Laboratory Engineer - #1340126

Brief Description

BASIC FUNCTION

The Lab Engineer provides technical and troubleshooting support for the PE QC Lab. They serve as the focal point for new or developmental test equipment and methods and act as the owner of the Bay 3 OLPA (On-Line Process Analysis) systems. This role serves as the point of contact for Bay 3 method owners. They will engage in technical support activities within the business, including Operations and Sales, supporting Sales and customers by providing accurate and timely results and lab reports.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Laboratory Supervisor in developing specifications, potential suppliers, and final vendor selection for new test equipment
• Implement and refine test methods. Work with the Research and Technology Center Analytical group to maintain method consistency. Develop operating procedures for new quality control tests. Develop systems to document accuracy and repeatability of the new tests.
• Assist in the plant wide ISO 9001 Quality Management System
• Assist the Laboratory Specialist in training the Laboratory Technicians on new test equipment and the associated operating procedures. Assess training needs, improve existing training programs, and develop new programs and materials as necessary.
• Define statistical methods and periodic maintenance required to ensure the integrity of new and existing QC tests
• Assist the Laboratory Supervisor in developing and implementing strategies to improve efficiency (i.e., re-defining job duties) and workflow in the QC Lab
• Provide LIMS expertise to diagnose minor technical problems, maintain data integrity and produce specialized data extracts for analysis and use
• Produce analytical reports for customers
• Minimize instrument downtime through maintenance and coordinated vendor support activities
• Interact with operations personnel to resolve technical issues and facilitate specialized analytical methods
• Evaluate production data and provide pertinent analysis
• Support safety & loss control program in the Lab through incorporation of best laboratory practices in test methods, recommend ergonomic solutions to problem areas, identify potential hazards within work environment, and recommend preventive actions. Implement corrective actions found through scheduled safety inspections.
• Understand, support, and comply with all plant safety policies and procedures including the use of loss control software for loss control reporting and communication
• Maintain OLPA instruments and data
• Organize and assist the laboratory specialist in conducting the taste and odor analysis
• Creating purchase requisitions, work orders and reprocessing of COA’s in SAP
• Ability to work a flexible schedule due to instrument downtime and availability
• Provide backup duties for the Laboratory Supervisor as needed
• Ability to juggle multiple issues/projects simultaneously
• Other duties as assigned
  
  
  

CORE VALUES

Must exhibit and demonstrate our 5 Core Values

Caring: Dedicated to Safety, Employees, Customers, Community and Environment

Trustworthy: Living a Culture of Openness, Honesty and Collaboration

Focused: Creating Value by Delivering the Right Solutions

Innovative: Daring to be different by finding New Ways

Fun: Embracing our Diverse Family and Celebrating our Success

COMPETENCIES

• Dependability - Meets deadlines, works independently, accountable, maintains focus, punctual, good attendance record
• Technical Skills - Maintains current understanding of technical processes/equipment uses technology to increase performance/productivity
• Quality - Strives to eliminate errors, accurate work is a priority, seeks opportunities to improve product/services
• Safety – HSSE - Works in a safe manner, uses PPE, recognizes hazards, makes safety suggestions and observations, current on Training Mine
  
  
  

Qualifications / Experience Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or related field
• 5 or more years’ experience in a laboratory
• Demonstrated ability for problem-solving and analytical troubleshooting
• Experience in analytical method development
• Experience with industrial safety practices
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Experience in data management systems
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Excellent planning, organization, and time management skills
  
  
  

Preferred Qualifications / Experience

• Experience using LIMS
• Prior training of lab technicians
• Experience with polyethylene polymerization processes
• Experienced knowledge of ISO 9001 QMS (internal auditor)
• Knowledge and experience in SAP
• Strong mechanical aptitude
  
  
  

Physical Capacity Requirements

This position requires the incumbent to:

• Follow safety requirements for the role
• Wear mandatory PPE (steel-toed boots, noise protection, etc.) when inside plant environment, or where directed by signage, including the use of a respirator
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus
• Must demonstrate fine and gross hand manipulation including pinching, gripping, turning, and keyboarding
• Must be able to respond to visual and audible alarms
• Lift up to 50 pounds
• Walk safely in and around industrial areas on uneven or elevated surfaces
• Work under deadline pressure within an environment that demands attention to safety and detail
• Sit, stand, and reach with hands or arms for extended periods of time
• Walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling are required
• Vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus
• Be able to work in the presence of odors typical of petroleum or petrochemicals without allergic reactions or nausea when such odors are within OSHA-designated permissible exposure limits (PELs)