Quality Assurance Technician

Polywater Corporation; Stillwater (MN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESOP

Competitive 401(k) with company match

Profit sharing opportunities

Paid Holidays

Paid Personal Leave

EAP

Job summary

Polywater Corporation is seeking a Quality Technician to verify that incoming materials, in-process products, and finished goods meet established quality standards. You will inspect, document results, identify nonconformances, and help with corrective actions to ensure product quality and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities include receiving inspections, in-process checks, and finished goods testing. You will generate necessary certificates and support customer audits while maintaining

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Quality, Manufacturing, Engineering Technology, or related field preferred.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum 1-3 years of experience in manufacturing environment.
• Basic knowledge of engineering principles, technical writing, materials properties.
• Knowledge of laboratory equipment: calipers, micrometers, height gauges, thread gauges, analytical balance, ovens, Instron pull tester, Karl Fischer water tester, viscometer.
• Strong analytical, decision making, problem solving, attention to detail, and time management skills are a must.
• Must be able to read, write and speak fluent English.
• Must be an effective team player.
• Basic knowledge of ISO 9001 quality management systems.
• Strong attention to detail and documentation skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ERP/MRP software.

Responsibilities

• Incoming Material Inspection: Receive and inspect raw materials, components, packaging, and purchased products.
• Verify compliance with specifications, purchase orders, drawings, and quality requirements.
• Document inspection results, test results, and maintain records.
• Approve, reject, or quarantine materials based on findings.
• Communicate supplier quality issues to Quality and Purchasing personnel.

Skills

Quality inspections

Documentation

MS Office

ERP/MRP

Education

Associate degree in Quality, Manufacturing, Engineering Technology, or related field

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Calipers

Micrometers

Height gauges

Thread gauges

Analytical balance

Ovens

Instron pull tester

Karl Fischer water tester

Viscometer

Job description

The Quality Technician is responsible for verifying that incoming materials, in-process products, and finished goods meet established quality standards and specifications. This role supports manufacturing operations by conducting inspections, documenting results, identifying nonconformances, and assisting with corrective actions to ensure product quality, regulatory compliance, and customer satisfaction.

Responsibilities

• Incoming Material Inspection
• Perform receiving inspections on raw materials, components, packaging, and purchased products.
• Verify compliance with specifications, purchase orders, drawings, and quality requirements.
• Document inspection results, test, and maintain accurate records.
• Approve, reject, or quarantine materials based on inspection findings.
• Communicate supplier quality issues to Quality and Purchasing personnel.

Production and Process Quality

• Conduct in-process inspections during manufacturing operations.
• Verify material identification, labeling, lot traceability, and process compliance.
• Monitor critical quality characteristics and process parameters.
• Support production teams in resolving quality-related issues.

Finished Goods Inspection

• Inspect and test finished products to verify conformance to specifications.
• Perform visual inspections, dimensional checks, and functional testing as required.
• Review batch records and production documentation for completeness and accuracy.
• Generates Certificates of Conformance, Compliance, and Analysis as required.
• Release conforming products for shipment.
• Maintains sample retentions of finished goods, with lot number tracking.
• Manage disposition and rework for out of spec or returned product.
• Completes Customer Compliance request and supports Customer Audits as needed.
• All other duties assigned by Manager.

Skills and Specifications

• Associate degree in Quality, Manufacturing, Engineering Technology, or related field preferred.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum 1-3 years of experience in manufacturing environment.
• Basic knowledge of engineering principles, technical writing, materials properties.
• Knowledge of laboratory equipment: calipers, micrometers, height gauges, thread gauges, analytical balance, ovens, Instron pull tester, Karl Fisher water tester, viscometer.
• Strong analytical, decision making, problem solving, attention to detail, and time management skills are a must.
• Must be able to read, write and speak fluent English.
• Must be an effective team player.
• Basic knowledge of ISO 9001 quality management systems.
• Strong attention to detail and documentation skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ERP/MRP software.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Experience in a chemical/manufacturing regulatory environment
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds infrequently.
• Must be able to access all areas of the facility to determine the needs of the company.

Success Measures

• Reduction in quality defects and escapes.
• Timely completion of inspections.
• Accuracy of inspection records.
• Effective handling of nonconforming materials.

This is a non-exempt, full-time position

BENEFITS at POLYWATER

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) – build equity in the company at no cost to you
• Competitive 401(k) with company match
• Profit sharing opportunities

WHAT'S SO SPECIAL ABOUT AN ESOP ?

• You become a part-owner of the company.
• You earn stock without investing your own money .
• Your account grows as the company performs well.
• When you retire or leave, you cash out your shares for their fair market value.
• It’s in addition to other benefits like 401(k) and profit sharing.

Other Benefits

• EAP
• Paid Personal Leave
• Paid Holidays

Disclaimer: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Posted salary range below includes base pay, plus quarterly profit sharing.