Lab/QC Technician

At Lhoist North America, our core values of Respect, Courage, and Integrity are more than words. We respect people, encourage courageous innovation, and uphold integrity in everything we do. If these principles resonate with you, you may find your next great opportunity with us.

We believe our people make the difference. That’s why we invest in talent by offering meaningful opportunities to grow your skills, expand your knowledge, and pursue your interests. Our work environment prioritizes safety, fosters collaboration across teams, and embraces inclusion. Here, you’ll be challenged to grow, and you’ll be supported throughout your career journey. Join us and help shape the future of Lhoist North America.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Perform technical activities and quality control functions necessary to monitor, support the production and quarry operations; and perform all other tasks not specifically indicated. Act as a subject matter expert in the quality department, recommend continuous improvements initiatives to develop product quality and overall plant efficiency. Be able to write standard operating procedures and troubleshoot and perform preventive maintenance activities on all laboratory equipment. This position will demonstrate flexibility in managing diverse tasks, responsibilities and is autonomous regardless of the shift schedule (day or night).

RESPONSIBILITIES & EXPECTATIONS:

1. Laboratory, Safety and Environmental Responsibilities:

• Ensure a safe workplace and regulatory compliance with federal (MSHA), state, local, and Company safety policies.
• Support Environmental, Health and Safety initiatives to ensure compliance and awareness programs.
• Actively participate in audits for regulatory, quality, safety and environmental compliance at the site.

2. Quality Control Testing / Production Support:

• Maintain quality assurance programs.
• Accurately sample and measure chemical and physical properties on all types of raw and finished products following established laboratory guidelines, company standards or quality standards.
• Effectively document, interpret and communicate analysis to maintain product quality.
• Provide guidelines to operations to ensure consistent and in specification product quality is being manufactured.
• Prepare charts and review data to enter in designated data base for further analysis.
• Support customer complaints process to find root causes and document the findings.
• Report product non-conformances and provide a detailed analysis for any events out of specification.
• Identify and lead quality improvement initiatives.
• Implement and sustain 5S in the laboratory.
• Effectively communicate quality findings with team members from plant personnel to management.
• Coach on quality matters as needed.
• Assist with tasks in other departments as needed.

3. Laboratory Expectations:

• Maintain chemical solutions, laboratory instruments and work environment in a clean and safe manner.
• Maintain laboratory supplies and related inventory and report any needs so orders can be placed timely.
• Support and champion site Safety initiatives.
• Responsible for minor repairs on laboratory equipment, facilities and preventative maintenance.
• When requested, supervise/coordinate with on-site contractors and ensure job is completed as expected.
• Communicate needed repairs and replacements of laboratory equipment.
• Maintain and calibrate plant monitoring and testing equipment.

4. Computer Knowledge

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office including but not limited to Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and database.
• Ability to create SOP’s from specific laboratory tasks and newly installed equipment.
• Demonstrated skills entering, retrieving, and manipulating data in a Quality Management System and Microsoft based software.

5. Safe Quality Food (SQF):

• Ensure a SQF workplace and in regulatory compliance with Federal FDA - Food Modernization Safety Act (CFR Code of Federal Regulations Title 21, Part 507).
• Support Environmental Health and Safety, as well as SQF initiatives and awareness programs.
• Be a leader and promoter of employee safety and SQF culture.
• Ensure employees have a clear understanding of expected safety and SQF performance and the required training.
• Support training programs that are implemented for new employees and continued for existing employees.
• Actively participate in audits for regulatory, safety, SQF and environmental compliance at the site.

6. ISO 9001 latest revision:

• Acquire knowledge about ISO 9001 quality standard.
• Maintain integrity of the quality management system (QMS) and ensure compliance.
• Support quality representative(s) or designee during audits.

ATTRIBUTES:

• Interacts and behaves professionally, following Lhoist corporate core principles of Courage, Respect and Integrity.
• Demonstrated ability to closely follow testing protocols and quality procedures, and reporting results in a useful manner.
• Familiarity with Quality Management systems and understanding of its application to manufacturing processes.
• Excellent computer skills utilizing spreadsheets, databases, and logistics software packages such MS Office.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work flexible schedules all year round.

• Critical thinking, problem-solving and numerical skills.
• Self-motivated and must be able to work independently and complete repetitive tasks.
• Knowledgeable of manufacturing and mining processes in a related mineral industry is a plus.
• Organizational and detail skills are required.

• Strong sense of urgency in meeting customer needs.
• Advanced soft skills to promote a cohesive team and productive workplace environment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

• Must be physically able to perform work assigned.
• Must be physically capable of accessing all plant locations or sampling areas.
• Access all areas within a site which could include heights of 120 feet, confined spaces, climbing ladders or stairs, and accessing tunnels.
• Will be working at times in covered environment but mainly in a lime/mineral environment.
• The employee will be exposed to the following working conditions: Extreme Heat and Cold, Noise, Vibration, Oils, and Atmospheric Conditions such as Dust, Fumes, and Lime/Mineral Particles.
• The employee will be required to perform the following actions (from time to time): Standing, walking, balancing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, talking, seeing, hearing and sitting.
• Ability to lift/carry 50 pounds.

REQUIRED EDUCATION:

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.

PREFFERED EDUCATION:

• Associates Degree or Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or other science based degree program, and/or combination of education and experience.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum of one (1) year of quality or laboratory experience.

PREFFERED EXPERIENCE:

• Experience working in a heavy industrial setting is a plus.

Lhoist North America is proud to offer a highly competitive compensation package designed to support your well-being and future.

Our benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, along with paid vacation and sick time. We also offer an attractive 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with a generous Employer Match as well as a Supplemental Contribution based on your Years of Service to help you plan confidently for the future. We recognize that growth doesn’t stop at the workplace. That’s why we provide educational assistance to encourage continued learning and professional development, empowering our employees to reach their full potential.

At Lhoist North America, your success is our investment.

Lhoist North America is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We are committed to fostering a workplace that values inclusion, respect, and diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. We believe that a diverse and inclusive environment strengthens our teams and drives innovation. That’s why we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply and strive to ensure every employee feels respected, supported, and empowered to succeed.

At Lhoist North America, inclusion isn’t just a policy, it’s a core part of who we are.

If you need assistance completing the application process, please contact [email protected]. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.