**Overview** Panasonic Energy of North America (PENA) is seeking a motivated Supplier Quality Development Engineer to join our Quality team. Reporting to the Director of Supplier Quality, this role is dedicated to advancing our local supply base for the Li-ION Battery industry. The Supplier Quality Development Engineer will be responsible for nurturing relationships with local suppliers, driving their development, and ensuring their alignment with our rigorous quality standards. **Responsibilities** **Summary:** We are proud to announce the establishment of a state-of-the-art Li-ion battery factory, set amidst the beautiful Kansas City Metro. This groundbreaking green-field factory will serve as a pioneering hub for innovation in sustainable energy solutions. If you are passionate about contributing to a sustainable future and being part of a dynamic team shaping the electric vehicle revolution, this opportunity is tailor-made for you. We are seeking dedicated individuals to join us as full-time, on-site team members at our new, state-of-the-art factory located in the thriving city of DeSoto, Kansas. **Position Summary:** Panasonic Energy Corporation of North America (PECNA) is seeking a motivated Supplier Quality Development Engineer to join our Quality team. Reporting to the Director of Supplier Quality, this role is dedicated to advancing our local supply base for the Li-ION Battery industry. The Supplier Quality Development Engineer will be responsible for nurturing relationships with local suppliers, driving their development, and ensuring their alignment with our rigorous quality standards. Your efforts will directly contribute to the success of our lithium-ion battery manufacturing operations, playing a key role in elevating our supply chain integrity and product excellence. **Essential Duties:** + Collaborate closely with the Director of Supplier Quality to implement the supplier development strategy, with a strong focus on local suppliers within the Li-ION Battery industry. + Identify potential local suppliers and assess their capabilities to ensure their alignment with PENA's quality standards and requirements. + Lead supplier audits, assessments, and qualification processes, evaluating suppliers' quality systems, processes, and capabilities. + Work collaboratively with suppliers to develop action plans for continuous improvement, fostering a culture of quality excellence. + Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to supplier performance and improvement initiatives, presenting findings to the Director of Supplier Quality. + Develop and deliver training programs to enhance local suppliers' understanding of our quality expectations and requirements. + Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including materials lab technicians and incoming quality control teams, to ensure smooth integration of local suppliers into our supply chain. + Implement root cause analysis and corrective action plans to address supplier-related quality issues and prevent their recurrence. + Maintain up-to-date documentation and records related to supplier development efforts, audits, and improvement plans. + Stay informed about industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices related to supplier quality development. **Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements:** + To ensure the health and safety in the workplace and for the protection of our employees, wearing PPE is a requirement for some roles at PENA and may include equipment such as a full Tyvek suit, safety shoes, gloves, safety glasses, face mask, bump cap, and a full hazmat suit that includes a respirator. **_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: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality Management, or a related field. + Preferred: None **Essential Qualifications** + 5+ years of experience in supplier quality management, quality engineering, or related roles within manufacturing or the Li-ION Battery industry. + Strong knowledge of supplier development principles, quality systems, and methodologies. + Experience in conducting supplier audits, assessments, and qualification processes. + Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with suppliers and cross-functional teams. + Analytical mindset with the ability to assess supplier capabilities and identify areas for improvement. + Familiarity with quality standards, regulations, and compliance requirements. + Willingness to travel domestically and potentially internationally for supplier visits and audits. **Preferred Qualifications:** + Knowledge of the Li-ION Battery industry and its specific quality requirements. + Experience in developing and delivering training programs for supplier quality improvement. + Experience working with local suppliers and fostering their development. + Understanding of root cause analysis and corrective action methodologies. **Preferred License(s):** **Preferred Certification(s):** + Relevant certifications such as Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or similar demonstrate a commitment to supplier quality development and improvement within the Li-ION Battery industry. **Physical Demands** **Physical Activities:** Percentage of time (equaling 100%) during the normal workday the employee is required to: + Sit: 40% + Walk: 30% + Stand: 20% + 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.: Occasional + Up to 20 lbs.: Occasional + Up to 35 lbs.: Occasional + Team-lift only (over 35 lbs.): Not Required **About Us:** At the heart of this visionary project, Panasonic is committed to manufacturing cutting-edge cylindrical lithium-ion cells that will power the future of electric mobility. These cells will be meticulously crafted to meet the growing demands of the automotive industry, supporting various electric vehicle manufacturers in their quest for eco-friendly transportation solutions. This role presents a unique chance to be at the forefront of innovation, working within a forward-thinking organization that is committed to environmental responsibility and the advancement of green technology. Be a part of our mission to power the future and make a difference in the world of electric mobility with Panasonic! **Supplemental Information:** Pre-employment drug testing is required. 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. Panasonic is an Equal Opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by law. All qualified individuals are required to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. **Thank you for your interest in Panasonic Energy Corporation of North America.** REQ-149398