Quality Control Lab Technician at Balchem Corporation in Covington, VA

Job description

• Perform chemical and physical testing on raw materials, in-process and encapsulated finished products to determine adherence to prescribed specifications. Prepare laboratory reagents and clean analytical glassware. Maintain accurate record of all analyses performed, documenting test results in laboratory notebooks and/or electronically as required by GLP/GMP. Apply error recognition and precision analysis to assure accuracy of test results. Keeps work area and equipment safe, clean and in good working order. Order and maintain chemicals and supplies that are necessary to ensure efficient operation of the QC laboratory.

Responsibilities

• Analyze incoming raw materials, comparing results with supplier’s CoA to ascertain conformance against Balchem’s purchase specifications
• Issue the appropriate labels to material handlers that reflect the QC status of material (approved, quarantined or rejected)
• Properly document data
• Analyze WIPs and finished products for activity, release and particle size using acid - base or redox titrations, particle size analyzers, gravimetric analysis, melt point, color comparison, etc.
• Record all results in laboratory notebook and/or electronic files following the appropriate SOPs; Compare results against Balchem’s release specifications to determine compliance
• Record, report and investigate non-conforming materials results (OOS) to supervisor in a timely manner; In addition, notify appropriate plant personnel of current production material failing its release/activity specification OR outside its prescribed action limits/target values
• Prepare and standardize laboratory reagents according to written procedures
• Ensure that all analytical glassware is clean and defect-free and that all equipment is calibrated and maintained as prescribed prior to use
• Perform, record and plot daily QC checks to ensure the accuracy and reproducibility of data being reported from the QC laboratory
• Collect and prepare samples for submission to outside laboratories utilizing the appropriate chain-of-custody and shipping requirements
• When requested, work with customer service and/or R&D to prepare samples (commercial and developmental) for shipment to potential customers
• Support efforts regarding “continuous improvement” by being an active participant on various site teams or initiatives
• Maintain and calibrate laboratory instruments on daily basis; Instruments may include, but not limited to: balances, autotitrators, pH and conductivity meters, refractometers, sieves and microscope
• Perform support activities associated with the qualification of new or alternate material suppliers, analyze competitor’s products, identify appropriate / specialized outside lab support, and participate in raw or finished material failure investigations etc.
• On a routine bases, verify that all metal detection equipment installed on the manufacturing lines is operational and capable of meeting sensitivity requirements
• Verify the operability and sensitivity of feed safety devices on production floor (e.g., metal detector)
• Performs other investigations/duties under the direction of the Quality Manager
• Follows all safety and environmental policies and procedures including use of safety equipment (PPE), equipment safeguards, and disposal of hazardous waste

Requirements

• AAS degree in chemistry with a minimum of one-year experience in analytical chemistry, and at least three years of experience in an analytical laboratory or related process laboratory preferred

Skills

Required

• Chemical and physical testing
• Analytical chemistry
• Laboratory reagent preparation
• GLP/GMP documentation
• Error recognition and precision analysis
• Data recording and documentation
• Titration (acid-base, redox)
• Particle size analysis
• Gravimetric analysis
• Melt point determination
• Color comparison
• Chain-of-custody and shipping procedures