Job Overview:
The QC Lab Flex Tech will work as part of a laboratory team and additionally be able to work independently to perform all quality control laboratory functions at the Asbury LA plant. The plant runs 3 shifts 24 hours/day 5 days a week and occasionally runs weekend shifts. The normal work hours will be 9am to 5pm overlapping the 1st and 2nd shifts as a second lab tech, however the candidate QC Lab Flex Tech will be willing and able to flex cover any shift as needed for vacation and sick coverage, and be willing to flex days to cover a weekend shift as part of the normal 40 hour work week, whenever the plant runs weekends.
Job Description:
The QC Lab Flex Tech…
- Safely performs quality control laboratory tests according to prescribed standards to determine chemical and physical characteristics of solid materials for quality control, process control, and determining conformity to specifications.
- Sets up, adjusts, calibrates, verifies, trouble-shoots, and operates laboratory equipment and instruments such as analytical balances, Ro-tap sieve shakers, ovens and furnaces, agitators, moisture meters, colorimeters, sulfur analyzers, BET surface area analyzers, Microtrac particle size analyzers, true density analyzers, and other lab equipment as required.
- Accurately tests graphite and other carbonaceous-powdered materials for such qualities as ash content, particle size, density, carbon content, sulfur content, moisture, surface area, and pH.
- Collects samples from plant production locations and facilities and prepare samples through any necessary steps such as drying, grinding, splitting, or micro-milling.
- Records test results on laboratory data sheets and uses Microsoft Excel software for daily reporting of data and observations. Cleans and maintains laboratory equipment and surrounding areas daily.
- Reviews daily production results to ensure product quality is being met. Assures all material produced is sampled and tested as required. Approves material to be shipped meets contract requirements, reconciling any discrepancies. Assures nonconforming material is identified and properly labeled, communicated, and isolated.
- Functions as a back-up to the Quality Lab Assistant as needed with primary roles of: generating certificates of analysis for all shipped materials and communicating with customers by email; identification and processing of rejected material; sustaining the customer small sample request packaging and shipping program utilizing computerized commodity shipping services such as UPS and FedEx; utilizing the company’s ERP system for production planning and order management; utilizing the company’s quality software to manage calibrations, documents, and training; utilizes the company’s customer resource management software to complete tasks and service customer needs.
- Gets dirty, wears appropriate PPE including steel toed shoes and dust masks in the lab, and hard-hat and safety glasses in the plant; has a positive attitude and enjoys working hard for a rewarding company.
- Reports to the Quality Manager and performs other lab and quality related tasks as assigned by the Quality Manager.
Education Requirements:
- High School Diploma required.
- Two or four year college degree in the sciences preferred.
- Post high school laboratory related course work or quality training required in lieu of sufficient work experience.
Required Experience:
- Previous laboratory work experience preferred (required without college degree in the science field) preferably in a fast paced manufacturing or service industry.
- Strong skills with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access
- Successfully worked in a laboratory team or production team environment
10 Key Core Competencies:
- Analytical Thinking. This refers to your ability to apply logic to solve problems and to get the job done.
- Computer Competency. As the name suggests, computer competency refers to your skills in operating a computer and the applications needed in your work.
- Conflict Resolution. Works to resolve all sorts of differences, especially among employees in order to maintain a good working relationship.
- Evaluation. This shows your ability to evaluate according to standard methodologies and policies.
- Flexibility. This shows your ability to adapt to whatever changes that happen in a company without losing focus on your goals. This also includes your ability to apply your knowledge to your new circumstances.
- Ethics. Has personal and professional ethics and fosters a diverse and respectful workplace.
- Interpersonal Awareness. The ability to have and show empathy to others. Listens well and responds in a non-threatening way.
- Personal Credibility. Takes responsibility for actions and shows that one is reliable and trustworthy. Is honest and does his or her fair share.
- Problem Solving. Solves problems while ensuring rules and directives are followed.
- Thoroughness. Sees to it that one's own and others' work is accurate and complete. Works with diligence and care and ensures all commitments are fulfilled.