Quality Utility Technician

Summary / Objective:

Employees in this position focus first on responding to tasks necessary to support the business. These tasks can be, and often are, immediate in nature and require the employee to comprehend the need for flexibility in work assignments. Such tasks are assigned and prioritized by the Quality Manager and may include:

1. Pulling finished goods from the warehouse, unpackaging them for inspection, collecting samples for testing or that have been requested by customers or internal parties, and repackaging the goods according to the requirements noted in the part’s work instructions;
2. Accounting for RMA (Returned Material Authorization) items, documenting, labeling, and reporting lot numbers, pallet numbers, roll identification numbers with quantities, and transporting these goods to the appropriate locations once dispositioned;
3. Producing films on the MSE pilot line (lab line) to be tested for data on new or existing blends or the qualification of new raw materials, documenting and reporting test results to interested parties in a timely manner.
4. Claiming scrap & raw materials through ERP from the Lab Line, QC Hold, and testing materials

The second priority for Quality Utility Technicians is to maintain the professional appearance of the Quality Lab by completing the following tasks daily:

1. Sweeping the floors in the lab,
2. Wiping countertops to remove dust and debris,
3. Wiping test equipment to remove dust and debris,
4. Disposing of film scrap in proper receptacles and,
5. Removing household trash from the lab, the lab line area, and the QC Hold area.

The third priority is to assist with testing finished goods, raw materials, and competitive samples, documenting and reporting the results in an accurate and timely manner, and controlling all non-conforming raw materials and/or finished goods that do not meet the requirements set forth internally or by the customer. Quality Utility Technicians may assist in keeping test equipment in calibration and zeroed for use according to testing procedures.

At all times, Quality Utility Technicians must comply with the safety requirements listed in the MSE employee handbook.

Essential Functions

• Safely operate a fork truck and pass the requirements for operating an MSE forklift.
• Safely unpackage, cut, and label samples, and repackage finished goods as necessary to support the needs of MSE and the customer.
• As directed, operate the QC lab line to produce films using a specified blend free of melt fracture or wrinkles, to a specified mil thickness and blow-up-ratio.
• Provide samples and/or test data from lab line films to inform senior management and/or customers of production-grade products.
• Read and understand production Job Travelers and engineering PDFs, which instruct how to manufacture and package finished goods according to internal or customer specifications.
• Understand and follow the RMA process.
• Complete a testing form, including saving the information gathered on the Quality One-Drive, and reporting such information with a company-issued Surface tablet or desktop computer.
• Determine if product requirements are met by testing against tolerances and specifications provided, and by a review of test results and/or visual inspection of manufactured goods.
• Ensure QC Hold Materials are adequately labeled
• Operate lab equipment and conduct tests according to the following ASTM/MSE Standards using the appropriate test equipment:
  • Gauge Profile ASTM D 5947
  • Coefficient of Friction ASTM D 1894
  • Elmendorf Tear ASTM D 1922
  • Elongation ASTM D 882
  • Tensile Yield ASTM D 882
  • Tensile Ultimate ASTM D 882
  • 1% Secant Modulus ASTM D 882
  • Dart Impact ASTM D 1709 A & B
  • Surface Tension ASTM D 2578
  • Opacity MSE Method
  • Haze ASTM D 1003
  • Shrink MSE Method
  • Melt Flow Index ASTM D 1238
  • Various Yield Calculations
  • Sheet Weight
  • Whiteness
  • Seal Tester
  • Gloss
  • Go-No-Go Gauge
  • ATP Testing
• Accurately label and, in an organized manner, store sample-retains in the designated location.
• Maintain the lab and testing equipment in good working order, ensuring that the lab and the area outside the lab are free from debris, trash, and dust that could affect the results of any of the performed tests.
• Report to work when scheduled.
• Apply good time management skills and diligent work practices for the timely completion of assignments.
• Follow safety requirements outlined in the MSE Employee Handbook and/or as directed by MSE management.
• Wear the required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), which includes, at a minimum, safety glasses and/or side shields, steel-toed shoes, and ear protection in designated areas. Additional PPE may be required for specific jobs.
• Use basic computer skills in Microsoft software to create, open, format, save, retrieve, and populate documents with Word, Excel, and Outlook. Create folders to sort and save data associated with testing. Use spell and grammar check software (e.g., Grammarly) on all communications.
• Issue Certificates of Analysis as required by customer request, pulling test data and merging information into the appropriate templates in a timely and accurate manner.
• Accurately document and mark with the appropriate identification numbers all competitive films submitted for testing and reporting purposes.
• Complete the examination and documentation of all physical attributes of competitive films, accurately documenting any noticeable differences between both sides of the film surface, vent types and patterns, print schematics, colors, placement, repeat.
• Document and report all submitted customer-supplied information relative to the performance and/or requirements of films.
• QC Hold/Lab Line Materials Balance at End-of-Month
• Adequate usage of Epicor and Monday.com

PPE requirements and Safety Rules:

You must conform with the PPE requirements and Safety Rules established by Mid South Extrusion. These include:

1. Eye protection is required everywhere in the plant
2. Hearing protection is required when crossing the blue lines painted on the floor, and heading towards the machines.
3. Safety-toed shoes or boots are required everywhere in the plant.
4. Cut gloves are required to be worn on the opposite hand you use to hold a knife when cutting.
5. The maximum weight allowed to be lifted by one person is 80 pounds. Anything heavier requires the aid of another person, forklift, Big Joe, or roll handlers.
6. Face shields must be worn anytime you are over the die during start-up. This includes the die on the Lab Line.
7. Each machine is equipped with multiple safety switches and devices. Although the features are not the same for each machine, they all have safety devices in place to help protect you.  These include pressure-sensitive mats, light curtains, pull cords, and emergency stop buttons. You must learn where these safety switches and devices are located and how they work.

Work Environment:

This job operates primarily in a plant setting but occasionally works in the Lab(s) (inside, office-like environment). This person routinely uses standard office equipment, including but not limited to a computer or Surface, calculator, telephone, and photocopier.

Employees may be periodically exposed to extreme environmental conditions (e.g., hot or cold) when

working in a plant setting.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job successfully.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be able to safely lift and/or move up to but no

more than 80 lbs. This position requires sitting, standing for prolonged periods of time, reaching, walking,

bending, kneeling, stooping, and climbing steps or stairs. A Quality Utility Technician periodically uses a

shop hammer (up to 5# in weight) and sample punches to cut film. The Technician must be able to lift the

hammer and strike the punch repetitively.

A Quality Utility Technician must be able to safely operate banding equipment and effectively secure raw

materials and finished goods in a manner that keeps them free from damage or contamination.

A Quality Utility Technician must be able to see and read both printed text and electronic media, which includes computer screens, cell phone screens, and test equipment displays. This position requires finger and hand dexterity to hold and manipulate film samples and test equipment components.

Position Type & Expected Hours of Work:

This is a full-time, hourly position. Work hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. This position may require work on some weekends and/or holidays, reporting to work on the first of the month for inventory, and some overtime is required. This position is also responsible for attending mandatory safety and quality meetings.

Education and Experience:

High School Diploma or GED required; some college preferred. There is no time restriction for skill level position increase; the Technician must prove skills/knowledge before advancement and have Quality Management and Executive Management Approval for multi-step increases.

Other Duties:

Please note this Job Description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job.  Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Other duties may be assigned as required for the successful operation of the business.

Reasonable Accommodations:

Reasonable accommodation can be made for Qualified ADA disabilities if they assist in enabling the employee to perform the essential functions and duties of this position.