Quality Engineer

About The Company Plastipak Packaging, Inc. is a leading global manufacturer of innovative plastic packaging solutions dedicated to delivering high-quality products to a diverse range of industries. With a commitment to excellence, sustainability, and customer satisfaction, Plastipak operates state-of-the-art facilities across North America, Europe, and beyond. The company’s focus on continuous improvement, technological advancement, and environmental responsibility has established it as a trusted partner in the packaging industry. Plastipak’s culture emphasizes integrity, teamwork, and innovation, fostering a dynamic environment where employees are empowered to contribute to the company’s success.

About The Role As a Quality Engineer at Plastipak’s Champaign, IL site, you will play a vital role in ensuring the production of the highest quality rigid plastic containers. Your primary responsibility will be to monitor and analyze manufacturing processes, verify compliance with customer and internal specifications, and lead initiatives to improve product quality and process efficiency. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including production, engineering, and customer service, to identify root causes of quality issues, implement corrective actions, and validate their effectiveness. Additionally, you will serve as a key point of contact for customer visits and health check meetings, fostering strong relationships and ensuring customer satisfaction. Your expertise in statistical process control and continuous improvement methodologies will be instrumental in maintaining and elevating quality standards across the facility.

Qualifications Candidates should possess at least an Associate’s degree, with a Bachelor’s degree preferred, in a related field such as Engineering, Quality Management, or Manufacturing. A minimum of one year of experience working in a manufacturing environment—whether through full-time employment, internships, or co-op programs—is preferred. A strong understanding of statistical process control (SPC) analysis, including the ability to interpret control charts such as histograms, Pareto charts, X-MR, and X-Bar/R charts, is essential. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to lead cross-functional teams in root cause analysis and continuous improvement activities. Excellent analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills are necessary to succeed in this role, along with a proactive approach to problem-solving and process optimization.

Responsibilities

• Analyze statistical process control data to understand process variation, identify trends, and initiate corrective actions when necessary.
• Utilize statistical and analytical tools, as well as sampling procedures, to measure process and product conformance to specifications.
• Conduct health check meetings at customer facilities to assess product quality and maintain positive relationships.
• Develop and deliver training programs on quality control principles and practices to associates across departments.
• Participate in and lead cross-functional continuous improvement initiatives to enhance process efficiency and product quality.
• Investigate quality issues, perform root cause analysis, and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Maintain accurate documentation of quality data, audit results, and improvement activities.
• Support new product launches and process validations to ensure quality standards are met from inception.

Benefits At Plastipak, employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support their health, well-being, and financial security. Benefits include wellness programs, health insurance coverage (medical, dental, and vision), and access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Employees are also provided with life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment coverage, and both short-term and long-term disability insurance. Additional insurance options include accidental, critical illness, and hospital indemnity insurance. The company offers a 401(k) plan with company matching contributions and profit sharing, ensuring employees’ future financial stability. Paid time off includes 80 hours within the first year, with increases over time, along with paid holidays. Other benefits include dependent care flexible spending accounts, caregiving assistance, pet insurance, tuition reimbursement, scholarships for employees’ children, travel assistance, and employee discount programs. Some benefits are subject to eligibility requirements.

Equal Opportunity

Plastipak is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. We believe that a diverse workforce enhances our ability to serve our customers and innovate effectively. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will be considered for employment without regard to any protected status.

In order to process your job application, Plastipak collects and stores the personal information that you submit via this website. Please refer to Plastipak’s Privacy Policy (http://www.plastipak.com/experience/privacy/) to understand how Plastipak uses and protects the information that you provide.