Lab Technician

Milliken & Company is a global manufacturing leader whose focus on materials science delivers tomorrow’s breakthroughs today. From industry-leading molecules to sustainable innovations, Milliken creates products that enhance people’s lives and deliver solutions for its customers and communities. Drawing on thousands of patents and a portfolio with applications across the textile, flooring, chemical and healthcare businesses, the company harnesses a shared sense of integrity and excellence to positively impact the world for generations. Discover more about Milliken’s curious minds and inspired solutions at Milliken.com and on Facebook , Instagram and LinkedIn .

POSITION TITLE / LOCATION

QC Lab Technician 1

JOB CLASSIFICATION

Production - Hourly

POSITION REPORTS TO:

QC Lab Supervisor

POSITION OVERVIEW

This position is located at the Milliken Laurel site in Gainesville, Florida. The Quality Control Laboratory Technician 1 facilitates the timely and accurate analysis of samples submitted to the Quality Control Laboratory and actively responds to the needs of internal customers. Shifts are typically 12 hours in duration, rotate through nights and weekends, and require working holidays on occasion.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

- DEFINITIONS

Understand pH, acid, base, viscosity, and flashpoint.

- KNOWLEDGE

Discuss the relationship between kinematic and dynamic viscosity, including the different measurement methods and units of measure used in the QC Laboratory.

- Discuss the basic theory of pH electrode operation.

- Discuss the basic theory of silver billet electrode operation.

- Describe various mobile phases used in the QC Laboratory for both liquid and ion chromatography.

- Discuss the different types of columns and stationary phases used for gas chromatography in the Quality Control Laboratory.

- Discuss different indications of when a GC septum and/or liner may require change.

- TECHNICAL

General Lab Skills

Demonstrate the proper use of an analytical balance.

- Demonstrate proper technique for pipetting liquids.

- Demonstrate how to measure pH.

- Demonstrate the ability to perform the Ammonia and Sulfates in wastewater analysis.

- Demonstrate the ability to perform non-volatile residue (NVR) analysis and viscosity analyses using a routine viscometer.

- Demonstrate the ability to use and calibrate the refractometer.

- Demonstrate the ability to determine color in a sample using the colorimeter.

- Demonstrate the ability to determine turbidity in a sample by use of the turbidimeter.

- Demonstrate the ability to perform the SiH analysis by both titration and FTIR.

- Demonstrate understanding of basic pH theory.

- Demonstrate understanding of how the pH and silver billet electrodes are used.

- Demonstrate the ability to retrieve a Safety Data Sheet (SDS).

- Demonstrate the ability to perform manual titrations.

- Demonstrate the ability to perform viscosity analyses using the Brookfield and automated viscometers.

- Demonstrate the ability to operate the liquid particle counter.

- Demonstrate the ability to perform drum inspections.

- Demonstrate and discuss drum sampling methods.

- Demonstrate the ability to perform the flashpoint analysis using both the manual and automated testers.

- Demonstrate the ability to change the membrane cap and fill solution, prepare fresh 1000 ppm standard, and determine the efficiency of the ammonia ISE.

- Autotitrator

Demonstrate the ability to load methods.

- Demonstrate the ability to change electrodes.

- Demonstrate the ability to analyze the appearance of curves.

- Demonstrate the ability to interpret and report results.

- Demonstrate the ability to change titrants.

- Demonstrate the ability to prepare and change the pH electrode fill solution.

- Demonstrate the ability to perform and document pH electrode slope.

- Demonstrate the ability to prepare and change the silver billet electrode fill solution.

- Demonstrate the ability to correctly plate the silver billet electrode.

- Demonstrate the ability to prepare and standardize all titrants used in the Quality Control Laboratory.

- Demonstrate ability to use the Standardization section of the QC Lab database.

- FT-IR

Demonstrate/discuss proper operation of the FT-IR instrument to perform neat and nujol-based IR analyses.

- Gas Chromatography

Demonstrate the ability to load methods on Agilent Chemstation software.

- Demonstrate the ability to set/change GC conditions.

- Demonstrate the ability to set TCD flows and FID flows.

- Demonstrate the proper technique to inject a sample.

- Demonstrate the ability to correctly interpret GC traces and results.

- Demonstrate the ability to properly clean syringes, install a packed column, and install a capillary column.

- Demonstrate ability to correctly replace septa and liners (including split/splitless liners in FID injectors).

- Demonstrate the ability to replace the split vent line filter.

- Demonstrate knowledge of required GC maintenance frequencies.

- Liquid Chromatography

Demonstrate the ability to perform chloride analysis by Ion Chromatography.

- Demonstrate the ability to properly set and verify flows.

- ADMINISTRATIVE

Describe handling and disposition of Request for Analytical Services Forms.

- Demonstrate the ability to access the A_LAB folder and knowledge of contents.

- Demonstrate the ability to access and print frequently used QC Lab forms.

- Demonstrate the ability to use the electronic Sample Log.

- Demonstrate the ability to navigate all QC-related aspects of the current ERP independently and correctly.

- SITE-SPECIFIC

Demonstrate the ability to function in a dynamic environment as a member of the department.

- Maintain a prompt and regular work attendance.

- Develop and maintain personal safety awareness related to this position including any safety precautions necessary when involved in activities in manufacturing areas and laboratories. Promote safety as a core behavior throughout all levels of the company by leading by example and by actively observing the safety practices of others.

- Promote and increase quality awareness throughout the organization by interaction with all departments.

- Maintain an environmental awareness including participation in any pollution prevention and waste minimization programs related to the position.

- Attend all scheduled safety meetings and earn sufficient safety participation points each month to achieve INVOLVED status.

- Maintain a high level of housekeeping throughout the department.

- Maintain neat and legible documentation of all records and reports.

- Develop time management skills necessary to perform job functions efficiently and accurately.

- Demonstrate familiarity with all applicable SOPs.

- Perform all other duties as assigned

- SAFETY

Adhere to all plant safety policies and compliance regulations. Actively participate in the safety process through completing safety audits, participating in safety projects, identifying Site Hazards and contributing to safety improvements, and being an attending member of a safety team. Complete annual safety training as required.

- Enforce safety rules and continuously improve housekeeping.

- RESPONSIBLE CARE:

Be aware of the relevant requirements of the Responsible Care Management System (RC-14001) and follow plant procedures to ensure compliance with requirements.

- Understand the RC-14001 Significant Aspects of your job and help ensure controls are in place to reduce or eliminate negative impacts.

- Take actions and identify and communicate ideas to minimize waste, prevent pollution and conserve energy.

- Contribute to continuous improvement of the plant environmental, health, safety, security, and Responsible Care performance and programs.

- QUALITY – Become familiar with, understand and comply with Milliken Quality Policy, Standard Operating Procedure(s) (SOPs), relevant ISO 9000 standards and Company Policies that are applicable to this position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

- High school diploma

- Some college-level chemistry

- Demonstrated work history

- One to 3 years of manufacturing and/or laboratory experience or a combination thereof

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

- Bachelor’s degree in chemistry and 1-3 years of laboratory experience.

SKILL REQUIREMENTS

- Ability to work well with others, both within and outside the QC department.

- Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

- Ability to work rotating shifts, including weekends and holidays.

- Ability to multitask.

- Ability to function with minimal supervision after an appropriate training period.

- Ability to prioritize workload and adapt to changes in standard priorities.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT USED:

- Ear plugs

- Steel Toe Safety Shoes

- Safety Glasses

- Safety Gloves

- FR Lab Coat

ADA PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS, FREQUENCY, AMOUNT, OR DESCRIPTION

Standing

Ability to stand while working

50% of day

Sitting

Ability to sit down

15% of day

Moving

Ability to move throughout the plant

10% of day

Lifting

Ability to lift at least 25 lbs. without assistance

10% of day

Ascending/Descending

Ability to walk upstairs or use ladders at some frequency

5% of day

Bending

Ability to bend or stoop

10% of day

Visual Acuity

Visual acuity adequate to perform job duties, including reading information from printed sources and computer screens

As required

Cognitive

Ability to make decisions, reason, and understand information

As required

WORK ENVIRONMENT/SAFETY-SENSITIVE POSITION

This job operates in a manufacturing facility. This position is a safety-sensitive position and regularly works around moving mechanical parts and powered industrial vehicles. Noise level is generally loud. Temperatures can be more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Humidity level can be more than 98% for 100% of day.

SHIFT/WORK HOURS

Shift schedule will depend on open positions at time of hire and will be communicated with new hire paperwork. Weekends and holidays are scheduled depending on business demands.

- Pitman Schedule, 12-hour shifts

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND ACCOMMODATIONS

The company is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to any protected characteristic. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. The Company retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

Milliken is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, including but not limited to lactation), sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression (including transgender status), ancestry, national origin, citizenship, age physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran or military status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.