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.

• 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, , 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Actively participate in Health & Safety training.
• Promote and maintain safe work practices at all times.

• 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.

• 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.