Paper Quality Laboratory Tester

Job Description & Duties:

The A Tester Level 1 ensures that all paper products meet company and customer quality standards by collecting samples, performing detailed laboratory tests, and accurately documenting results. This role plays a key part in maintaining product integrity, supporting production teams, and ensuring compliance with safety and quality procedures. This list is not all-inclusive and additional duties may be assigned based on workload and operational needs.

• Safety & Compliance:
  • Follow all mill and department safety policies and procedures.
  • Maintain a clean and organized laboratory.
  • Calibrate lab equipment as scheduled and report any issues to the supervisor.
  • Report incidents or near misses as directed and administer first aid if applicable.
• Sample Collection & Handling:
  • Review the production run schedule to identify testing needs.
  • Collect paper samples from production reels, identify wire or felt side, and cut samples to the required sizes.
  • Stamp samples with date and store them according to retention policies (18" samples for one week, 8" samples for six months).
  • Decide when to hold or divert reels based on test results and communicate quality disposition to machine room leadership.
  • Assist Machine Room with transporting finished rolls to Finishing via tug and help thread winder when needed.
• Laboratory Testing & Analysis:
  • Perform baseline tests at the start of each shift and after any color or grade changes.
  • Perform tests as needed per baselines and customer specifications from each production reel.
  • Tests are performed using calibrated equipment and Tappi standard procedures. These tests include: 
    • Physical: curl, caliper (thickness), tear strength, stiffness, porosity, pressure burst, and internal bond (measures fiber bonding).
    • Surface & Optical: brightness, color, smoothness, opacity, surface tension (wax pick), and moisture content.
    • Performance: printer and lamp curl, HST sizing, contact angle, inkjet color gamut, and coefficient of friction.
  • Verify equipment accuracy by testing external samples.
  •  Follow established testing targets and reject limits.
• Documenting & Reporting:
  • Accurately enter all test results in the quality application with reel numbers, production run details, and target/reject limits.
  • Enter defect codes according to sheet and document any relevant reel notes.
  • Complete laboratory paperwork to verify temperature and humidity of paper lab workspace.
  • Email downtime reports when required and update as instructed.
  • Publish quality production reel reports for other departments to review.

Qualifications and Competencies:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Prior laboratory experience preferred.
• Basic math and computer skills.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to follow precise testing procedures.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, and stay clam under pressure.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Decision-making ability with strong time management and organizational skills.
• Willingness to learn and take initiative in supporting production needs.
• Reliable team player with a positive and proactive work ethic.

Work Environment:

• Work in a laboratory setting and collect samples in a fast-paced production facility exposed to variable weather conditions, loud noise, moving machinery, and wet surfaces.
• Requires standing, walking, bending, and climbing for extended periods.
• Requires lifting and carrying collection samples up to 50lbs.
• Shift work required, including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.