Quality Assurance Technician (Current Employees Only)

Winpak Portion Packaging is seeking a Quality Assurance Technician to join our Manufacturing team in South Chicago Heights, Illinois. Reporting to the Plant Manager, you will audit production processes, verify product quality and inspections, and ensure compliance with work instructions. Your work will support food packaging safety and the Safe Quality Food system.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the Safe Quality Food Site Practitioner, overseeing development, implementation, review, maintenance, verification, and validation of the system, food safety fundamentals, and food safety plans.
• Inspect incoming raw materials and verify product, material, packaging, labeling, and palletizing requirements.
• Perform and document first article inspections, verify Process Technician retain inspections, and randomly audit cartons for final inspections.
• Obtain prior-run retains; gather, label, and store finished-product retains daily; and accurately record inspections and process data.
• Respond promptly to packer and operator quality questions and coordinate rework of nonconforming products and returns.
• Maintain Food and Drug Administration, Coalition of Northeastern Governors, resin testing, Certificate of Analysis, and resin retain records; evaluate data and provide timely Certificate of Analysis information.
• Calibrate measuring devices, maintain calibration instructions and forms, and train operators on new measuring devices.
• Maintain and operate barrier and moisture testing equipment; support coordinate measuring machine equipment, VSPC statistical process control software, and product specifications.
• Maintain monthly microbiological testing and records, and initiate corrective action for out-of-specification results under the company’s IMS system.
• Report food packaging safety problems to plant management; maintain a clean, organized, safe work area; follow safety, clothing, cleanliness, and hair-covering requirements; organize work efficiently; and perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent and a current Certified Quality Technician certificate.
• Training and experience auditing International Organization for Standardization standards, Good Manufacturing Practices, Safe Quality Food requirements, and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points requirements.
• Communication skills and an understanding of basic math and statistical principles.
• Computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Proficiency with calipers, micrometers, scales, and similar tools, and experience issuing and interpreting Certificates of Analysis.
• Training in and compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices, sanitation, prerequisite programs, chemical control, and food safety policies; competency in food packaging safety and quality duties.
• Ability to occasionally lift or carry up to 50 pounds; walk or stand approximately four to six hours daily; occasionally climb ladders and bend or stoop; and rarely climb stairs, kneel, or crawl.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Microsoft Access.
• Experience using or maintaining VSPC or other statistical process control software, coordinate measuring machine equipment, and MOCON barrier testing equipment.

Additional Details

• Schedule: Monday through Friday, eight-hour shifts.
• Location: South Chicago Heights, Illinois; onsite.

Compensation range: To be confirmed.

The compensation range provided is a general guideline only. Pay will be determined based on the candidate's experience and expertise and is subject to vary.

Why Winpak

Winpak is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to support the physical, mental, financial and social well-being of our employees and their families. Our benefit package includes the following:

• Medical, dental, vision & prescription coverage
• Travel coverage
• Disability coverage
• Voluntary life insurance
• Life and accidental death & dismemberment insurance
• Tuition assistance program
• Retirement savings plans
• A comprehensive employee and family assistance program which includes short term counselling, wellbeing coaching, financial and legal consultations services.

Winpak’s vision is to provide the best packaging solutions for people and planet. We are a leading supplier of innovative packaging solutions, known for providing high-quality products that meet the needs of a variety of industries, including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and consumer products. With a commitment to sustainability, safety, and excellence, Winpak continues to grow as a global leader in the packaging industry.

At Winpak, inclusion is one of our core values. We believe that an inclusive culture fosters a sense of belonging, drives innovation, and provides our brand a competitive advantage. Our goal is to create an environment free from harassment and discrimination, and where every individual feels respected, valued, and appreciated.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to an equitable and inclusive recruitment process, evaluating applicants based on merit, capability, and qualifications related to the job - never on identity factors such as race, color, gender, age, sexual orientation, religion, disability, national origin, or any other protected status. To support this commitment, if you require any accommodations during the recruitment process, please let us know and we will work with you to ensure your needs are met.