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 materials. 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 PFS-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 Lead 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.
• Perform periodical process equipment calibration.
• Calibrate and validate 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 the appropriateness of data for release.
• Participate in out-of-specification and failure investigations and recommend corrective actions.
• Identifies and isolates nonconforming product and assures that it does not get placed in the shippable material inventory.
• Receive, inspect, and handle raw materials.
• Safely operate mobile equipment necessary for testing.
• PFS-TECO or third-party related Assignments
• Maintains PFS-TECO or third-party Certification Inspector status.
• Drives forklift as need to relocate material.

Education/Specialized/Technical Knowledge or Required Skills

• BS Degree in Wood Science, Forest Products, Engineering or other Wood- or Science-related field, or 1-5 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
• 1-5 years manufacturing experience desired