Quality Assurance Technician

Position Summary

Assures that finished product and incoming raw material fully comply with HEW quality standards and specifications. Checks if processes are in the state of statistical process control and assists in problem-solving. Makes and recommends process adjustments and improvements as needed. Works cooperatively with purchasing representatives to receive and keep accurate inventory for resin and wax. Coaches other team members on procedures related to quality. Assures that substandard product is placed on hold or downgraded. Maintains all relevant records and assures their integrity. Maintains clean and safe work environment. Continuously learns and improves skills. Maintains TECO and/or other third-party certification. Learns, trains in, and oversees quality related duties of the other positions in the plant and fills in for the Quality Manager as required.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities

Process Control

• Conduct routine and non-routine analyses of process specifications and parameters.
• Regularly checks all SPC monitoring equipment to determine if process is in control.
• Notify shift supervisor and machine operator, Lead Lab Tech if process is out of control and assists in problem solving.
• Perform periodical process equipment calibration.
• Calibrate, validate, or maintain laboratory equipment.

Quality Assurance Testing

• Conduct routine testing of finished product to evaluate quality or performance.
• Interpret test results, compare them to established specifications and control limits, and make recommendations on appropriateness of data for release.
• Participate in out-of-specification and failure investigations and recommend corrective actions.
• Perform visual inspections of finished products.
• Identifies and isolates nonconforming product and assures that it does not get placed in the shippable material inventory.
• Maintain documentation of quality assurance test data to perform appropriate analyses.

Safety and Environmental Related Duties

• Observe safety on shift and correct unsafe behavior.
• Ensure that lab cleanliness and safety standards are maintained.
• Receive, inspect, and handle raw materials.
• Safely operate mobile equipment necessary for testing.
• PFS or third-party related Assignments
• Maintains PFS or third-party Certification Inspector status.
• Participate in internal assessments and audits as required.

Communication

• Communicate findings to Quality Manager, Shift Supervisor, and Production Manager by telephone, email, or in person.
• Enter, transcribe, record, store, or maintain information in written or electronic form.
• Drives forklift as needed to relocate material.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Specialized/Technical Knowledge or Required Skills

• BS Degree in Wood Science, Forest Products, Engineering or other Wood- or Science-related field, or 0-5 years’ experience in a Wood Products Industry or Quality Assurance
• Working knowledge of computers, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and spreadsheets
• Basic knowledge of statistics and SPC required, basic knowledge of MiniTab desired.
• Knowledge of statistics and statistical tools required: SPC, Lean Sigma, etc.
• Familiarity with ISO 9000 desired
• Good written and oral communication skills
• 0-5 years manufacturing experience desired