QC Technician

Position Summary

The Quality Control Technician is responsible for maintaining quality control testing procedures, practices, and standardized evaluation methods to ensure product quality and integrity. This role utilizes laboratory instruments and testing equipment to analyze products, monitor processes, and help minimize product variation while supporting compliance with quality standards.

Schedule will be Monday through Friday, 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. with one Saturday per month required. Must have the ability and willingness to work overtime as needed and to work weekends when required.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities

The Quality Control Technician is responsible for maintaining compliance with all Health, Safety, Management System (HSMS), and regulatory requirements within their area of responsibility. This includes compliance with applicable air permits, wastewater permits, stormwater permits, and other environmental, health, and safety requirements communicated by the Company. The employee is responsible for promptly reporting all environmental, health, and safety concerns, incidents, or potential compliance issues to management.

Primary Responsibilities:

1. Perform in-process and final product testing in accordance with product specifications, laboratory procedures, and instrument operating instructions.
2. Conduct product testing, including but not limited to:
   • Particle Size Analysis
   • Free Moisture Testing
   • Soluble Soda Analysis
   • Loss on Ignition
   • Surface Area Analysis
   • TAPPI Brightness Testing
   • Bulk Density Testing
   • Carbon Analysis
   • Other required quality control tests
3. Communicate product testing results to appropriate production personnel in a timely manner to support product quality, process control, and customer satisfaction.
4. Assist with and perform specialized product evaluations and customer-specific testing as required.
5. Maintain, calibrate, and verify quality assurance and quality control instrumentation according to established schedules and procedures.
6. Prepare customer samples and maintain accurate records and logs for tracking and documentation purposes.
7. Train on and assist with the preparation of Certificates of Analysis, ensuring product certifications meet customer specifications and quality requirements.
8. Become familiar with and adhere to the Company's Environmental Management System, policies, procedures, and the potential consequences of deviating from established operating procedures.
9. Support continuous improvement initiatives and maintain compliance with all quality, safety, and environmental standards.
10. Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Specialized/Technical Knowledge or Required Skills

• High school diploma or GED required. An Associate's degree or some college coursework is preferred, with an emphasis in Chemistry, Mathematics, or a related field.
• Ability to read, understand, and follow Standard Operating Procedures, Safety and Health manuals, policies, procedures, and Quality Control terminology, including units of measure and testing specifications.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations and apply fundamental statistical concepts in a laboratory environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to working safely and maintaining a healthy work environment in both laboratory and manufacturing settings.
• Basic knowledge of computer hardware and software applications, with the willingness and ability to develop and improve technical skills as needed.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to effectively interact with employees at all levels of the organization.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and maintain accurate records while meeting established deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining product quality, accuracy, and compliance with established standards and procedures.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the workday in both laboratory and manufacturing environments.
• Ability to frequently use hands and fingers to operate laboratory instruments, testing equipment, computers, and other tools.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials, samples, and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds on an occasional basis.
• Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, and climb stairs as necessary to perform job duties and access various work areas.
• Ability to collect, transport, and prepare product samples from production areas and laboratory workstations.
• Ability to visually inspect products, read instrument displays, interpret test results, and review written documentation.
• Ability to distinguish colors and observe fine details when conducting testing and analysis.
• Ability to hear and effectively communicate in laboratory and manufacturing environments, including areas with elevated noise levels.
• Ability to work safely while wearing required personal protective equipment, including hard hats, safety glasses, safety-toed footwear, hearing protection, gloves, and other protective equipment as required.
• Ability to work in varying environmental conditions, including exposure to heat, cold, dust, noise, chemicals, and other conditions commonly found in a manufacturing facility.
• Ability to work overtime, weekends, and other schedules as required to support operational needs.

Education