QA Technician

Overview

Advanced Drainage Systems is a leading manufacturer of stormwater and onsite septic wastewater solutions, committed to sustainability and innovation. With a vast manufacturing and distribution network, we deliver high-quality products across multiple industries while recycling over half a billion pounds of plastic annually. At ADS, we foster a culture where diverse perspectives drive better ideas, ensuring every employee feels valued, heard, and empowered to make an impact.

Responsibilities

The Quality Assurance Technician is responsible for implementing quality methods and protocol in accordance with ADS, and industry standards as well as customer requirements. The Quality Assurance Technician is also responsible for driving Continuous Improvement on companywide initiatives as well as plant specific programs as they arise. This person must demonstrate excellent leadership skills and work coherently with the plant management team. This position will require flexibility to work 40+ hours a week plus weekends as required. The Quality Assurance Technician must also have the flexibility to work various shifts if needed. Travel requirements will be approximately 5%-10% of the time. The Quality Assurance Technician reports directly to the Plant Manager for day to day plant responsibilities and has a direct reporting relationship to the Director of Quality for training, plant support and auditing functions. Both the Plant Manager and Director of Quality Assurance are involved in the annual review sessions.

Job Responsibilities:

The responsibilities of the Quality Assurance Technician include, but are not limited to:

• Drive Continuous Improvement at the company level through active involvement in scrap reduction activities.
• Complete two Continuous Improvement projects at home plant per year. Also complete and enter two QPI’s per year.
• Participate in one plant visit per quarter, at a minimum, to support the Continuous Improvement objectives.
• Assist support plants with one Continuous Improvement project per year.
• Implementation and training of company, AASHTO, ASTM & CSA quality standards.
• Communicate with Central Labs, other plants and resource personnel on quality related issues.
• Daily review of product from all lines and inventory since previous day. Communication and follow-up is to be established between plant manager-production manager-quality managers.
• Ensure Wired Plant compliance through training, follow-up and documentation to plant management team if issues persist.
• Monitor proper handling of product by all employees (i.e. product damage, proper storage).
• Facilitate monthly quality training with Line Operators, DST’s, Loaders and Material Handlers.
• Facilitate DST/LO certifications. Administer the Quality portions of all training certifications.
• Monitor inspections of resale products to ensure compliance with requirements.
• Maintain schedule and proper calibration of quality measurement instruments.
• Generate certification and compliance letters as required.
• Monitor incoming resin sampling procedures to ensure compliance with requirements.
• Respond to field complaints/visit customer locations
• Monitor retain sample program and review all correlation issues with the LO. Issue corrective action as necessary.
• Support other regional plants through conducting Quality Audits and specific training efforts. This includes NTPEP audit preparation and support.
• Administrating Training Academy courses.
• Understand and practice ADS CORE VALUES.
• Routinely analyze data to drive root cause analysis and project identification

Job Skills:

The Quality Assurance Technician should possess the following skills/knowledge:

• Leadership skills
• Mathematics skills
• Excellent verbal and written skills
• Intermediate computer skills (MS Office Suite)
• Strong organizational skills
• Proven facilitation and team building skills
• Strong time management skills
• Mechanical and process aptitudeProcess improvementLeading and managing change
• Project management
• Lean Six Sigma
• Statistics

Educational Requirements:

• 2-year in Quality related job, knowledge of plastic extrusion preferred

  2-year associates degree in Industrial Management or Manufacturing preferred

  2-year in Supervisory role minimum

Preferred Experience:

• 3-5 years related manufacturing/quality experience
• Lean Six Sigma Prior supervisory experience

Company Benefits:

Health & Welfare Benefits: Medical and prescription drug plans, telemedicine (with medical plan), High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) and Health Savings Account (HSA), dental and vision plans, virtual physical therapy*, an employee assistance program (EAP)*, and voluntary accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnification programs.

  Financial Benefits: Retirement 401k program with company match, an employee stock purchase plan (voluntary), financial wellness planning*, paid parental leave*, flexible spending accounts (FSA) for child care and health care, short-term and long-term disability*, basic life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D)*, adoption financial reimbursement*, tuition reimbursement*, voluntary life insurance (for employees, spouses, and children), and voluntary identity theft and fraud protection.

*100% paid by ADS.

Why Join ADS?

Growth Opportunities & Global Presence: With a global network of approximately 70 manufacturing plants and 40 distribution centers, ADS offers extensive opportunities for career growth and development in various locations around the world.

Inclusive and Creative Work Culture: ADS fosters a culture of passion, innovation, and continuous improvement, empowering employees to shape industry-leading solutions. We value diverse perspectives, recognizing that they drive better ideas, processes, and performance. Our workplace is built on respect, inclusivity, and shared responsibility, ensuring every team member feels valued and contributes to our collective success.

Innovative & Sustainability Focused: Advanced Drainage Systems is one of the largest plastic recyclers in North America, ensuring over half a billion pounds of plastic is kept out of landfills every year.

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EEO Statement

ADS supports an inclusive workplace that values diversity of thought, experience, and background. We celebrate the power of our differences to create better solutions for our customers by ensuring employees can be their authentic selves each day. ADS is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, pregnancy, veteran status, marital status, creed, status with regard to public assistance, genetic status or any other status protected by federal, state or local law.