Quality Lab Tech

Smurfit Westrock; Guaynabo, Northern (PR, KY); Hybrid; USD 40,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive training

Benefits from day one

Competitive salary

Job summary

Smurfit Westrock seeks a Laboratory Quality Technician to perform physical, chemical, and performance testing on raw materials, WIP, and finished products. You will ensure compliance with specifications and safety standards, maintain records, and support continuous improvement initiatives.

The role includes inspecting materials, collecting samples, recording results, and communicating trends to supervisors and engineers. Bilingual Spanish/English required; experience in paper/packaging preferred.

Qualifications

• Must read work instructions and procedures in English and Spanish.
• Experience with laboratory testing equipment preferred.
• Knowledge of statistical quality control techniques is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Perform laboratory testing on linerboard, medium, adhesives, corrugated board, and finished products.
• Verify compliance with specifications for strength, moisture, basis weight, caliper, and other quality characteristics.
• Inspect incoming materials and report nonconformities.
• Record and document test results using manual and electronic systems.
• Analyze quality trends and communicate findings to supervisors and production personnel.

Skills

Attention to detail

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Multi-tasking

Communication (English/Spanish)

MS Office

Education

High school diploma

Associate's degree in quality technology

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Opportunity:

Responsible of performing physical, chemical, and performance testing on raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished products to ensure compliance with quality specifications, safety standards, customer requirements, and internal company procedures. This role maintains accurate records, identifies quality deviations, and contributes to continuous improvement initiatives throughout the plant.

How will you impact Smurfit Westrock:

• Perform laboratory testing on linerboard, medium, adhesives, corrugated board, and finished products.
• Verify compliance with established specifications for strength, moisture content, basis weight, caliper, and other quality characteristics.
• Conduct quality tests using specialized equipment, including: Edge Crush Test (ECT), Box Compression Test (BCT), Burst Test, Cobb Test, Moisture Content Testing, Basis Weight and Caliper Measurements, Printing quality, among others.
• Inspect incoming materials and report any nonconformities.
• Collect representative samples of materials and products according to established procedures.
• Record and document test results using both manual and electronic systems.
• Analyze quality trends and communicate findings to supervisors, process engineers and production personnel.
• Investigate quality deviations and support corrective and preventive actions.
• Ensure laboratory equipment is maintained, calibrated, and functioning properly.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment.
• Support internal, external, and customer audits.
• Actively participate in continuous improvement, waste reduction, and process optimization initiatives.
• Responsible for coordinating meetings, preparing the agenda, keep track of action items and participating in each meeting.
• Maintain Smurfit Westrock's hierarchy of priorities for safety, quality, cost, and productivity.
• Adhere to all company policies and procedures while upholding Smurfit Westrock's values of integrity, respect, loyalty, and safety.
• Perform additional duties as may be assigned by management.
• Maintain a proactive, customer-centric approach to productivity.

What you need to succeed:

• Minimum high school diploma, associate's degree in quality technology or related field preferred.
• 1-3 years of quality laboratory experience in a manufacturing environment is preferred.
• Experience in the paper, packaging, or corrugated industry preferred.
• Experience with ERP systems or quality management software is preferred.
• Understanding sampling and inspection procedures.
• Experience in using laboratory testing and measurement equipment is preferred.
• Basic knowledge of statistical quality control techniques.
• Bilingual: Spanish and English minimum level B2+ required
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications is required, such as Outlook, Teams, PowerPoint, Word, and Excel.
• Core competencies: Attention to detail, analytical thinking, problem solving, effective at multi-tasking and managing multiple priorities effective communication, sense of urgency, results orientation, customer-centric approach, commitment to safety,
• Ability to read and understand work instructions, procedures, or assembly manuals in Spanish and English.
• Ability to stand for extended periods.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing in Spanish and English.
• Ability to apply arithmetic concepts and conversions.
• Ability to read a tape measure.
• Ability to work in a manufacturing and industrial environment and ability to move between production and laboratory areas as needed.
• Required to use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Ability to solve problems constructively, maintain positive and proactive behaviors, and maintain a safe work environment.
• Available to work overtime if needed.
• Available to visit customers if needed.

What we offer:

• Corporate culture based on integrity, respect, loyalty, and safety.
• Comprehensive training with numerous learning and development opportunities.
• An attractive salary that reflects skills, competencies, and potential.
• Benefits from day one.
• A career in a global packaging company where sustainability, safety, and inclusion are business drivers and critical elements of daily work.

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