Lab Technician

Overview

Performs testing of various products to assist Production in the release of product.  Performs testing of products to support Quality, Production, Research and Development, Engineering, and Marketing in their integrated goal of product improvement through detailed investigation and data collection.

Responsibilities

• Releases product to warehouse upon completion of all acceptable testing.
• Knowledge of IFS, Control Plans, QC Test/Access database, and Excel
• Preps chemicals to perform GC, specific gravity testing, and other tests as required
• Understands and interprets manufacturing drawings/diagrams
• Performs balance verifications and runs standards on analytical equipment
• Organizes, verifies completion of results of all testing, puts data in computer, and files all batch information.
• Reviews quality folder for completeness and reviews IFS shop orders
• Routinely performs particle/fiber, extrinsic and intrinsic sorbency, extractables, basis weight, dimensional, and wicking testing on material samples and finished goods to monitor production lot quality
• Performs testing on FTIR as needed
• Performs air monitoring of cleanroom areas
• Ensures proper supplies are on hand to perform testing
• Ensures labs’ equipment are maintained and cleaned as necessary
• Performs QC inspections on finished goods
• Identifies and quarantines off-quality or rejected product and communicates to relevant quality staff
• Participates and works within ISO 9001 quality standards guidelines in accordance with Contec’s quality goals
• Others may be assigned. 

Competencies

Action-Oriented:  Has a sense of urgency to complete tasks efficiently with minimal direction; looks for opportunities to assist others

Communicates Effectively:  Able to communicate details to others, including peers and quality staff, using both written and verbal methods

Listens Effectively:  Accurately absorbs information from others, including detailed instructions to complete assigned tasks

Time Management: Uses time effectively and efficiently to increase productivity of lab testing, while handling a broad range of various activities

Drives Results: Consistently completes required testing and other assigned tasks in a fast-paced production setting; assists others as needed

Customer Focus: Understanding test requests and providing accurate test results to various departments, including production, engineering, R&D, and quality

     Functional/Technical Skills:  Able to learn current and new test methods and equipment

Decision Making:  Supports production environment, by making appropriate decisions regarding product quality or testing based upon a mixture of analysis, wisdom, experience, and judgement

• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Performs duties with the highest regard for safety and quality.
• Ability to understand and follow site protocols, policies, and procedures.
• Able to demonstrate support and adherence to Contec’s core values: respect for others, doing “whatever it takes” within Contec’s core values, vision, and strategic direction, exhibiting integrity, having a tolerance for risk, understanding there is life outside of work, enjoying the ride.

Requirements

High school or GED required; prior quality or lab experience preferred.  

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that an associate encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.   In general, the associate will regularly spend time in an air-conditioned, relatively quiet laboratory environment. The associate will regularly spend time in an air-conditioned, relatively quiet cleanroom laboratory that requires the wearing of specific garments. The associate will regularly spend time in a higher temperature, moderately noisy manufacturing environment with forklifts or other material handling equipment. Hazardous chemicals are used in the manufacturing plant as well as the laboratory; the associate will occasionally be exposed to the chemical.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the associate must be able to regularly remain in a stationary position, regularly move about the lab between various pieces of equipment, and regularly traverse a concrete manufacturing floor. Occasionally positions self to retrieve laboratory supplies in low or high cabinets. Regularly operates a computer and other office equipment such as a calculator, phone, copy machine, and printer. Constantly operates laboratory equipment, including microscopes, specific gravity testers, balances, liquid particle counters, and other analytical equipment. Regularly uses laboratory glassware and other instruments such as syringes or pipettes. Regularly positions self to push a cart containing a computer and other supplies. This associate frequently communicates with peers, supervisors, office staff, and other departments through both verbal and written communication such as email; must be able to convey material status or issues as well as test results and exchange accurate information in these situations. Must be able to discern oral and written instructions. Must be able to visually assess a product for defects. Must be able to read small product labels, product drawings, and other documents. Must be able to determine dimensional measurements using appropriate measuring devices such as rulers. Must be able to discern differences in size using a microscope. Occasionally moves cases of product weighing up to 50 lbs without assistance. Steel-toed shoes are always required to be worn. Cleanroom garments are regularly required to be worn, including suit, hood, boots, mask, and gloves. Safety glasses are occasionally required to be worn.   Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Benefits

• Competitive market salary
• Climate controlled environment
• PTO starting at 17 days
• 10 company observed holidays plus 1 floating holiday
• Community service PTO (up to 40 hours annually)
• Insurance benefits, including medical (PPO), dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance
• Two types of Flexible Spending Accounts, 1) Medical Spending Account and 2) Dependent Care Spending Account
• 401k and a company match (100% up to 3%, and then 50% of the next 2% deferred)
• Tuition Reimbursement Opportunities
  • Family Benefits
  • Adoption Assistance Program, Infertility Treatment Coverage
  • Maternity and Parental Leave
• Onsite Amenities
  • Onsite gyms, onsite health clinic, canteen for refreshment