Quality Lab Technician

Role details

Overview

The Quality Lab Technician is responsible for conducting physical, chemical, and analytical tests on raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products in a compound manufacturing environment. The technician ensures compliance with established standards and regulations, supports production by providing accurate and timely test results, maintains detailed documentation, and contributes to process and product improvement initiatives. This role requires strong cross-functional communication and collaboration with production, warehouse, and senior management to ensure all deadlines and quality expectations are met.

Sample Collection & Preparation

• Collect and prepare samples of raw materials, intermediates, and finished products from production batches per established procedures.

• Transfer samples such as powder, regrind, or pulverized material to containers/bags; label, store, and track samples to maintain traceability.

• Gather samples at specified locations, stages of processing, and defined time intervals.

• Ensure regrind samples are the correct size to feed through extruders; re-grind as needed.

Testing & Analysis

• Perform routine and non-routine laboratory analyses (physical, chemical) using standard test methods (e.g., ASTM, USP, internal SOPs).

• Operate and calibrate laboratory instruments including balances, pH meters, viscometers, spectrophotometers, chromatographs, and titrators.

• Conduct specialized tests such as melt index runs, particle size analysis, moisture content, tensile testing, and rheological evaluations.

• Observe and monitor extruder temperatures across all zones, identifying and addressing any abnormal spikes.

• Test certain powders against control samples; test finished pulverized and pelletized samples.

• Record observations on test strips (e.g., metal, foam, expanded, low/high torque, damp, did not feed well).

Documentation & Reporting

• Record and review test data and observations accurately in compliance with Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and company quality systems (LIMS, batch records, logbooks).

• Prepare Certificates of Analysis (COAs), reports, and communicate findings to relevant departments in a timely manner.

• Notify supervisors promptly of non-conformances, deviations, or out-of-specification results.

• Update and communicate machine information with maintenance, production, and senior management.

Quality Assurance & Compliance

• Ensure all laboratory activities comply with internal quality policies, SOPs, and regulatory requirements (ISO, GMP).

• Participate in internal and external audits, proficiency testing, method validation, and inter-laboratory comparisons.

• Support investigations related to product quality issues, root cause analysis, and corrective/preventive actions (CAPA).

Equipment Maintenance

• Regularly calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory instruments and equipment.

• Maintain a clean and organized lab environment; ensure proper storage and labeling of chemicals, reagents, and waste.

Cross-Functional Communication

• Communicate with production to ensure materials needed for loads are tested in a timely manner and to determine which finished loads are ready for testing.

• Communicate with the warehouse to confirm samples collected are properly labeled, along with corresponding box or bag.

• Attend and actively participate in all production meetings to ensure deadlines and expectations are met.

• Work effectively with maintenance, production, material handlers, warehouse, and senior management to support operational goals.

Continuous Improvement

• Suggest and implement improvements to laboratory processes, test methods, and documentation practices to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and safety.

• Stay current on new testing technologies, methods, and regulatory requirements relevant to the compound manufacturing industry.

Requirements

Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Material Science, Chemical Engineering, or related scientific field — or equivalent laboratory experience.

• Previous laboratory or quality control experience in manufacturing; compound, chemical, pharmaceutical, plastics, or coatings industries preferred.

• Familiarity with laboratory analytical techniques and laboratory safety procedures.

• Proficiency with electronic data entry and computer software (LIMS, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, etc.).

• Strong attention to detail, organizational, and communication skills.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a cross-functional team.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

Pay: $21.00 - $25.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Safety equipment provided
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person