Quality Operations Manager (Lithium-Ion Battery Manufacturing)

Location: De Soto, Kansas, United States; onsite

Company

Panasonic Energy produces lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles and sustainable energy applications.

What you will do

• Lead site-wide quality operations across inspection, testing, product release, and performance management.
• Own quality KPIs including first pass yield, scrap, cost of poor quality, and customer defects.
• Govern nonconformance reporting, CAPA, risk management, document control, and audit readiness.
• Lead Lean, Six Sigma, data-driven, and cross-functional quality improvement initiatives.
• Manage the VDA 6.3 process audit program and customer quality engagements.
• Coach Quality Supervisors and develop quality capability, succession plans, and training frameworks.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in quality assurance, engineering, operations management, business administration, or a related technical field; relevant experience may substitute.
• 5+ years of progressive quality operations leadership experience with ownership of quality systems and performance outcomes.
• Experience with quality KPIs, quality management systems, and standards including ISO 9001 and IATF 16949.
• Experience with quality tools and systems such as Palantir Foundry, ERP systems, SPC, Minitab, and SQL.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and lead cross-functional improvement initiatives.
• Working-level English is required, and valid unrestricted authorization to work in the U.S. is required.

Nice to have

• 7+ years of quality management experience in battery manufacturing, semiconductor, or advanced manufacturing.
• Master’s degree, Lean Six Sigma Green or Black Belt, or ASQ certification.
• Advanced expertise in MSA, FMEA, 8D, customer quality, and external audits.
• Experience using artificial intelligence, machine learning, and advanced analytics for quality improvement.

Culture & Benefits

• Safety-focused onsite manufacturing environment with PPE requirements.
• Medical, dental, vision, prescription, HSA, FSA, insurance, and wellbeing benefits.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company matching and immediate vesting.
• Paid vacation, holidays, sick leave, parental and caregiver leave, and volunteer time.
• Tuition reimbursement after six months and eligibility for an annual performance-based bonus.
• Onsite cafes, snack and beverage kitchens, vendors, and employee events.