Analytical Laboratory Supervisor

The Analytical Laboratory Supervisor is responsible for effectively leading a team of scientists and engineers by performing qualitative and quantitative analyses to support daily production activities, materials development, and critical failure analysis. Additionally, the Supervisor will apply technical knowledge to assist in developing and updating standard work instructions, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and troubleshooting guides, while leading short-term and long-term initiatives to meet business targets.

Essential Duties:

• Lead a team of highly talented and motivated scientists and engineers in one of Panasonic's battery laboratory facilities.
• Provide chemistry support related to daily production and materials development activities.
• Develop new testing and evaluation methods using existing and new analytical tools.
• Demonstrate solid troubleshooting skills and ability to quickly solve unknown problems.
• Apply knowledge and method development to handle failure analysis and root cause issues from our factories and customers.
• Develop and maintain clear and standard work instructions, SOPs and troubleshooting guides.
• Utilize relevant production data where needed to evaluate performance of new material suppliers.
• Ensure safe operation of the laboratory through hierarchy of controls and continuous personnel management.
• Develop team capabilities through training, data review discussions, technical report review, and new/novel method development.
• Develop and execute strategies aligned with team missions and projects.
• Lead by example with a strong work ethic and a "get the job done" approach.
• Demonstrate excellent time and project management skills, including effectively allocating time and resources, clearly tracking project progress, and delivering accurate results by deadlines.
• Develop effective short-term and long-term plans for the team to achieve business targets.
• Effectively communicate and collaborate with management teams, team members, and related divisions (e.g. Japan colleagues, Factory Engineering Teams, Quality Control Teams).
• Foster a high-performance culture through servant leadership.

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 possibility 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.

Qualifications Requirements - Required and/or Preferred Education, Certifications, and Licenses:

Required: Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Polymer Science, or related field

Preferred: Master's or PhD. in Chemistry, Material Science, or related field

Essential Qualifications:

• Minimum of 5+ years of chemistry and laboratory experience
• Ability to follow Panasonic's culture of full-cycle engineering where members will have full responsibility and accountability for their projects from start to finish
• Strong analytical and decision-making abilities. Able to influence others to move towards a common goal
• Self-motivation and resourcefulness are required
• Able to manage multiple concurrent tasks in a fast-paced environment, effectively prioritize work, and deliver quality results
• Intuitive, adaptable, creative, and collaborative with excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Extensive chemical and/or materials science background and working knowledge of battery materials

Preferred Qualifications:

• 3+ years of leadership experience preferred
• Understanding of chemical analysis methods such as GC, ICP, FTIR, UV-Vis, IC, titrations, etc.
• In-depth knowledge of battery materials and battery cells, including their structures, how to effectively characterize, and how to troubleshoot characterization and analysis issues
• Background knowledge in materials characterization techniques such as XRD, DSC, TGA, X-ray CT, and PSD
• Knowledge of polymer systems and how to characterize the different systems
• Familiarity with six sigma methodologies and tools
• Strong data analysis skills with tools such as JMP, Minitab, Python, or MATLAB are highly desired
• Track record of managing budgets and resources to achieve results
• Experience with battery production or R&D (or other high volume manufacturing fields)
• Experience working in a multi-national company across multiple work cultures

Physical Demands:

Physical Activities: (Percentage of time (equaling 100%) during the normal workday the employee is required to) Sit: 30% Walk: 30% Stand: 30% Lift: 10% Required Lifting and Carrying: (Required frequency is: Not required (0%), Occasional (1-33%), Frequent (34-66%, Continuous (67-100%) Up to 10 lbs.: Frequent Up to 20 lbs.: Frequent Up to 35 lbs.: Frequent Team-lift only (over 35 lbs.): Frequent