Lead Technician, Quality

WestRock Company; Battle Creek (MI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401k with match

Tuition reimbursement

Employee discounts

Employee referral bonus

Job summary

WestRock Company in Battle Creek, MI is seeking a Lead Quality Technician responsible for performing paper quality tests, visual inspections, sample preparation, and data recording. This role operates with minimal supervision and requires clear communication to support timely decisions and teamwork.

You will gather samples, assist trials, maintain lab equipment, and work with production crews to address quality concerns.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with a technical/quality background or professional certification/training.
• 1 year of relevant work experience, preferably in the paper and packaging industry.
• Strong computer skills including working with Production Management Systems, Panther experience preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Able to work in paper mill environment, including light to moderate lifting, walking, and climbing, oral communication, correctable vision, and ability to work in a hot, humid, and dusty environment.

Responsibilities

• Gather and prepare samples from completed reels for visual and lab equipment testing
• Assist in running trials as well as sample from other facilities and corporate labs
• Help with the installation, calibration and maintenance of lab equipment
• Communicate effectively and professionally with production crews, supervisors, managers and site leadership regarding quality concerns
• Complete projects and development activities to prepare for operation positions as vacancies occur.
• Initiate and/or assist in troubleshooting and problem-solving issues affecting quality
• Actively promote safety and environmental compliance

Skills

Communication

Quality testing

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or equivalent with technical/quality background

Tools

Production Management Systems

Panther

Job description

The Opportunity: The Lead Quality Technician is responsible for performing various paper quality tests, visual inspections, cutting & preparation of test samples and recording relevant data. This individual must be capable of working under minimal supervision to perform tests in a timely manner. Excellent communication skills are required to ensure proper decision making, troubleshooting and cooperation with team members.

Reporting Relationship: This position reports to the Mill Technical Manager

How you will impact Smurfit Westrock:

• Gather and prepare samples from completed reels for visual and lab equipment testing
• Assist in running trials as well as sample from other facilities and corporate labs
• Help with the installation, calibration and maintenance of lab equipment
• Communicate effectively and professionally with production crews, supervisors, managers and site leadership regarding quality concerns
• Complete projects and development activities to prepare for operation positions as vacancies occur.
• Initiate and/or assist in troubleshooting and problem-solving issues affecting quality
• Actively promote safety and environmental compliance

What you will need to succeed:

• High school diploma or equivalent with a technical/quality background or professional certification/training
• 1 year of relevant work experience, preferably in the paper and packaging industry
• Strong computer skills including working with Production Management Systems, Panther experience preferred
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Able to work in paper mill environment, including light to moderate lifting, walking, and climbing, oral communication, correctable vision, and ability to work in a hot, humid, and dusty environment

What we offer:

• Company culture based on safety, loyalty, integrity and respect
• Comprehensive training with numerous learning and development opportunities
• An attractive salary reflecting skills, competencies and potential
• A benefit package that includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401k with match, tuition reimbursement, employee discounts, employee referral bonus, and much more!
• A career with a global packaging company where Sustainability, Safety and Inclusion are business drivers and foundational elements of the daily work.