Vacancies Sr. Quality Technician - 1st Shift - 6am to 2:30pm

AkzoNobel • Waukegan, IL

7d

About The Position

The Senior Quality Control Technician conducts advanced inspection, testing, and quality verification to ensure products and processes at the Waukegan site meet customer, regulatory, and company requirements. The role is a technical resource for the Quality team, applying expertise in inspection methods, defect identification, data analysis, and problem-solving to support product conformity and manufacturing excellence. It partners with Operations, Engineering, Quality Assurance, Supply Chain, RDI, and other site stakeholders to identify quality risks, investigate nonconformances, support corrective actions, and drive continuous improvement.

The technician tests materials, components, raw materials, and finished products; evaluates off-specification batches; and recommends adjustments in accordance with approved specifications, control limits, and procedures. The role reviews test results and may authorize batches for filling when specifications and quality standards are met. It also supports audits, process reviews, validation of changes and new products, customer pre-shipment samples, laboratory housekeeping, and the coaching of Quality Control Technicians.

The position is based at the Waukegan site and is listed as first shift, 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The employer describes the environment as fast-paced manufacturing and emphasizes safety, quality, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

• Associate degree in a scientific discipline such as Chemistry, Biology, Engineering, or Quality, with at least two years of laboratory experience; OR five or more years of laboratory, quality control, or manufacturing quality experience.
• Experience working in a regulated manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency in basic mathematics and computer applications, including Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to stand and/or walk for extended periods throughout the work shift.
• Ability to safely lift and move materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to wear respiratory protection equipment and pass required respirator fit testing.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and commitment to quality and safety standards.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biology, Engineering, Quality, or a related technical field.
• Knowledge of quality systems, testing methodologies, and continuous improvement principles, with at least one year of laboratory experience.
• Experience using laboratory instruments, data management systems, and quality-related software applications.

Responsibilities

• Perform batch inspections, testing, and quality evaluations of materials, components, raw materials, and finished products.
• Serve as a technical expert on quality inspection methods, standards, and testing procedures.
• Support root-cause investigations and corrective and preventive actions.
• Provide coaching and technical guidance to Quality Control Technicians.
• Ensure compliance with customer specifications, regulatory requirements, and internal quality standards.
• Participate in audits, process reviews, and continuous improvement activities.
• Support development and maintenance of inspection plans, procedures, and work instructions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve quality issues and prevent recurrence.
• Assist in validating process changes, new products, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Conduct tests including viscosity, gloss, hardness, weight per gallon, non-volatile content, cleanliness, adhesion, and paint-film properties.
• Evaluate off-specification batches and prepare adjustment recommendations according to approved specifications, control limits, and operating procedures.
• Troubleshoot manufacturing and product-performance issues with Quality, Operations, and RDI stakeholders, identify root causes, and implement resolutions.
• Coordinate preparation and distribution of pre-shipment samples for customer qualification, approval, and satisfaction requirements.
• Participate in 5S, laboratory housekeeping, and continuous improvement activities.
• Review batch test results and authorize release for filling after verifying that product specifications and quality standards are satisfied.
• Escalate nonconforming batch results to Quality management, RDI, and Quality Assurance for evaluation, disposition, and resolution.

Benefits

• Medical insurance with HSA, available from day one.
• Dental insurance, available from day one.
• Vision insurance, available from day one.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with 6% company match.
• Annual bonus.
• Generous vacation, sick, and holiday pay.
• Progression (pay-for-skill) pay plans.
• Short- and long-term disability.
• Paid parental leave after one year.
• Career growth and development opportunities.
• Active Diversity & Inclusion Networks.
• Employee referral bonus.
• Employee appreciation days.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Associate degree