Lead Technician, Quality

Smurfit-Westrock; Battle Creek (MI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Safety culture

Comprehensive training and development

Competitive salary

Benefits package including medical, 41

Job summary

Smurfit Westrock is seeking a Lead Quality Technician for our Michigan operations. You will perform paper quality tests, visual inspections, and sample preparation, recording data and ensuring timely testing with minimal supervision.

Reporting to the Mill Technical Manager, you will support trials, calibrate lab equipment, and communicate clearly with production teams to resolve quality issues and promote safety and compliance daily.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with a technical/quality background or professional certification/training.
• 1 year of relevant work experience in paper and packaging preferred.
• Strong computer skills including Production Management Systems; Panther experience preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Able to work in a paper mill environment with lifting, walking, and adaptation to hot and dusty conditions.

Responsibilities

• Gather and prepare samples from completed reels for visual and lab equipment testing.
• Assist in running trials and sampling from other facilities and corporate labs.
• Help install, calibrate and maintain lab equipment.
• Communicate effectively 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 skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Computer literacy

Panther experience

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Technical/quality background or professional certification/training

Tools

Panther Production Management System

Job description

Smurfit Westrock (NYSE:SW) is the go-to leader and partner of choice in sustainable packaging. We are dedicated to creating efficient and scalable paper and packaging solutions to help solve complex packaging challenges. Guided by our values of safety, loyalty, integrity and respect, we are committed to delivering meaningful value for shareholders, customers, employees and the communities where we operate.

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.

Candidates are required to undergo a drug screening after receiving a conditional job offer, but before starting employment.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.