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TITLE: Quality Assurance Engineer IV

POSITION OBJECTIVE: As a manufacturer of plastic film and/or packaging for the food industry via extrusion and blown film processes, we maintain rigorous food-contact safety and quality standards even though we are not a food processor ourselves. This role is responsible for maintaining and improving our quality management systems, ensuring compliance with the SQF Quality Code (Manufacture of Packaging), HACCP-based hazard analysis as applied to packaging manufacturing, and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) for food-contact packaging. The ideal candidate combines strong technical knowledge of these systems with hands-on engineering problem-solving to drive continuous improvement across blown film extrusion operations

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Mechanical, Plastics/Polymer, Industrial), Quality, or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• 2+ years of experience in a quality engineering role within a plastics extrusion/blown film manufacturing environment, ideally producing film or packaging for the food industry.
• Working knowledge of SQF Code (Manufacture of Packaging edition), HACCP-based hazard analysis, and GMP requirements as applied to food-contact packaging.
• Understanding of blown film extrusion processes (resin blending, die/blow-up ratio, bubble formation, winding) and common film defects (gels, gauge bands, haze, seal issues).
• Familiarity with food-contact material regulations (e.g., FDA 21 CFR).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and root-cause investigation skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including SOP writing and training delivery.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word) and quality data systems.
• Experience with internal auditing and hosting third-party/regulatory/customer audits. 
• Familiarity with statistical process control (SPC), gauge/thickness measurement tools, tensile and seal-strength testing, and Lean/Six Sigma methodologies.
• Experience with quality management software (QMS) platforms.
• Ensure consistent, dependable attendance and demonstrate a willingness to accommodate non-standard work hours as necessary.
• Capable of effectively managing job-related stress and fostering productive workplace interaction

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintain, monitor, and continuously improve the plant's SQF Quality Management System under the Manufacture of Packaging edition, ensuring ongoing certification compliance.
• Conduct hazard analysis for extrusion and blown film manufacturing processes, identifying and controlling physical, chemical, and biological risks relevant to food-contact film (e.g., contamination, foreign material/gels, additive and resin migration).
• Ensure production practices align with GMP requirements for food-contact packaging; conduct routine GMP audits and inspections of the facility, blown film lines, and personnel practices.
• Develop, review, and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and quality documentation specific to extrusion and blown film manufacturing.
• Lead or support internal audits, supplier audits, and third-party/regulatory/customer audits (SQF, FDA food-contact regulations, customer-specific requirements).
• Investigate quality deviations, customer complaints, and non-conformances (e.g., gauge variation, gels, haze, seal integrity, contamination); lead root cause analysis and implement corrective/preventive actions (CAPA).
• Monitor and verify critical control points and preventive controls throughout the manufacturing process (resin handling/blending, extrusion, film winding, and packaging/shipping).
• Support new product/film structure introductions by evaluating quality and food-contact safety risks during development, line trials, and production scale-up.
• Analyze quality data, SPC charts (e.g., gauge/thickness profiles, tensile/seal strength), and production metrics to identify trends and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Train employees on food-contact safety programs, GMPs, hazard analysis principles, and quality procedures.
• Manage documentation control and ensure records are maintained in accordance with regulatory and certification requirements.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Production, Engineering, Maintenance, and Purchasing (resin/material suppliers) to resolve quality issues.
• Stay current on regulatory changes affecting food-contact plastics (FDA 21 CFR, migration/extractables requirements) and industry best practices, updating internal programs accordingly.
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned by management.