Quality Control Technician

Job Details: Job Location: York MW (IL) - Elgin, IL, Salary Range: $25.00 - $33.00Hourly, Job Shift: Day, Job Title: Quality Technician Job Reports To: Director of Operational Excellence FLSA Classification: Non Exempt Work Schedule: 07:00 am to 3:30 pm Pay : $25.00 to $33.00 Core Purpose: Always Meet Customers’ Expectations Core Values: Exceptional Customer Experiences... always Work as One Team Our people are our Family Your word is your Bond Think and act as an Owner Environmental Leadership Job Summary: The Quality Technician is responsible for ensuring products, processes, and systems comply with customer specifications, company standards, food safety requirements, and regulatory expectations. This position supports corrugating and converting operations through product inspections, laboratory testing, quality audits, customer compliance verification, root cause analysis, corrective actions, and continuous improvement activities. The Quality Technician plays a key role in maintaining product quality, supporting certification programs, reducing waste, and driving Operational Excellence. Essential Job Functions: Quality Assurance & Product Verification Conduct in-process inspections throughout corrugating and converting operations to ensure compliance with product specifications and quality standards. Verify board quality, print quality, dimensions, color, scoring, slotting, gluing, and overall package performance. Monitor critical customer production runs and high-priority orders. Inspect finished products and verify conformance to customer requirements. Communicate quality concerns and non-conformances to production leadership and management. Support new product qualifications and customer validation requirements. Laboratory Testing & Compliance Perform and document quality testing, including: Edge Crush Test (ECT) Moisture Analysis Starch Viscosity and Gel Point Testing Warp Evaluation Box Compression Test Rub Testing Pin Adhesion Testing Coefficient of Friction Customer-specific validation testing Additional responsibilities include: Analyze test results and report non-conforming conditions. Prepare and maintain Certificates of Analysis (COA) and Certificates of Compliance (COC). Ensure customer specifications and quality requirements are met. Maintain accurate quality records, test results, and compliance documentation. Audits, Food Safety & Documentation Conduct GMP, HACCP, BRC, housekeeping, and food safety audits. Support certification programs and maintain audit readiness. Perform facility inspections and track corrective actions through completion. Maintain Glass & Brittle Plastic and related compliance programs. Review production documentation and quality records for accuracy and completeness. Support traceability, food safety, and customer compliance requirements. Root Cause Analysis & Continuous Improvement Investigate customer complaints, internal defects, and non-conforming products. Facilitate root cause analysis and corrective action implementation. Verify corrective actions are completed and effective. Track and report quality performance metrics. Participate in continuous improvement and Operational Excellence initiatives. Assist with employee quality and food safety training activities. Material Control Inspect incoming raw materials to verify compliance with specifications. Review supplier documentation and certificates. Manage non-conforming materials, returned products, and rework inventories. Ensure proper identification, segregation, disposition, and traceability of non-conforming materials. Other Functions & Employee Expectations In addition to the responsibilities outlined above, the employee is expected to support overall operational effectiveness and contribute to a positive, collaborative work environment. Support continuous improvement efforts by following best practices and providing feedback to enhance processes and efficiency Foster a collaborative, team-oriented environment that encourages learning, skill development, and overall team success Assist in training, mentoring, and onboarding new and existing employees by effectively communicating and demonstrating company processes, procedures, and best practices Demonstrate the ability to define problems, gather and analyze data from multiple sources, and draw sound, actionable conclusions Effectively manage multiple tasks, priorities, and changing situations in a fast-paced environment while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail Exercise honesty, integrity, and respect in all interactions with clients, co-workers, and leadership Maintain a professional appearance and demeanor at all times Demonstrate a positive attitude and contribute to a productive and respectful workplace Communicate clearly and professionally across all levels of the organization Perform all work with a high degree of accuracy, efficiency, and accountability Maintain reliable attendance and report to work as scheduled and directed Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment Demonstrate initiative in learning new skills, systems, and processes Support team members and assist others as needed to achieve operational and business objectives : Qualifications: Required High school diploma or GED required; associate degree preferred. Experience in manufacturing, quality assurance, quality control, or a related production environment. Knowledge of quality assurance and quality control principles, product inspection, and quality documentation. Ability to identify product defects, analyze quality issues, document findings, and support corrective actions. Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with excellent attention to detail. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, for data analysis, reporting, and recordkeeping. Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across departments. Ability to follow established quality procedures, food safety requirements, and workplace safety standards. Preferred 3+ years of experience in manufacturing, quality assurance, quality control, or corrugated packaging operations. Knowledge of corrugated board manufacturing, packaging specifications, and testing methods, including ECT, burst strength, caliper, moisture, and other applicable product quality tests. Familiarity with food safety systems, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), and BRC Global Standards. Understanding of customer-specific quality requirements, regulatory compliance, and audit management. Experience with root cause analysis, corrective and preventive actions (CAPA), and continuous improvement initiatives. Experience analyzing quality data, identifying trends, preparing reports, and implementing process improvements. Associate degree or technical training in quality assurance, manufacturing, industrial technology, or a related field. Key Competencies Quality Assurance and Quality Control Corrugated Packaging Knowledge and Product Testing Food Safety and Regulatory Compliance Audit Preparation and Management Root Cause Analysis and Corrective Action Management Data Analysis, Reporting, and Documentation Continuous Improvement and Defect Reduction Attention to Detail and Problem-Solving Communication, Teamwork, and Cross-Functional Collaboration Machines/Tools/Equipment: The Quality Technician may be required to use the following tools and equipment, depending on facility capabilities and product requirements: Corrugated testing equipment, including ECT testers, burst testers, BCT testers, FCT testers, and pin adhesion testers, as applicable. Measurement tools, including digital calipers, micrometers, steel rulers, measuring tapes, thickness gauges, and warp measurement tools. Moisture meters, precision scales, sample cutters, and specimen preparation tools. Print inspection equipment, including color references, magnifiers, inspection lights, and color measurement instruments where applicable. Calibration standards, verification tools, and equipment maintenance records Computers, Microsoft Excel, quality management systems, production reporting software, and electronic documentation tools. Inspection forms, sampling plans, customer specifications, defect reference samples, labels, hold tags, and sample storage supplies. Required personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, hearing protection, safety footwear, gloves, and facility-specific hygiene garments. Safety: Employees are expected to follow all facility safety guidelines that include adhering to GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) and Food Safety as outlined during their training. Working Conditions: Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to production noise, moving equipment, and varying temperatures. Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout the facility for extended periods. Ability to handle, inspect, and prepare corrugated samples and operate testing equipment within established safety limits. Ability to wear required PPE and comply with facility safety and hygiene requirements. Ability to work scheduled shifts, overtime, weekends, or adjusted hours as business needs require. Note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position. duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. The Physical Requirements Checklist that specifies the physical demands for this job is attached and is incorporated into this description. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS CHECKLIST FOR Quality Control Technician 1. In a normal workday, the employee must be able to stand: ( ) little or no standing ( ) 1-4 hours (X) 4-6 hours ( ) 7+ hours 2. In a normal workday, the employee must be able to sit: ( ) little or no sitting (X) 1-4 hours ( ) 4-6 hours ( ) 7+ hours 3. In a normal workday, the employee must be able to walk: ( ) little or no walking ( ) 1-4 hours (X) 4-6 hours ( ) 7+ hours 4. In a normal workday, the employee must be able to drive: (X) little or no driving ( ) 1-4 hours ( ) 4-6 hours ( ) 7+ hours 5. In a normal workday, the employee must be able to lift/carry: ( ) 10 lbs. maximum; occasionally carry small objects – Sedentary Work ( ) 20 lbs. maximum; frequently lift/carry up to 10 lbs. – Light Work ( ) 50 lbs. maximum; frequently lift/carry up to 25 lbs. – Medium Work (X) 75 lbs. maximum; frequently lift/carry up to 50 lbs. – Heavy Work 6. The employee must be able to use his/her upper extremities for repetitive: Simple Grasping (X) Yes ( ) No Pushing/Pulling (X) Yes ( ) No Fine Manipulation (X) Yes ( ) No Continuously Frequently Occasionally (67 - 100%) (34 - 66%) (0 - 33%) Employee Must Be Able To: Bend at the waist ____ __x__ ____ Squat at the knees ____ _x___ ____ Climb ____ ____ __x__ Reach above shoulders ____ ____ __x__ Kneel ____ ____ __x__ Crawl ____ ____ __x__ Use feet (foot controls) ____ ____ _x___ WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. We strive to create and maintain an inclusive and diverse workforce where everyone feels valued, respected, and included. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to age, race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, citizenship, veteran status, gender identity or any other legally protected status. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a job