Quality Assurance Technician

Polywater Corporation•Stillwater, MN

6d•$62,000 - $79,000

About The Position

The Quality Assurance Technician verifies that incoming materials, in-process products, and finished goods meet established quality standards and specifications. The role supports manufacturing operations through inspections, testing, documentation, identification of nonconformances, and assistance with corrective actions to support product quality, regulatory compliance, and customer satisfaction. The technician performs receiving inspections; checks materials and products against specifications, purchase orders, drawings, and quality requirements; and records results. The role also conducts in-process and finished-goods inspections, monitors quality characteristics and process parameters, reviews production records, and supports production teams with quality issues. Responsibilities include issuing required certificates, releasing conforming products for shipment, retaining samples, managing disposition and rework of out-of-specification or returned product, and supporting customer compliance requests and audits. This is a non-exempt, full-time position. The job description notes that duties and responsibilities may change or be assigned at any time. The posted salary range includes base pay plus quarterly profit sharing, but no salary figures are provided.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required.
Minimum 1–3 years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
Basic knowledge of engineering principles, technical writing, and materials properties.
Knowledge of laboratory equipment, including calipers, micrometers, height gauges, thread gauges, analytical balance, ovens, Instron pull tester, Karl Fisher water tester, and viscometer.
Strong analytical, decision-making, problem-solving, attention-to-detail, and time-management skills.
Ability to read, write, and speak fluent English.
Ability to work effectively as a team player.
Basic knowledge of ISO 9001 quality management systems.
Strong documentation skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ERP/MRP software.
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
Experience in a chemical/manufacturing regulatory environment.
Ability to sit for prolonged periods and work at a computer.
Ability to lift 50 pounds infrequently.
Ability to access all areas of the facility to determine company needs.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree in Quality, Manufacturing, Engineering Technology, or a related field preferred.

Responsibilities

Perform receiving inspections on raw materials, components, packaging, and purchased products.
Verify compliance with specifications, purchase orders, drawings, and quality requirements.
Document inspection and test results and maintain accurate records.
Approve, reject, or quarantine materials based on inspection findings.
Communicate supplier quality issues to Quality and Purchasing personnel.
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.
Inspect and test finished products for conformance to specifications, including visual inspections, dimensional checks, and functional testing as required.
Review batch records and production documentation for completeness and accuracy.
Generate Certificates of Conformance, Compliance, and Analysis as required.
Release conforming products for shipment.
Maintain finished-goods retention samples and lot-number tracking.
Manage disposition and rework for out-of-specification or returned product.
Complete customer compliance requests and support customer audits as needed.
Perform other duties assigned by the manager.

Benefits

Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), allowing employees to build company equity at no cost.
401(k) with company match.
Profit-sharing opportunities.
Health insurance.
Dental insurance.
Life insurance.
Disability insurance.
Vision insurance.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Paid personal leave.
Paid holidays.