This is a temp to hire position.
Position Summary: To provide accurate, credible, timely, and cost-effective testing and evaluation of materials submitted to PCA's TDSQ Testing Facility while supporting the ongoing development and optimization of PCA’s product offerings. This employee will also support operational excellence, assuring the accuracy and ongoing improvement of lab processes.
Dimensions: This Position is one of a team in the TDSQ labs (a manager, supervisors, engineers, and technicians, and occasional contract staff) supporting customer and product development efforts across the PCA organization. Project work includes support for new containerboard, combined board and packaging innovation, onboarding of large new Customers, plant trials, and materials evaluations for Customers and prospects.
Principal Accountabilities:
- Provide accurate, effective, quick response testing, evaluation, and reporting.
- Implement test plans and testing process to address and resolve customer issues, supporting sales and product improvement efforts.
- Source, log, track, prepare, condition, and assemble test specimens; execute appropriate testing.
- Analyze and summarize data, complete reporting of results with detailed analysis as required.
- Provide value-added conclusions to requestors and suggestions to improve, optimize, or remedy the problem that generated the test request.
- Take an active role in maintaining the accuracy and functionality of TDS lab facilities in Vernon Hills. Proficient operation of equipment following relevant TAPPI/ASTM/ISTA standards. Operate and maintain data collection systems, with an eye towards improving utility and functionality.
- Familiarity with operations of laboratory test equipment, focusing in one major area of lab operations. Develop/evolve training and skills to support and contribute across multiple lab operations. Participate in the training and mentoring of contract and co-op staff that periodically join the lab on a temporary basis and engage in the industry test method review and development process.
- Work safely both on site and off; collaborate with all site employees in safe operation of all lab equipment and develop safety-training improvements; and support site safety goals.
- Responsible for knowing and following policies and procedures of the company; for sharing information that would benefit other members of the team; and for finding ways to improve the delivery of service to our Customers.
- Continually strive to strengthen PCA’s business philosophy of meeting needs and exceeding expectation for Customers. This includes supporting PCA’s Commitment to Service which involves doing what’s right for our Customers, focusing on strategies that add value and support growth, and keeping the promises that we make.
Decision Making: The Technical Analyst is expected to work under general supervision, typically reporting to the Sr. Mgr Technical Operations & Resources. This position requires a professional able to make timely and considered decisions on test protocol selection to meet customer needs, as well as analytical reporting with a high level of integrity. The Technical Analyst is expected to collaborate with more senior team members in determining the best way to address customer needs, making decisions as to his/her approach to completing assigned projects given limited direction and evaluation of problem statements. The individual is expected to take general direction and make decisions on the many details associated with the project or task. The individual is expected to use his/her knowledge and experience to gather relevant information, identify key issues and relationships, compare data from different sources, identify cause-effect relationships, and recommend solutions. Unresolved issues or questions should be escalated to the Sr. Mgr Technical Operations & Resources. As a company representative, the Technical Analyst must exercise discretion realizing that his/her interactions with vendors and customers must be in accordance with PCA policies and ethics.
Interactions with Customers and Contacts: This position works cooperatively with individuals across the TDSQ group, with frequent verbal and electronic/ hard copy communication with internal Customers (sales and plant operations, national and local sales groups, etc.), external Customers, and PCA/TDS management. It requires clear communication, fostering collaboration to meet customer satisfaction goals.
Position Requirements:
- Associates degree required, BS preferred, in paper science, package engineering, or related sciences.
- Co-op experience preferred.
- Ability to read, understand, and follow with precision standard laboratory testing procedures.
- Capable of safely handling packages of up to greater of 50 lbs. or SOPI/OSHA limits (or 100 lbs. with assistance).
- Commitment to develop and foster strong working relationships.
- Willingness to travel occasionally, by appropriate modes.
