Quality Assurance Technician (Current Employees Only)

Winpak Portion Packaging is seeking a Quality Assurance Technician to join our Manufacturing team in South Chicago Heights, Illinois. Reporting to the Quality Manager, you will audit production processes to verify product quality, confirm completion of inspections, and ensure compliance with work instructions. Your work will support food packaging safety, quality standards, and efficient manufacturing operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Inspect incoming raw materials as needed and verify product specifications, material requirements, packaging, labeling, and palletizing requirements.

• Maintain Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Coalition of Northeastern Governors (CONEG), resin testing, Certificate of Analysis (COA), and resin retain records; evaluate data and provide timely COA information.

• Obtain and deliver retains from prior production runs for upcoming production as required.

• Accurately document product inspections, process data, and other required information.

• Respond promptly to packer and operator quality questions to reduce downtime and minimize defective production.

• Gather, process, label, and store finished-product retains daily.

• Organize, monitor, and assist with rework of nonconforming products and returns.

• Maintain calibration of measuring devices, along with related work instructions and forms; implement calibration for new types of measuring devices and train operators on their use.

• Provide support for coordinate measuring machine (CMM) equipment as required.

• Maintain monthly microbiological testing protocols and records; initiate corrective actions for out-of-specification results in accordance with the company’s Integrated Management System (IMS) and SQF/AIB standards.

• Report food packaging safety concerns to plant management.

• Organize work efficiently to complete cleaning, inspections, and data recording within the assigned shift.

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area; use required safety equipment and follow safety, clothing, cleanliness, and hair-covering requirements.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• Current Certified Quality Technician certificate.

• Training and experience auditing International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Safe Quality Food (SQF), and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) requirements.

• Strong communication skills and an understanding of basic math and statistical principles.

• Computer proficiency, including Microsoft Word and Excel.

• Proficiency using calipers, micrometers, scales, and similar measuring tools.

• Experience issuing and interpreting Certificates of Analysis.

• Ability to carry out food packaging safety and quality responsibilities competently.

• Training in and adherence to company policies concerning GMP, sanitation, prerequisite programs, chemical control, and food safety plans and policies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Microsoft Access and AlisQI.

• Experience using or maintaining VSPC or other statistical process control (SPC) software.

• Experience with CMM measuring equipment.

Physical Requirements

• Occasionally lift or carry up to 50 pounds.

• Walk or stand approximately four to six hours daily.

• Occasionally climb ladders and bend or stoop.

• Rarely climb stairs, kneel, or crawl.

Additional Details

• Schedule: Monday through Friday, eight-hour shifts.

• Location: South Chicago Heights, Illinois; onsite.

• Classification: Salaried, nonexempt.

Compensation range: To be confirmed.

The compensation range provided is a general guideline. Actual pay will be determined based on the candidate’s experience, qualifications, and expertise.

Why Winpak

Winpak is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to support the physical, mental, financial and social well-being of our employees and their families. Our benefit package includes the following:

• Medical, dental, vision & prescription coverage
• Travel coverage
• Disability coverage
• Voluntary life insurance
• Life and accidental death & dismemberment insurance
• Tuition assistance program
• Retirement savings plans
• A comprehensive employee and family assistance program which includes short term counselling, wellbeing coaching, financial and legal consultations services.

Winpak’s vision is to provide the best packaging solutions for people and planet. We are a leading supplier of innovative packaging solutions, known for providing high-quality products that meet the needs of a variety of industries, including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and consumer products. With a commitment to sustainability, safety, and excellence, Winpak continues to grow as a global leader in the packaging industry.

At Winpak, inclusion is one of our core values. We believe that an inclusive culture fosters a sense of belonging, drives innovation, and provides our brand a competitive advantage. Our goal is to create an environment free from harassment and discrimination, and where every individual feels respected, valued, and appreciated.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to an equitable and inclusive recruitment process, evaluating applicants based on merit, capability, and qualifications related to the job - never on identity factors such as race, color, gender, age, sexual orientation, religion, disability, national origin, or any other protected status. To support this commitment, if you require any accommodations during the recruitment process, please let us know and we will work with you to ensure your needs are met.