Quality Assurance (QA) Inspector - 1st Shift

1st Shift – 5:45AM-2:00PM Monday- Friday   ($19.00/Hour)  

Company Overview:

Since 1948, T.O. Plastics has been manufacturing quality thermoformed products. Thermoforming is the process of heating up a sheet of plastic and forming it into shape using pressure or suction. Today, we offer a standard line of thermoformed products to the horticulture industry, plus we design and manufacture custom thermoformed parts and packaging to a wide variety of industries (medical, industrial, horticulture, electronic, agriculture, consumer packaging, and more). We are one of the top 100 thermoforming companies in North America, and we deliver value by focusing on customer needs and offering design-to-distribution services. Dedicated to excellence, we leverage our experience and core competency to develop customized, cost-effective solutions and provide exceptional service to customers around the world. T.O. Plastics has facilities in both Clearwater and Otsego, Minnesota.

Our vision is to be viewed as a best-in-class manufacturer and a great place to work. For these reasons, safety is the number one priority at T.O. Plastics. As a team we collectively keep one another safe by creating and following safety policies, correcting unsafe conditions, and seeking proper treatment if injury does occur. By valuing GRIT (Great People, Results, Integrity, & Tenacity) we believe we can do what we do at the highest level of quality and safety.

Comprehensive benefit package to include the following options:

• Medical


• Dental


• Vision


• Life Insurance


• STD and LTD Insurance


• 401K with a generous company match


• 3 weeks of PTO earned as a weekly accrual


• Critical Illness Coverage


• Accident Insurance


• FSA or HSA Contribution Plans


• Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Essential Functions:

This position is responsible for the following tasks, duties, and responsibilities:

• Assure compliance to T.O. Plastics’ standards


• Able to work in an ISO-controlled environment                    


• Interact as required with Engineering and Manufacturing to inspect products and processes      


• Responsible for inspections that validate vendor quality and certification programs to assure compliance with set quality requirements                


• Responsible for in-process and final inspections


• Document and manage non – conformances per procedure         


• Responsible to assure customer satisfaction to both internal and external customers


• Individual Assignments from Quality Management


• Responsible for accurate and timely reporting to management current overall quality levels


• Accountable for the inspection and reporting detail per procedures and applicable work instructions


• Accountable for the use of equipment, tools, procedures, and standards


• Participate in corrective actions and problem solving


• Accountable to be aware and advise QC Management of potential quality issues to assure T.O. Plastics manufacturing is consistently monitored


• Perform required in-process audits


• Accountable for the timely processing and accuracy of data


• Provide support for production as needed to meet demand


• Manage small, task-focused projects as assigned


• Participate in Gage R and R studies as directed


• Identify and report any unsafe work conditions, behaviors, or incidents.


• Follow and adhere to all safety procedures.


• Other duties as assigned by the supervisor/manager.

Education, Experience, & Skills: 

The qualifications listed here are guidelines.  Other combinations of education and experience could provide the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform this job.

• High School Education.


• 2 years’ experience in a manufacturing environment


• Able to follow quality standards and procedures


• Able to multitask


• Able to read and understand prints and instruct operations to critical criteria


• Able to accurately use inspection equipment


• Able to communicate verbally and in writing when trained


• Able to be self-directed with good time management skills


• Knowledge of PC software packages including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Unipoint, and utilizing ERP system .


• Strong math skills typically acquired through high school education

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Working Environment and Physical Demands:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Work will be performed in both office and the manufacturing environments.


• Work performed in the well-lit manufacturing environment may include regular exposure to flying dust and debris; the smell of burnt plastic; high decibel equipment and loud noises; and extreme temperatures ranging from subzero up to 110 degrees Fahrenheit.


• Must be able to wear all required personal protective equipment consistently and correctly. This may include wearing safety glasses, ear plugs, gloves, respiratory masks, other safety equipment as designated, and adhering to the safety dress code.


• The manufacturing environment is fast-moving and may require the mobility to bend, stoop, lift, carry, lift above shoulders, push, pull, walk, and stand throughout the duration of the shift.


• Visual acuity, manual dexterity, and hand function are required to inspect and handle product.


• Handling of parts and product will require lifting under fifty pounds.