Senior Quality Tech

Position Summary

Completes quality testing of raw materials, process aids, and finished product to ensure Natrium’s sodium bicarbonate meets all internal specifications and regulatory requirements for industrial, food, and pharmaceutical grade products.  Provides finished test data to production and customers as appropriate.  Ensures data is consistent and accurate and ensures products meet or exceed standards and meet customer requirements.

This description covers the significant duties of the job but may not include the occasional assignments which would be within the evaluation of this job

Principal Duties & Responsibilities

The individual is responsible for maintaining compliance with the Minimum Mandatory Standards and Requirements (MMSRs) within their sphere of influence.  This may include compliance with any air permits, waste water permits, storm water permits, or other rules as presented to the employee as requirements.  Responsible for bringing all environmental, health, and safety incidents or concerns to management for resolution.

1. Perform testing of sodium bicarbonate and soda ash samples using USP/FCC and internal methods.

1. Communicate to appropriate production personnel the results of product testing in a timely manner to ensure a high degree of product quality and integrity.

1. Maintain laboratory records of all tests, calculations, and reports in compliance with cGMP and cGLP practices.

1. Maintain the QC Lab instrument calibration and maintenance systems, including balances, auto-pipettes, and ICP-MS.  Troubleshoot basic analytical or instrument/equipment issues and escalate issues as needed.  .

1. Perform all lab instrument preventative maintenance as needed.

1. Assist with and perform specialized product/customer testing as necessary. (including customer complaints)

1. Prepare customer sample requests and shipment paperwork. 

1. Perform and ensure that competitive sample analyses are completed in a timely manner and forwarded as appropriate.

1. Will routinely be assigned projects in addition to the routine workflow of the lab.  Will be responsible for working on these assigned projects independently.  At the conclusion of the project, will be responsible for a report of results as designated by the QC Manager.

1. Prepare Certificates of Analyses, ensuring that the product complies with customer specifications.

1. Follow the FSSC 22000 (food cGMPs) and ICH Q7 (pharmaceutical cGMPs) quality systems as required to ensure compliance to the quality standard.

1. Identify and investigate out-of-specification and out-of-trend results.  Implement any corrective and preventive actions.  Collaborate with Quality Manager, Operations Manager, and/or Plant manager as needed.

1. May perform other duties as required.
2. Interact with sales on the behalf of QC Manager when necessary. Represent the QC Manager as needed in the role both internally and externally while acting in a professional manner.

Work Environment

Individual works mostly in a climate-controlled laboratory environment.  Exposure to chemicals, light, noises and dusts.  Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be worn as necessary (including but not limited to: safety shoes, eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, etc).  May be required to lift 50 pounds, stand for extended period of time and work in cold or hot environments.  This position requires multitasking often at the request of another employee or with time limitations on all activities, which may be stressful at times.

Key Competencies