Quality Control Chemist

Job Summary

A Quality Control Chemist will utilize procedures and techniques in performing a broad range of duties related to the routine activities of analytical operations. The QC Chemist conducts assessments, in support of Production, to monitor product quality. The QC Chemist is responsible for following procedures to ensure proper results of test samples and finished products and comprehensively document all test results. The QC Chemist is the lead QC Analyst and is responsible for mentoring, training, and guiding QC Technicians.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES include but are not limited:

• The successful individual will be able to work in a highly structured environment with regard to safe and consistent conformance to operating procedures and work practices.
• Have a general knowledge of the basic principles of chemistry and basic techniques used in analytical laboratories.
• Ensure timely throughput of product through the lab work queue for all shifts. Priorities set by production should be understood and shared with the laboratory team
• Analyze various raw/ in-process materials and finished goods using multiple analytical techniques (GC's, FTIR's, ICP-MS, process analyzers, moisture analyzers, etc.). The QC Chemist must be able to run all analyses at their primary location
• Work with the R&D laboratory to develop, modify, and improve analytical procedures
• Lead special projects including but not limited to metrology studies and statistical evaluation of laboratory data
• Support Quality Team in investigations of product defects, non-conforming material and/or customer complaints
• Identify problems with analytical instrumentation and assist in subsequent repair(s)
• Accurately input and document analytical data into all necessary analytical databases.
• Conforms to ISO directives included but not limited to policy and procedures. Strictly adhere to all necessary calibration requirements within all lab operations.
• Through observation of work area(s), is alert to and avoid unsafe behaviors and conditions or other hazards. Reports any observed hazards to the supervisor. Adheres to all safety policies including, but not limited to HAZWOPER, Electronic Communications Policy (ECP), and LOTO policies.
• Ensure compliance with the formalized written PPE program for all laboratory activities.
• Must be able to perform response activity while wearing a respirator and fully encapsulated “Level A Suit” to meet emergency response requirements.
• Participate in ongoing continuous improvement initiatives of analytical process systems.
• Maintain analytical equipment including preventive maintenance (PM). Responsible for ensuring PM is completed for all instruments within the prescribed time frames
• Mentor and lead training efforts for QC Technicians and Production Instrument Operators in NJ and PA QC Laboratories
• Work effectively and cooperatively with production staff.
• Successfully complete all assigned trainings

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must possess a B.S. Degree in Chemistry (or equivalent) and a minimum of 3 years of chemical laboratory experience.
• All external candidates must successfully pass a ALAM pre-employment screening requirements
• Actively participate on ALAM’s emergency response (ER) team and ER entry team
• Must be and remain clean shaven at all times
• Ability to wear a full face tight fitting respirator and a fully encapsulated (Level A) ER suit, Self
• Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), or any other tight-fitting and/or supplied air respirators (SAR)
• Ability to medically pass a respiratory test and physical test in order to wear a full face respirator as required
• Able to mentor and lead special projects in QC Laboratories
• Works autonomously/with minimal supervision within established procedures and practices while supporting the prioritization and activities within the lab and in coordination with operational expectations.
• Create, modify, or validate procedures with minimum assistance
• Initiate change requests for changes in Intelex and support safe work permits for laboratory instrumentation and sampling cabinets
• Perform and lead metrology studies and method improvements.
• Resource for troubleshooting and root cause analysis
• Active in one or more areas of our quality systems regarding SPC, NCM, MOC or Internal Auditing
• Successfully complete all assigned and required training
• Knowledge of processes for units supported by knowing sample points and typical composition as a way to demonstrate proficiency in data analysis, problem solving and decision making techniques.
• Review or revise procedures
• Proficient in troubleshooting/root cause analysis especially surrounding laboratory instruments and procedures
• Validates instrument performance using control/standards after maintenance activities Can design with support and carry out metrology studies.
• Initiates changes to revise or create work instructions and forms. Is familiar with sampling system drawings and supports safe work permits for laboratory instrumentation and sampling cabinets/systems.
• Assist technicians in other labs/areas within the department

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• 3+ years experience in a chemical laboratory
• Experience in specialty or electronic chemical manufacturing is a plus.
• Experience in laboratory operations within a production plant environment in a quality assurance/control function preferred.
• Experience with formalized analytical validation programs is desired, as is the knowledge of hazardous materials
• Hands on analytical equipment maintenance, method repair and development, and sampling system troubleshooting experience preferred