Quality Assurance/ Lab Technician (Manufacturing)

Company Overview:

VPI, based in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, has been a catalyst of innovation and a leader in the flooring industry since its formation nearly 80 years ago. VPI invented static control tile and set the standards by which all other static control tiles are judged. Today, VPI has a full line of flooring products including static control tile, wall base and transition moldings, rubber flooring, stair treads and accessories. Going forward under current leadership, VPI continues to seek opportunities to diversify its product line, discover new uses for its wealth of technical expertise, display its ability to manufacture products with unequaled quality, consistency, and reliability, and recognize and support the efforts of its employees. VPI understands its strengths and is focusing on them to secure a bright future for its customers, its employees, and for itself.

Job Summary:

This position is designed to undertake a variety of laboratory, testing and prototyping procedures, a variety of R&D related tasks, as well as verifying production and incoming materials meet quality standards. These activities will from time to time include interaction with the shop floor employees and VPI customers.

Some job responsibilities such as floor buffing and quality inspection will be manual and simplistic while other tasks will be more technical and analytical in nature including custom color matching and the creation of prototype floor tiles and wall base samples. Accordingly, the job requires physical fitness but also the ability to collect, upload, present and explain test results.

Additionally, a VPI Lab Technician must be able to follow direction and meet deadlines, however, upon receiving instruction and direction, work alone and independently for much of the day. VPI Lab Techs must have a passion for the work and moving things forward demonstrating the ability to be successful in a fast paced, dynamic and shift priority environment.

This position involves working under possibly hazardous conditions (e.g. pathogens, chemicals and potentially dangerous manufacturing equipment) so the ability to follow safe working practices at all times is essential.

Reports To: Director of Continuous Improvement and Planning

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Inspect and document results of both incoming materials as well as manufactured products to ensure compliance to standard.
• Create custom color wall base and tile samples based on customer submitted color swatches or pantone numbers.
• Buff floors related to quality checks, testing, warranty claims, maintenance and new product development requirements.
• Help operational and sales staff in researching, developing, and producing floor related solutions of a technical nature
• Design and execute laboratory testing as needed in accordance with standard ASTM procedures, making observations and interpreting findings. Perform tests on VPI floor products to make sure that they meet standards and specifications.
• Conduct experiments under defined conditions to verify/reject various types of hypotheses using standard scientific methods. Record all data and results in specified forms (paper and electronic) with accuracy and responsibility. Prepare reports, charts, and graphs.
• Organize and store all chemicals, materials, equipment and data (paper and electronic copies) in a safe and orderly fashion.
• Maintain equipment and assist in ordering laboratory supplies. Set up and maintain laboratory equipment and instruments.
• Ensure that all safety guidelines are followed strictly at all times and maintain a clean and orderly environment

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Proven experience as a Quality Technician, Lab Technician, or a demonstrated ability to quickly grow into the position. A “DIY aptitude and skillset” with the ability to figure things out and create mock up prototypes based on verbal concepts.
• A keen eye for detail is an imperative trait to successfully fulfil the needs of this position.
• Experience in operating electrical and nonelectrical equipment and / or chemical substances.
• Good working knowledge of MS Office (especially Excel) and database systems
• Ability to work autonomously and to meet deadlines
• Willingness to travel periodically to perform field support tasks such as cleaning floors, testing ESD floors, and doing wall base installation demos.
• Must be a good communicator – both verbal and written.

Education and Experience:

• A degree in chemistry, quality or another relevant field would be of significant advantage
• Related technical credentials will be an advantage

Physical Requirements:

• Excellent physical condition and endurance

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Experience:

• Lab Technician: 3 years (Required)
• manufacturing: 3 years (Required)
• Quality assurance: 3 years (Required)

License/Certification:

• chemistry, quality or another relevant field certificaiton (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Sheboygan, WI 53081 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Sheboygan, WI 53081: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person