QA Technician

Smurfit Westrock; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Smurfit Westrock in Raleigh, NC is seeking a Quality Assurance Specialist to support the site's Quality Management System and continuous improvement initiatives. The role collaborates with cross-functional teams to ensure regulatory and customer requirements are met, drives CAPAs, audits, and corrective actions.

You will develop and maintain quality documents, analyze data, train employees, and help advance product quality and operational performance in a fast-paced packaging environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Quality, Food Science, Engineering, or related field.
• Experience in a Quality Management System environment.
• Knowledge of ISO 9001:2015, cGMP, food safety, and HACCP.
• Experience supporting internal and external audits, CAPA programs, SPC, and product specification management.
• Working knowledge of Lean and/or Six Sigma methodologies.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to prepare reports, analyze data, and deliver training to employees at multiple levels.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; experience with Minitab preferred.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities and tight deadlines.
• Willingness to travel on a limited basis as business needs require.

Responsibilities

• Manage Q-Pulse quality system administration, including customer complaints, internal deviations, supplier deviations, CAPAs, document control, and audit records.
• Lead andparticipatein internal audits and prepare detailed audit findings and summary reports.
• Support external audits by coordinating responses and implementing appropriate corrective actions.
• Investigate customer complaints, rejected materials, and internal deviations toidentifyroot causes and drive resolution.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to implement andmonitorcorrective and preventive actions.
• Compile, analyze, and report quality performance metrics, trends, and monthly results.
• Conduct cGMP, quality, and new employee training while supporting workforce capability development.
• Maintain site quality records, including signature logs and training documentation.
• Support pest management activities and coordinate follow-up actions with vendors and maintenance teams.
• Assistwith supplier qualification programs and supplier audits.
• Manage product trials and raw material evaluations, including testing, data collection, analysis, and technical reporting.
• Develop and update work instructions, test methods, procedures, and other quality documents as needed.
• Performadditionalquality-related assignments as directed by the Quality Assurance Manager.

Skills

QMS experience

ISO 9001:2015

cGMP

HACCP

Audits & CAPA

SPC

Lean Six Sigma

Data analysis

MS Office

Minitab

Communication

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Quality, Food Science, Engineering, or related field

Tools

Minitab

Microsoft Excel

Word/PowerPoint

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 Quality Assurance Specialist supports the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the site Quality Management System (QMS). This role partners closely with site personnel to ensure quality processes are effectively administered, maintained, and aligned with regulatory, customer, and company requirements. A typical day includes managing quality system activities, supporting audits and investigations, analyzing quality trends, coordinating training, and driving corrective and preventive actions that enhance product quality and operational performance.

How You Will Impact Smurfit Westrock

• Manage Q-Pulse quality system administration, including customer complaints, internal deviations, supplier deviations, CAPAs, document control, and audit records.
• Lead andparticipatein internal audits and prepare detailed audit findings and summary reports.
• Support external audits by coordinating responses and implementing appropriate corrective actions.
• Investigate customer complaints, rejected materials, and internal deviations toidentifyroot causes and drive resolution.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to implement andmonitorcorrective and preventive actions.
• Compile, analyze, and report quality performance metrics, trends, and monthly results.
• Conduct cGMP, quality, and new employee training while supporting workforce capability development.
• Maintain site quality records, including signature logs and training documentation.
• Support pest management activities and coordinate follow-up actions with vendors and maintenance teams.
• Assistwith supplier qualification programs and supplier audits.
• Manage product trials and raw material evaluations, including testing, data collection, analysis, and technical reporting.
• Develop and update work instructions, test methods, procedures, and other quality documents as needed.
• Performadditionalquality-related assignments as directed by the Quality Assurance Manager.

What You Need To Succeed

• Bachelor's degree in Quality, Food Science, Engineering, or a related field preferred.
• Experience working within a Quality Management System environment.
• Knowledge of ISO 9001:2015, cGMP, food safety, and HACCP principles.
• Experience supporting internal and external audits, CAPA programs, SPC, and product specification management.
• Working knowledge of Lean and/or Six Sigma methodologies.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to prepare reports, analyze data, and deliver training to employees at multiple levels.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; experience with Minitab preferred.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities and tight deadlines.
• Willingness to travel on a limited basis as business needs require.

What We Offer

• Corporate culture based on integrity, respect,accountabilityand excellence.
• Comprehensive training and professional development opportunities.
• Competitive compensation aligned with skills, experience, and potential.
• Career growth with a global packaging company where Sustainability, Safety, and Inclusion are foundational priorities.

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.