Lab Technician

Company Overview

Aurorium is the materials innovation partner that helps global manufacturers harness the power of possibility to make the world a better place. Their specialty ingredients and high-performance materials enhance quality of life, support health and wellness, and enable customers to deliver value-added solutions. Key industries served include household products, coatings & adhesives, energy & electronics, healthcare, food & beverages, agriculture, transportation, and paper & packaging.  A Responsible Care® company, Aurorium follows the highest regulatory standards across all manufacturing facilities. The company’s global integrated supply chain offers the customer product consistency, easy access, supply security and reasonable turnaround on delivery. Aurorium is committed to operating at the highest levels of manufacturing consistency, quality control and safety.

Job Summary:

The Lab Technician will provide analytical support through the analysis of products and system fluids that aid in controlling the quality of the end products, thereby meeting the needs of both customer and company. The incumbent will help in the detection of variances from the norm, and offer any solutions to improve deficiencies, thus helping production and quality.  The Lab Technician will support and assist Operations in operating the facility in a safe and environmentally friendly manner, produce and ship on time the highest quality products at the lowest possible costs, while practicing the ethics of Responsible CARE, ISO 9001 and meeting all federal, state and local laws, regulations and security. 

Responsibilities:

Role Specific Responsibilities:

• Performs sampling and analysis of products according to the sampling and duty schedules and completion of same in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and Work Instructions that affect product quality and quality control systems are followed
• Utilizes lab instrumentation such as UV/VIS, Auto titrator, and other more advanced technical instrumentation
• Maintains inventory and proper usage, labeling, and storage of chemicals and supplies in the laboratory
• Ensures that laboratory equipment is maintained to perform to standards and to ensure that spare parts or backups are on hand to minimize downtime of instrumentation and equipment
• Works in conjunction with management to suggest changes in the plant and laboratory to improve the quality of our products, efficiency of operation, and ability to sample and analyze with improved accuracy to meet the current requirements and expected future demands
• Assists the operations by doing any special tests or analyses when requested
• Works in conjunction with Management, Maintenance and Operations to monitor and maintain the pond NPDES within EPA standards and perform required testing. Send out samples of the pond discharge to an outside laboratory for testing in compliance with the site NPDES permit
• Contacts outside laboratories to schedule testing as needed
• Works as a member of a team within Aurorium laboratories to troubleshoot potential issues and develop new advanced testing methodology
• Prepares Certificates of Analysis for product shipments as required by company policy; maintain files. Ensures proper labeling and packaging for shipment of product samples according to company policies; maintain records of samples shipped out. Maintains accurate laboratory records of analytical results, quality control tests and logbooks according to plant policy
• Compiles, publishes and files a daily report on analytical results from plant samples and customer samples
• Orders supplies as needed following the Aurorium process 
• Works with other team members towards the solution of problems and to fulfil the manufacturing objectives, and participate in continuous improvement projects
• Follows and maintains 6-S/Lean principles of a clean and organized work area and participates in Lean Six Sigma events such as Kaizen, etc. as needed
• Generates Statistical Process Control (SPC) graphs as needed, and for quality discussions. The graphs generated will include root cause for trends in data, Out Of Control points (OOC).
• Makes recommendations to plant management for improvement based on data driven decisions
• Participates in the Quality discussion as an expert when requested
• Participates in Responsible CARE activities
• Participates in RC 14001 environmental responsibility
• Updates Laboratory procedures
• Constructs and update SOP’s 
• Other duties assigned as needed 

Compliance:

• Complies with company Health, Safety and Environmental policies, procedures and arrangements
• Reports all Health, Safety and Environmental accidents, incidents and near misses promptly
• Acts in a safe and responsible manner at all times

Problem Solving and Innovation:

• Active participation in continuous improvement activities
• Participates in problem-solving
• Takes responsibility and ownership for own learning and development in the spirit of continuous improvement of both self and the business
• Assists in the training, mentoring, and assessment of other team members
• Exercises autonomy and judgement subject to overall direction or guidance

Qualifications/Desired Skills:

Education and Qualifications:

• An associate degree in applied science (A.A.S.) or chemical technology is required 
• A solid background in applied basic chemistry and math is vital, along with skills in using various kinds of equipment and standard labware

Experience:

• Two-four years of specialized training or experience in field, laboratory, or production facility quality control

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong communicator with top-notch presentation skills 
• Experience in calibration, troubleshooting instrument issues, and analytical methods are desirable
• Self-motivated and ability to work within a fast paced environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to flex own style as needed to influence and drive results
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail with the ability to adapt quickly to changing business needs and priorities
• Ability to work in a team environment within a multi-functional, organizational structure and exhibit robust interpersonal skills
• Excellent proficiency within Microsoft products (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint) as well as SAP
• Occasional weekend work may be required
• Embodies the core values of Aurorium:  
  • credible: keeps their word and honors their commitments, acts with integrity, and holds themselves accountable to their decisions and actions   
  • outcome-oriented: adheres to an unparalleled standard of excellence in everything they do, to deliver results with real impact  
  • driven: passionate about delivering authentic, world-class experiences that engage customers and inspire greatness 
  • empowered accountability: empowered to achieve common goals and accountable for delivering performances and results that exceed standards 

If you have the energy, drive, and passion for joining the Aurorium team, we would love to hear from you.  Apply today!

Aurorium offers competitive total compensation packages, including benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, 401(k), disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, paid time off, and paid holidays. 

Aurorium is a global Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of and will not be discriminated against based on gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, ethnicity, religion, age, veteran status, disability status, genetic information, or any other protected category.

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