Our Specialty Polyamides manufacturing facility in Birdsboro, PA, is seeking a 1st shift Lab Technician to support manufacturing operations. The Lab Technician will perform all aspects of Quality Control testing, sampling, and associated data entry into LIMS and/ or SAP relating to production paperwork, in-process and finished goods for Poly, Finishing, Powder and Powder Color Processing departments, as well as tolled products. Assist with Powder and Mechanical testing, as needed, for certification testing of products. Must be able to work assigned shift. One weekend a month and some holidays are required.

This salaried non-exempt (eligible for overtime) position reports their daily activities to the Quality Control Supervisor and formally reports to the Quality Manager.

KEY ACTIVITIES:

TESTING

• Quality Control testing for certification of products
• Perform special or mechanical testing, as needed.
• Perform maintenance and verification of all Quality Control testing equipment.
• Test procedures include moisture using Brabender moisture analyzers; Yellowness Index using X-Rite and Konica Minolta spectrophotometers; inherent viscosity using pipets and solvent transfer; % volatiles using glassware in a loss in weight test; test for Visible Impurities; and, operate laboratory extruders to make films to determine gel content; other tests as needed.
• Extra work in the form of special projects relating to laboratory equipment or testing.

SUPPORTING FUNCTIONS

• Maintain required documentation and filing of test, calibration and verification records, as required by A2LA Accreditation and ISO 9001:2015.
• Participate in R & R studies, and maintain qualification for testing. Assist in record keeping for R & R studies and chart maintenance.
• Maintain knowledge of changes and improvements to Arkema test procedures- all system documents including training modules, MSDS and test procedures are accessible on the intranet. Ability to operate a computer and navigate in many systems is required- LIMS, SAP, IMPACT, PI Process Book, Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Assist and participate in internal and external audits.

SAFETY

• Follow all Corporate and Site Safety Policies and Regulations.

REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or a related field preferred or minimum high school diploma with a minimum of three years of production-oriented chemical laboratory experience.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks
• Work well with minimal supervision, but also work well in a team environment, and must be able to get along with others.
• Good written and verbal communication skills to let others know status of testing or what will be needed during shift.
• Computer skills required, including Word, Excel required, and use of Laboratory Information Data Entry System are needed for this position. Knowledge of SAP use would be helpful, but is not required.
• Must be available to work a variety of shifts in support of production demands including weekends, holidays, over-time and vacation coverage.