Position Description

Performs day-to-day operations of the QC Laboratory.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Performs special projects as directed by Plant management and prepares reports from the special projects.
• Able to work routinely without direct supervision from Plant management.
• Prepares chemical solutions according to standard formulas, using proper techniques in measuring volumes of liquids and weights of solids and liquids.
• Lean manufacturing representative for Lab
• Issues recommendations for in-process adjustments and sampling.
• Develops new procedures and updates existing procedures.
• Able to calibrate and trouble shoot all laboratory equipment and instruments, including working with instrument service technicians.
• Records test results on standardized forms and prepares test reports using MS Excel/Word/Powerpoint.
• Maintains lab inventories for chemicals, supplies, and instrument accessories.
• Complies with all environmental, health, safety, quality systems and housekeeping programs.
• Performs other duties, as assigned or authorized by Plant management.
• Understands the weekly shipping schedule and shipping requirements; notifies Plant Management when deficiencies are identified.
• Knowledgeable of the primary plant activities and processes.
• Controlled Document Librarian
• Follows written standard work instruction and standard operating procedures.
• Tests production samples of in-process and finished product to verify conformity to specifications/targets and records the results of testing, verify quality of materials for shipment.
• Operates, cleans, and maintains laboratory equipment and instruments such as: Ion Selective electrodes, Laser induced breakdown spectrometer, Carbon analyzer, Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence Analyzer (both handheld and benchtop), Induction Furnace, pH meter, Macro Thermal Gravimetric analyzer, analytical balance, and other equipment.
• Understand production requirements / deficiencies based upon current finished goods inventories and production requirements to meet the customer shipment requirements.
• Knowledgeable in product inventories and shipping requirements.
• Assists in the training of newly-hired laboratory personnel and in covering additional shifts at critical times
• Submits purchase requisitions in the SAP system for lab supplies, instrument parts/accessories, etc.
• Records results of finished product testing into corporate SAP computer system.
• Analyzes non-routine and routine production and environmental samples with minimal assistance.
• ISO 9001 Quality representative, ISO Internal Auditor
• Prepares and makes samples for testing.
• Troubleshoots production problems and tests materials qualitatively and quantitatively such as in-process material (black mass, bag house dust, plastic, foils, and liquid samples using spectrographic or chromatographic equipment for elements or substances, and record the test results.

Performance Objectives

Performs day-to-day operations of the QC Laboratory with minimal supervision and maximum accuracy.

Qualifications

• Excellent interpersonal communications skills; written and verbal.
• Completion of college basic chemistry and college algebra courses.
• Proficient computer skills, including typing and especially Microsoft office suite
• Prefer 4 - year college science degree plus 3 years laboratory experience or higher degree (MS or PhD) plus 1 years laboratory experience.
• (+6) credit hours of college math courses or equivalent experience.
• Proven record of taking on additional tasks and following up on multiple projects.
• (+12) credit hours of college chemistry courses or equivalent experience.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls, reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works near moving mechanical parts and is regularly exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals and risk of electrical shock. The employee occasionally works in outside weather conditions and is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles and extreme heat. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.