Quality Technician

Smurfit Westrock; Indianapolis, Northern (IN, KY); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Training & development

Inclusive culture

Job summary

Smurfit Westrock is seeking a Quality Assurance Technician to ensure production quality procedures are followed on the manufacturing floor. You will inspect, test, and document results, addressing non-conformances in real time and escalating issues when needed.

The role emphasizes collaboration with operators and supervisors to maintain product integrity, stop production when required, and contribute to continuous improvement and root cause analysis.

Qualifications

• General knowledge of manufacturing processes, preferably in folding carton production.
• Ability to read and interpret safety rules, customer specifications, and quality procedures
• Strong understanding of acceptable product quality versus non-conforming conditions
• Experience using inspection tools such as rulers, calipers, and micrometers
• Basic computer and data entry skills
• Ability to perform basic arithmetic calculations
• Capability to conduct investigations and problem-solving activities
• Strong attention to detail and documentation accuracy
• Effective communication and teamwork skills
• Ability to recognize common packaging defects such as cracking, tearing, and scoring issues
• Ability to maintain consistent attendance and work overtime as needed
• Ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation

Responsibilities

• Ensure adherence to all quality procedures and standards across production lines
• Conduct product inspections, audits, and testing to verify quality compliance
• Collect and analyze retains and samples to validate product specifications
• Document all quality checks, audit results, and corrective actions accurately
• Identify and communicate non-conformances to Operators and ensure timely resolution
• Escalate unresolved quality issues by stopping production and placing equipment on Quality Hold when required
• Collaborate with Operators, Supervisors, and Managers to resolve production quality issues
• Maintain active presence on the production floor until issues are resolved and quality standards are restored
• Build effective working relationships with machine crews to support operational success
• Support continuous improvement efforts by participating in problem investigations and root cause analysis

Skills

General manufacturing knowledge

Reading safety rules and specs

Attention to detail

Communication & teamwork

Basic math/data entry

Tools

Ruler

Calipers

Micrometers

Job description

The Opportunity

The Quality Assurance Technician is responsible for ensuring all production quality procedures are consistently followed on the manufacturing floor. This role partners closely with Operators to verify product quality, perform testing, and monitor compliance with customer specifications and internal standards.

In this role, the individual will regularly collect samples and retains, conduct quality testing, document results, and identify non-conformances. The QA Technician plays a critical role in maintaining product integrity by addressing issues in real time, ensuring corrective actions are implemented, and escalating concerns when necessary. A typical day includes auditing production lines, reviewing product specifications, interacting with machine crews, and ensuring production meets all quality expectations before continuing operations.

How you will impact Smurfit Westrock

• Ensure adherence to all quality procedures and standards across production lines
• Conduct product inspections, audits, and testing to verify quality compliance
• Collect and analyze retains and samples to validate product specifications
• Document all quality checks, audit results, and corrective actions accurately
• Identify and communicate non-conformances to Operators and ensure timely resolution
• Escalate unresolved quality issues by stopping production and placing equipment on Quality Hold when required
• Collaborate with Operators, Supervisors, and Managers to resolve production quality issues
• Maintain active presence on the production floor until issues are resolved and quality standards are restored
• Build effective working relationships with machine crews to support operational success
• Support continuous improvement efforts by participating in problem investigations and root cause analysis

What you need to succeed

• General knowledge of manufacturing processes, preferably in folding carton production
• Ability to read and interpret safety rules, customer specifications, and quality procedures
• Strong understanding of acceptable product quality versus non-conforming conditions
• Experience using inspection tools such as rulers, calipers, and micrometers
• Basic computer and data entry skills
• Ability to perform basic arithmetic calculations
• Capability to conduct investigations and problem-solving activities
• Strong attention to detail and documentation accuracy
• Effective communication and teamwork skills
• Ability to recognize common packaging defects such as cracking, tearing, and scoring issues
• Ability to maintain consistent attendance and work overtime as needed
• Ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation

What we offer

• Corporate culture based on integrity, respect, accountability and excellence
• Comprehensive training with numerous learning and development opportunities
• An attractive salary reflecting skills, competencies and potential
• 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.