Quality Assurance Technician

Position Summary

The Quality Assurance (QA) Technician is responsible for monitoring, inspecting, and ensuring product quality and compliance within an HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) pipe manufacturing environment. This role requires close attention to detail, technical knowledge of testing standards, and the ability to support production teams in maintaining compliance with industry regulations.

Key Responsibilities

Product Inspection & Testing

• Examine product (internal and external) for surface defects such as discoloration, cracks, splits, waves, or dimples.

• Inspect coils for proper taping and inside diameter.

• Review all product printing to verify accuracy of markings; escalate deviations immediately.

• Measure and record product dimensions: wall thickness, OD, ID, ovality, and OOR.

• Conduct visual inspections of pipe, retains, and samples to identify defects.

• Test and evaluate all retains submitted by Production QC.

• Inspect returned goods, complete required documentation, and determine disposition.

Documentation & Reporting

• Ensure specification sheets are correctly completed, current, and aligned with retains submitted.

• File all specification sheets and associated test results.

• Accurately record and communicate scrapped inventory quantities for proper adjustments.

• Confirm that production-line specification sheets are up-to-date and accessible for supervisors.

• Report all suspected quality or process issues to the QA Supervisor and Production Management; follow through on required resolution steps.

Quality Systems, Audits & Compliance

• Verify proper handling, labeling, packaging, and bundling of finished product through routine line checks and dock audits.

• Monitor manufacturing processes by performing audits, collecting samples, verifying lengths, and checking adherence to specifications.

• Conduct ISO 9001 internal audits and process audits alongside the QA Supervisor; track and close findings.

• Review and comply with all required QTs, SQPs, and L4 documents relevant to testing and material compliance.

• Manage calibration and measurement system requirements for gauges, testing, and measuring equipment; maintain accuracy of database (IQMS) and escalate needs for repair or replacement.

Support to Production & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Communicate quality issues to Production and Supervisors promptly.

• Work with cross-functional teams to resolve in-process concerns in a timely manner.

• Support QA and Production supervisors in investigating and resolving internal and external non-conformance issues.

• Provide training and coaching to Production personnel on quality standards, best practices, and correct use of gauges and measurement tools.

Customer Samples & Regulatory Testing

• Manage the collection, inspection, documentation, retention, and shipment of customer samples.

• Ensure timely execution and proper documentation of periodic testing requirements (e.g., stiffness tests, semi-annual hydro tests, NSF annual samples, FM Approval tests).

• Prepare customer documentation packages as required by individual inspection and test plans or Sales Orders.

• Maintain all quality records according to company policies and retention requirements.

Health & Safety

• Actively participate in Health & Safety training.

• Promote and maintain safe work practices at all times.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required, technical diploma in manufacturing or quality an asset.

• Prior experience in a manufacturing or quality control role preferred.

• Strong attention to detail and ability to interpret specifications and technical documents.

• Competency in using measuring tools (calipers, micrometers, gauges).

• Basic computer skills; familiarity with ERP/QMS systems such as IQMS is an asset.

• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate with production teams.

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift up to 50 lbs as required.

Work Environment

• This position operates in both laboratory and production floor settings.
• Regular exposure to manufacturing noise, machinery, and physical activity is expected.
• Shift work or overtime may be required to ensure continuous quality coverage.