Quality Control Specialist
Location: Saxonburg, PA
Luxfer Powders is the leading manufacturer of magnesium chips, granules, powders, and pieces used in diverse industries worldwide! We have a wide range of products including hazardous, non-hazardous and export shipments. We are passionate about achieving high standards. At Luxfer, Customer First, Integrity, Accountability, Innovation, Personal Development and Teamwork are our core values.
Click here to learn more: https://luxfermagtech.com/products/magnesium-products/
Summary :
Luxfer MEL Technologies is a global leader in the development, manufacture and supply of Zirconium and Magnesium based products and services to technology industries worldwide.
Based in our Saxonburg or Tamaqua, PA facility you will work for Luxfer MEL Technologies in the Magnesium Powder plant as part of the Quality and Compliance team which has scientists located in both the US and UK.
As a US team member, and reporting directly to the Quality Assurance Manager USA, the primary purpose of your role is to ensure that the Quality Control function based in Pennsylvania provides a fit-for-purpose Quality Control service of a high standard to all its Internal and External Customers.
You will be responsible for ensuring that day-to-day, medium- and long-term objectives within the PA function are met, using Key Performance Indicators such as those reported in the Departmental Scorecard to measure the effectiveness of actions taken to deliver Continuous Improvements beneficial to the business in key areas such as Safety, Customer First and Growth.
You will play an active role in embracing new innovations and driving forward Standardization and Simplification Improvement Initiatives - aligning with other LMT Quality Control functions in the UK and USA - through New Method Development, Departmental Lean Initiatives, and other projects.
Main responsibilities:

• Ensure compliance with all Environmental, Health and Safety policies, laws, and regulations as they apply to laboratory function and operation.
• Manage the workflow within the laboratory to ensure that all required analytical testing (including Incoming Raw Materials, In-Process Control samples and Final Product material) is conducted precisely and accurately and communicated to the relevant stakeholders in a timely manner, either verbally, electronically or by the appropriate ERP or electronic systems (i.e. SAP S/4Hana and SharePoint).
• Manage the flow of samples to any external laboratories involved in the testing and certification of products.
• Ensure that you deal with all relevant queries from Internal and External Customers in a timely manner and with a high degree of professionalism.
• Carry out the training of personnel both within and outside the Department (for instance Plant Operators) in the use of analytical test equipment using Standard Operating Procedures, covering sample testing, calibration, SPC, MSA, data analysis as required and general instrument maintenance.
• Ensure that the laboratory meets all its key objectives as measured by its Key Performance Indicators. Lead and participate in Continuous Improvement Initiatives (such as Method Development, 5S and Lean Manufacturing Workflow Exercises) which support the LUXFER core values of Customer First, Integrity, Accountability, Innovation, Personal Development and Teamwork.
• Oversee, or periodically provide emergency cover for, the precise and accurate testing (including Incoming Raw Materials, In-Process Control samples and Final Product material).
• Ensure all laboratory activities through testing, certification of product, calibration, safety assessments and equipment maintenance are documented and in compliance with the relevant International, Military or Customer Specifications.
• Maintain a high standard of laboratory operating conditions regarding equipment, validity of calibration standards, housekeeping, analytical records, etc. by adhering to established standards such as 5S principles and external audit requirements.
• Be responsible for organizing your own workload based on agreed priorities and deadlines and understand that predictable attendance is critical to accomplishing essential tasks.
• Be available to facilitate reasonable requests to work outside of normal working hours according to business needs.
• Work closely with colleagues that are based in the USA and UK (both within the QA or Materials QC Team and all other departments) which will sometimes involve travelling to NJ, PA and or the UK.
• Any other duties within the post holder's competence as requested.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Must have ability to use own initiative, effectively prioritize tasks and work well under pressure.
• Ability to read and understand laboratory related materials.
• Strong mathematical skills and familiarity with algebra to perform relevant analytical calculations.
• Ability to effectively communicate with employees across all departments.
• Strong reasoning ability and excellent practical skills to resolve day-to-day laboratory and production operational issues.
• Computer data entry literacy.
• Time management and leadership skills

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, or related discipline.
• At least 5 years laboratory, lab-related or chemical manufacturing experience post-degree.
• Experience of using MS Office including Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and Teams.
• Lab Procedure writing

Beneficial skills
Team management/leading experience. Experience managing/leading a team in a Quality Control environment. Performing risk assessments in a laboratory environment.
Basic understanding of laboratory analytics such as SPC and MSA. Experience with Excel pivot tables and formulas •Instrument validation and calibration. Experience using statistical packages, e.g. Minitab. Experience of analyzing powders or metals. Experience of interpreting International, Military or ISO standards. Knowledge of statistical tests relevant to a laboratory environment. Knowledge of scientific and manufacturing-based quality systems. Knowledge of SharePoint or LIMS. Knowledge of SAP or similar ERP. Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing techniques. Experience in the maintenance of analytical test equipment. Self-motivated. High level of attention to detail. Team player who demonstrates a high level of commitment and adopts a flexible and positive approach to work. Professional approach when dealing with internal and external customers. Able to work unsupervised with excellent time management skills and consistently meet tight deadlines in a fast paced and challenging environment. Dynamic and willing to challenge established norms. Fully committed to the Company's core values of Customer First, Integrity, Accountability, Innovation, Personal Development and Teamwork. Excellent interpersonal skills.
Work Pattern

• 37-40 hours per week
• The role requires flexibility to meet the needs of the business, which may include extended hours, or occasionally night/weekend work.

More About Us
Luxfer Magtech is a subsidiary of Luxfer MEL Technologies, which is part of the publicly traded Luxfer group (https://www.luxfer.com/).
(https://www.luxfermeltechnologies.com/lightweight-extruded-magnesium/?gad=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIl4TIuJnD_wIV7yGzAB1QjQFkEAAYASAAEgJpg_D_BwE)
Luxfer is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, veteran status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, or disability (in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act) with respect to employment opportunities. Women, minorities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.
This position requires access to our export-controlled commodities, technical data, technology, and services. These items are restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) to U.S. Citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents of the U.S., and properly licensed foreign persons. Therefore, employment is contingent on compliance with ITAR regulations and successfully obtaining and maintaining the necessary export authorization license from the U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security, U.S. Department of State Office of Dfense Trade Controls, or other applicable government agency. Candidates must be authorized to work in the US.
We are committed to a safe, drug-free work environment and pre-employment drug screening and background checks are required.