Quality Control / Assurance Technician

Job Description

Quality Control / Assurance Technician

DEPARTMENT: Laboratory
POSITION TITLE: Quality Control / Assurance Technician
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: Quality Control / Assurance Manager
POSITION CODE: QCTECH - Level 1
HOURS: Ability to be flexible as needed. Typically, full time: 4 days, 10 hr. shifts - overtime as needed. Two positions open. 

1st shift production hours: Mon – Thurs 4:00 am to 2:00 pm, overtime as needed during peak demands. 2nd shift production hours: Mon – Thurs 2:00 pm to 12:00 am, some overtime as needed during peak demand. 

QC shifts vary between the two shifts, but remain scheduled for 10 hours, 4 days per week. Allows for good work/life balance. 

Must be flexible to shift hours occasionally early or late if needed to support manufacturing demands in peak seasons to maintain full QC coverage.  Example: QC Technician Shift scheduled to work 7:00 am to 5:00 pm that work between the two shifts for added QC coverage may have to change to 2:00 pm to 12:00 am to cover temporarily for 2nd shift due to scheduled PTO or unscheduled event. Once 2nd shift QC interruption is resolved, the QC Technician returns to original 7:00 am to 5:00 pm work schedule. Temporary shift changes do not occur often due to QC Technicians hours that overlap. Shift hours will be discussed during interview process since two positions are currently open. 

BENEFITS:

401(K), 401(K) matching, Dental, Health, Life and Vision insurance, Paid Time Off, Holiday time off, 4 day work week. 

POSITION BRIEF:

This technical position offers a creative working environment for the high-energy, self-motivated individual. This position also offers experience in a wide variety of hands-on opportunities through direct interaction with multiple cross-functional teams in a growing company. Among various responsibilities, the Quality Control / Assurance Technician is responsible for quality control of the sealants, adhesives, and coatings from raw material acquisition through the manufacturing and packaging cycle. Accomplishing the goals of this position requires analysis of the data collected and the maintenance of these records. The Technician is also responsible for maintenance of various other files which may include, but not limited to SDS files, TDS files, Certificate of Analysis files, batch tickets, test records, and packaging records, etc. This position may allow multiple opportunities to assist in quality assurance through the creation of procedures, growth of laboratory capabilities and optimization of the laboratory department and testing capabilities within an expanding company. Further advancement opportunities are directly related to the candidate’s specific qualifications, education, experience and self-motivation to help push continuous improvements to the Quality Programs.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• QC incoming raw materials. Run various physical tests such as viscosity, pH, density and solids and evaluate data. Calculate averages and standard deviations for these materials. Write rejection and deviation reports as necessary. Track Certificate of Analysis data. Contact vendors as necessary for information, documents or test procedures.
• Perform physical tests on all batches of sealants, adhesives, and coatings to ensure quality of products produced. Collect, evaluate, retain, and purge samples of each batch per specifications. Tests include, but not limited to: pH, viscosity, extrusion rate, expansion height, color, percent solids, density, slump, open time, tack time, microbial resistance, aged stability and freeze/thaw stability. Evaluate the shelf life of products periodically through comparison of accelerated aging to actual retained samples. Track and evaluate data. Calculate averages and standard deviations. Write and distribute rejections and deviations as necessary. Search for continuous optimization opportunities.
• Maintain calibration records for laboratory equipment and schedule calibration services as needed. Conduct and record internal calibration testing.
• Troubleshoot quality issues in production.
• Monitor mixing procedures in production. Assist in development of Mixing Procedures and Work Instructions.
• Assure each finished goods container are date coded, labeled correctly, clean and stacked per procedure.
• Maintain data files (electronic and hard copy).
• Order laboratory supplies as needed.
• Effectively read and interpret SDS, TDS, and Certificate of Analysis sheets to support various reporting requirements.
• Ability to accurately write and review Standard Operating (Laboratory) Procedures and various other documents as needed.
• Audit production processes to ensure correct procedures, lot numbers, weights, chemicals, packaging, etc. are being followed.
• Continuously monitor data through statistical analysis and search for new optimized methods.

• POSITION STANDARDS: Able to lift 50 lbs. Basic math – calculate averages, standard deviations, ratios, and graph data. Statistics preferred. Able to wear a Respirator. Able to stand or walk for 10-hour shift.
• POSITION ENVIRONMENT: Laboratory is conditioned. Plant areas are not air-conditioned. Concrete floor is present in all locations. Majority of tasks require standing, walking, and some lifting.
• EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILLS: High School Diploma required. 10 hours or more of General Chemistry with laboratory from an accredited university preferred. Associate's degree preferred. Quality Assurance experience preferred. Bachelor’s Degree optimum and increases potential advancement opportunities including but not limited to assisting R&D. Experience using computer, printer, and scanner/Copier, pH meter, Lab mixing equipment, etc. preferred. Computer skills such as Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel required, Access preferred. SPC (Statistical Process Control) experience optimal. Completed Statistics course is optimal.
• SAFETY EQUIPMENT, when needed:
• Gloves
• Full face shield
• Safety glasses
• Respirator
• Safety shoes
• EQUIPMENT
• pH meter
• Analytical balances
• Brookfield Viscometers
• Pyknometer
• Weight per gallon cup
• Halogen Moisture Balance
• Laboratory Furnace
• Ovens
• Extrusion rate apparatus
• Various other lab equipment
• Calculator
• Forklift experience preferred, but not required

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: $TBD /hour depending on education level and experience. 

Required education:

• High School Diploma (required)
• Quality Management Certificate (preferred)
• Associate (preferred)
• Bachelor’s (optimal)

Required experience:

• Laboratory experience (preferred): 1 year

Required language:

• English (required)
• Spanish (preferred)