Lab Associate I Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Make Quality Measurable at PretiumAt Pretium Packaging, quality is more than a requirement; it is a commitment to our customers, consumers, and manufacturing partners. We are seeking a detail-oriented and technically skilled Corporate Quality Lab Technician to support laboratory testing, quality assurance initiatives, regulatory compliance activities, and continuous improvement efforts across our manufacturing network.This role serves as a key technical resource within the Corporate Quality team by generating reliable test data, validating product performance, supporting investigations, and maintaining documentation that helps ensure compliance with customer specifications, regulatory requirements, and quality standards.Position OverviewThe Corporate Quality Lab Technician performs analytical testing, physical performance evaluations, equipment verification, and quality data collection for packaging products, components, raw materials, and quality improvement projects. This position supports the organization's commitment to product quality, food safety, customer satisfaction, and regulatory compliance through accurate laboratory practices and disciplined documentation.The role provides objective test results that support product qualifications, manufacturing investigations, customer complaint resolution, supplier evaluations, validation activities, and continuous improvement initiatives throughout the company.Key ResponsibilitiesLaboratory Testing & Product Evaluation

• Perform physical, dimensional, and functional testing of plastic packaging products, closures, components, and raw materials.
• Conduct laboratory evaluations including leak testing, torque testing, drop testing, top-load/compression testing, weight verification, dimensional measurements, and visual defect analysis.
• Verify product conformity against customer specifications, drawings, approved standards, and internal quality requirements.
• Prepare samples and maintain testing schedules for qualification studies, validations, customer requests, and troubleshooting activities.

• ##### Support material characterization and comparative testing associated with product development and continuous improvement projects.

Quality Systems & Investigation Support

• Assist corporate and plant quality teams with root-cause investigations related to customer complaints, nonconformances, and process deviations.
• Compile and analyze laboratory data to identify trends, performance concerns, and opportunities for improvement.
• Support corrective and preventive action activities by providing technical data and test evidence.

• ##### Collaborate with manufacturing plants to validate containment actions and verify effectiveness of corrective measures.

Documentation & Record Management

• Maintain accurate laboratory notebooks, electronic records, test reports, calibration records, and supporting documentation.
• Generate detailed laboratory reports summarizing methods, results, observations, and conclusions.
• Ensure test records are maintained in accordance with quality system requirements and document-control procedures.

• ##### Support preparation and retention of records required for customer audits, certification audits, and regulatory inquiries.

Compliance & Auditing Support

• Assist with ISO, BRCGS, GMP, HACCP, and customer compliance initiatives by providing laboratory data and documentation.
• Support internal audits and quality system assessments as needed.
• Verify testing methods and laboratory practices remain aligned with approved procedures and industry standards.

• ##### Participate in validation and qualification activities for laboratory equipment and quality inspection systems.

Equipment & Laboratory Management

• Perform routine calibration, maintenance, verification, and troubleshooting of laboratory equipment.
• Coordinate external calibration services when required.
• Maintain laboratory organization, cleanliness, safety compliance, and inventory of testing supplies.

• ##### Recommend improvements to testing methods, laboratory processes, and data collection systems.

Cross-Functional Support

• Partner with Corporate Quality, Operations, Engineering, Regulatory Affairs, Sales, and Product Development teams on quality-related projects.
• Support customer requests for performance testing and technical documentation.

• ##### Travel periodically to manufacturing facilities to support investigations, audits, validations, and training activities.

QualificationsRequired Education

• Associate degree in Quality Assurance, Chemistry, Engineering Technology, Plastics Technology, Manufacturing Technology, Industrial Technology, or related scientific discipline.

• ##### Equivalent combination of education and relevant laboratory experience may be considered.

Preferred Education

• ##### Bachelor's degree in a scientific, engineering, quality, or technical field.

Preferred Certifications

• ASQ Certified Quality Technician (CQT)
• ASQ Certified Quality Improvement Associate (CQIA)
• ASQ Certified Quality Auditor (CQA)

• ##### Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt or Green Belt

Technical Skills

• Experience operating laboratory and inspection equipment.
• Proficiency with precision measurement tools such as calipers, micrometers, gauges, and optical measurement devices.
• Understanding of statistical methods and basic data analysis.
• Knowledge of quality management systems and documentation practices.
• Experience with calibration systems and test method validation.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and data-management software.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, technical specifications, inspection criteria, and quality procedures.

• ##### Working knowledge of plastic packaging manufacturing processes is preferred.

Soft Skills & Competencies

• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication.
• Analytical problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Team-oriented mindset with strong interpersonal skills.
• Initiative and willingness to learn new testing methods and technologies.

• ##### Ability to present technical findings clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Work Environment

• Primarily based in a corporate office and laboratory environment.
• Frequent interaction with manufacturing plants, quality teams, engineering groups, and operations personnel.
• Occasional travel to Pretium manufacturing facilities for audits, investigations, product validations, and technical support.
• Requires standing, lifting samples, operating test equipment, and performing laboratory evaluations.

• ##### Exposure to manufacturing environments may include production equipment, warehouse operations, and quality inspection areas.

Compliance & Quality StandardsThe Corporate Quality Lab Technician is expected to maintain and promote compliance with applicable quality, regulatory, and customer requirements, including:

• ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems
• BRCGS Packaging Materials Standard
• Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
• HACCP principles
• Customer-specific packaging and quality requirements
• Internal quality procedures, work instructions, and testing standards
• Environmental, Health & Safety requirements

• ##### Applicable FDA and food-contact packaging regulations where relevant

Machines & technologies you'll use:

• CAD Software
• Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM)
• CAM Software
• Calipers and Micrometers
• Quality Control Software

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