 10%

Required lifting and carrying frequency:

• Up to 10 lbs.: Occasional (1-33%)
• Up to 20 lbs.: Occasional (1-33%)
• Up to 35 lbs.: Occasional (1-33%)
• Team-lift only (over 35 lbs.): Occasional (1-33%)

Benefits

• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, prescription plans, plus Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account options.
• Voluntary Benefits: Life, accident, critical illness, disability, legal, identity theft, and pet insurance.
• Retirement Savings & Investment Plan (PRSIP): 401(k) plan with company matching contributions 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 and fertility resources (available to eligible employees starting the first day of the month following your start date).
• Employee Recognition Program: High5 employee recognition and awards platform, quarterly and annual employee recognition.
• Annual Bonus Program: Opportunity for an annual performance-based bonus.
• On-site Food Options: Several on-site cafes, plentiful snack and beverage kitchens, revolving on-site vendor visits, and employee events.
• Free Shuttle: Rides to and from work.

About the Company

Panasonic Energy is dedicated to transforming the world through the acceleration of sustainable energy. By producing safe, high-quality lithium-ion batteries, the team plays a crucial role in creating technologies that move us. Established in 2017, Panasonic Energy is now the world's largest lithium-ion battery factory and is expanding operations to De Soto, Kansas. The company fosters an innovative environment where employees can thrive and contribute to society by enhancing efficiency and performance in electric vehicles (EVs). Panasonic Energy values inclusion, belonging, and fairness, offering competitive salaries and benefits while embracing diverse professional and personal experiences.