Quality Specialist

Hollingsworth & Vose; Groton (MA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Hollingsworth & Vose seeks a Quality Specialist to support QA/QC, drive process studies, and lead continuous improvement initiatives in the MA Mills. The role applies Six Sigma and Lean methods to improve product quality, reduce waste, and enhance reliability.

The candidate should bring a strong papermaking background, problem-solving skills, and the ability to collaborate with Process Engineers and Supervisors on long-term corrective actions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or minimum 3 to 7 years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Black belt certified or willingness to certify within first 3 years in role
• Strong papermaking and technical background
• Sound mathematical and technical skills
• Strong leadership ability
• Flexible and positive attitude towards change
• Team player
• Good verbal and written communication skills as well as a good listener
• Good investigative and problem-solving skills with excellent attention to detail
• Ability to think logically and methodically
• Ability to handle constant changes and multiple priorities efficiently and effectively
• Excellence Computer Skills, including Microsoft Suite and Minitab
• Familiarity with ISO 9001 and IATF

Responsibilities

• Supports studies and optimization of unit operations within papermaking operations
• Facilitate root cause analysis and corrective actions with cross functional teams
• Lead the Material review board (nonconforming material resolution)
• Aid in development of PFMEA’s, Control Plans, SOPs, and response plans
• Complete internal system, process, and product audits; participate in external audits
• Complete MSA for lab equipment as necessary
• Assist with maintaining lab equipment and document control system
• Support resolution of customer complaints related to process issues
• Establish production and quality control standards
• Measure organizational performance and report findings to managers
• Foster good employee relations and share results with production team
• Participate in teams to improve process-related issues
• Compile and store quality data; monitor product adherence to specs
• Maintain ISO & QS requirements; promote quality improvements
• Establish quality initiatives to ensure customer satisfaction
• Support PPAP processes
• Support new product development and dual qualification using statistics
• Other related duties as assigned

Skills

Root cause analysis

Six Sigma

Lean manufacturing

Leadership

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree or 3–7 years related experience

Black belt certification or willingness to certify

Tools

8D methodology

PFMEA

Control Plans

SOPs

MS Office

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY: The Quality Specialist will support critical Quality Assurance and Quality Control functions as well as planned process studies/projects/improvements and identify opportunities for continual process improvements for H&V Operations in the MA Mills. The Quality Specialist will plan, develop and implement solutions for these improvements using sound engineering principles, Six Sigma methodology, and Lean manufacturing techniques. These efforts will result in improved product quality, reduced variation, less waste, reduced cost, improved reliability, increased efficiency, increased speed, improved employee safety, employee education and training, improved environmental status and greater overall system capability. The Quality Specialist will work to ensure a product or service provides a high level of quality that meets customer expectations.

ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Within papermaking operations, supports studies and optimization of all unit operations, stock preparation, resin production, drying, saturating, winding, slitting, etc.
• Facilitate root cause analysis and corrective actions with cross functional teams documented in 8D form. Assist in investigations using statistical methods/analysis. Identify key systemic failures and work directly with Process Engineers and Superintendents to put in long term corrective actions.
• Lead the Material review board (nonconforming material resolution/capas).
• Aid in development of PFMEA’s, Control Plans, SOPs, and response plans to deliver improved quality and cost
• Complete internal system, process, and product audits. Participate in external audits
• Complete MSA for lab equipment as necessary
• Assist with maintaining lab equipment as necessary.
• Assist with maintaining document control system
• Support resolution of customer complaints related to process issues as appropriate.
• Establishes production and quality control standards.
• Put a system in place that will measure the organizations performance and then report on its findings, liaising with managers and staff, and coordinating procedures to discuss any deficiencies.
• Fosters good employee relations.
• Meets with members of the production team to offer recommendations and share results.
• Participates in teams to help make necessary improvements and changes to all process related issues in the production department.
• Compiles and stores quality data.
• Monitors product to ensure that they are manufactured with the emphasis on quality and strict adherence to specifications and standards.
• Maintains all ISO & QS requirements. Works closely with the Quality Manager in promoting quality and efficiency improvements.
• Establish the quality initiatives required to ensure customer satisfaction and consistency in manufacturing.
• Supports PPAP processes.
• Support new product development and dual qualification efforts using statistical methods
• Other related duties as assigned or required.

QUALIFICATIONS (EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE)

• Bachelor’s degree or minimum of 3 to 7 years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Black belt certified or willingness to certify within first 3 years in role
• Strong papermaking and technical background
• Sound mathematical and technical skills
• Strong leadership ability
• Flexible and positive attitude towards change
• Team player
• Good verbal and written communication skills as well as a good listener
• Good investigative and problem-solving skills with excellent attention to detail
• Ability to think logically and methodically
• Ability to handle constant changes and multiple priorities efficiently and effectively
• Excellence Computer Skills, including Microsoft Suite and Minitab
• Familiarity with ISO 9001 and IATF

PHYSICAL REQUIRMENTS AND ENVIRONMENT:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.
• The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and taste or smell.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, risk of electrical shock, and vibration.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Hollingsworth & Vose is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, marital status, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected status.