Quality Control Lab Analyst

Description

Opening: Moove Oil Analysis Laboratory is currently recruiting a Product QC Analyst I. This position is Monday-Friday, first shift.

Summary:

The laboratory is separated into three analytical applications; Production Quality Control, Engine Guard Oil Analysis, and Refinery Support.

The QC Analyst performs routine and non-routine laboratory testing on raw material and finished lubricant products prior to packaging or distribution to ensure all outgoing goods meet their applicable specifications. This position utilizes standardized laboratory methods and analytical instrumentation to evaluate the chemical and physical properties of lubricants, interpret test results, verify compliance with product specifications, and communicate findings to internal and external customers.

This position is responsible for monitoring product quality, ensuring data integrity, supporting continuous improvement initiatives, and contributing to the laboratory's goal of delivering accurate analytical results within established turnaround times. QC Analyst evaluate the chemical and physical properties of all raw materials and approve the use of said product prior to production. They test blended lubricants to verify compliance with product specifications and are responsible for providing final approval and creating “Certificates of Analysis’ for outgoing products prior to distribution.

QC Analysts must communicate frequently and clearly with the blending team to maximize workflow efficiency and maintain optimized product quality. To do this, the QC Analyst is required to troubleshoot issues with product specifications, maintain technical knowledge of a variety of product formulations and be able to provide real-time corrections for non-compliant material to bring quality up to specifications while minimizing loss once trained.

The primary focus of this position is product quality control, but analysts may be required to cross-train in multiple areas depending on business needs. The other two applications include the Engine Guard Program whose analysts perform condition monitoring tests on in-use lubricants and interpret analytical data for signs of wear, contamination, or lubricant degradation to monitor oil integrity and overall engine health; and Refinery Support which provide analytical data for refinery operations by testing in-process samples to be used for real-time adjustments of the refining process and finished products for quality control testing to verify compliance with production specifications. All three areas must coordinate with each other to maintain laboratory workflow without interfering with the other and work together to maintain the laboratory equipment and shared lab space.

What We Offer:

- Competitive starting salary
- Major Medical/Dental/Vision
- 401k Company Match
- Paid time off & Holiday Pay
- Company paid life insurance
- Company paid long term disability
- Uniforms and yearly work boot allowance

Career Progression :

The QC Analyst role offers a structured career path from entry-level to senior analysts with increasing responsibilities, technical knowledge and leadership abilities. Each tier builds on skill development, experience, levels of authority and contribution to laboratory operations. Analysts start at level I but individuals with extended education/experience may enter in at a higher level if qualified.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities- include but are not limited to the following. The Company reserves the right to add to, delete, change or modify the essential duties and responsibilities at any time. All work is to be completed with minimum supervision and in accordance with Company standards. Other duties may be assigned.

Production Support

- Verify incoming raw material Certification of Analysis (COA’s) and approve before use in products
- Test blended product and compare against established formulas
- Calculate blend corrections and report needed corrections to blending team
- Provide final approval for the release of product
- Assist with creating COA’s for finished products
- Helps investigate quality issues during production
- Preparing documentation for technical support

Sample Management

- Receive, verify, label, and log incoming samples into the laboratory information systems.
- Review sample documentation for completeness and resolve any discrepancies in production orders.
- Prioritize workload to meet established production goals.

Laboratory Testing

- Perform routine and non-routine analysis of lubricants using ASTM and company-approved methods. These tests include but are not limited to trace elements using ICP-OES, closed-cup and open-cup flashpoint, Kinematic Viscosity, API Gravity, %water content, sulfur by XRF, Viscosity using Cold Crank Simulator, Pour Point, particle count.
- Operate, calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory instrumentation.
- Accurately prepare reagents, calibration standards, and samples prior to testing.
- Perform quality control testing and verify instrument performance before reporting results.
- Evaluate test validity and repeat testing when necessary

Data Review

- Review analytical results for accuracy and specification compliance.
- Identify abnormal or unexpected results and perform appropriate investigations.
- Interpret laboratory data and communicate findings to the appropriate parties.
- Enter, verify, and maintain accurate laboratory records.

Laboratory Operations

- Maintain laboratory cleanliness and organization.
- Monitor inventory levels and assist with ordering laboratory supplies and consumables.
- Assist with development and revision of laboratory procedures and documentation.

Safety

- Follow all laboratory safety procedures and chemical hygiene requirements.
- Properly handle hazardous materials and dispose of laboratory waste.
- Wear required PPE and maintain a safe work environment.

Requirements

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Education/Experience:

- Associate degree in Chemistry, Biology, or related scientific discipline required. Bachelors preferred.
- Required 1-2 years of experience in a petroleum, lubricant, chemical or analytical laboratory.
- Previous experience with analytical instrumentation such as ICP, GC, etc.; preferred.
- Equivalent combinations of education and laboratory experience may be considered.

Competencies & Skills:

- Strong technical skills with a strong understanding of scientific methodologies and good laboratory practices.
- Analytical and critical thinking skills to evaluate test results and identify any discrepancies or abnormalities.
- Attention to detail and ability to ensure precise and accurate data collection.
- Problem-solving skills to troubleshoot and solve issues that may arise during laboratory testing.
- Teamwork and interpersonal skills to effectively communicate and collaborate with other laboratory personnel over different shifts.
- Time management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
- Self-motivated and able to work independently with sound decision making abilities.

Computer Skills:

Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Word, Teams), laboratory information systems (LIMS), CRM software, instrument software, and database applications.

Work Environment:

- Indoors; environmentally controlled setting while laboratory.
- Will require the ability to work in proximity of, and with other employees of the lab.
- PPE; primarily including gloves, safety glasses and lab coat.
- Occasionally will need to go down to the production/warehouse floor where exposure to forklift traffic, mechanical parts, wet surfaces, low and high noise levels as well as hazardous waste, and chemical exposure is possible. Additional PPE requirements include safety vest and steel-toed boots

Physical Demands :

- The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally may need to move up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to distinguish color changes and instrument indicators.
- Manual dexterity required for handling small laboratory glassware and precision instruments.
- Ability to stand for extended periods while performing laboratory procedures.
- Frequent repetitive hand movements associated with pipetting, sample preparation, and computer use.