Quality Systems Technical Specialist

About the role

The Quality Systems Technical Specialist (QSTS) is responsible for ensuring that corporate and plant quality systems are upheld to meet or exceed customer requirements and specifications. This role involves supporting the Manager Quality Assurance in developing the Quality Verification Manual (QVM), Quality Management System (QMS), and Quality Information System (QIS). Additionally, this role supports continuous development of the SGI Quality Program and manages the Corporate Quality Laboratory.

Responsibilities

• Ensure safety and maintain a safe, neat work area at all times.
• Coordinate with purchasing, plant personnel, and vendors to receive and test raw materials.
• Coordinate with plant personnel to obtain, prepare, and distribute customer standards, while maintaining customer standards records and product standards inventory for customer samples as requested by Sales, PED, and R&D.
• Prepare, log, ship, and recall exposures for natural weathering and maintain exposure records.
• Complete weathering fieldwork inclusive of maintenance, cleaning, rating, documentation, and reporting.
• Train personnel in all aspects of raw material quality testing, product quality testing, process control requirements, auditing, and other requirements in all quality manuals.
• Review, develop, and implement corporate quality procedures, policies, and test procedures in support of the QMS.
• Maintain and develop the QIS in support of the QMS by collaborating with plant quality personnel, IT/OT, and contractors.
• Assemble, operate, maintain, and calibrate testing instruments and complete measurement capability studies.
• Distribute calibrated standards to measure the accuracy of test equipment as required by the QVM. Maintain Lab Testing Supplies.
• Cookordination activities and projects associated with quality and process improvement initiatives.
• Complete testing, quantitative reviews, reporting, and recommendations for new product development, product improvements, quality systems, raw materials analysis, testing equipment, processing equipment, and new technology.
• Conduct quality systems and laboratory audits at all facilities. Prepare reports, review and recommend corrective and preventative action plans. Issue recommendations and complete action plans to address opportunities.
• Analyze data to determine root cause variables and drive the appropriate control methodology into operations using appropriate techniques and systems.
• Review and determine the acceptability of blends and special products for shipment. Coordinate external reviews.
• Develop and maintain blend specifications.
• Affectively deal with customer concerns, complaints, and respond to customer requests while maintaining favorable client relationships.
• Assist with customer visits on-site and off-site as well as onsite complaint investigations.
• Other job duties as developed or dictated by changing business environment and objectives.

Requirements

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Engineering, Science, Statistics/Mathematics or related discipline.
• ASQ Certification preferred in one or more of the Initial (Vocational) paths in Leadership (CQIA or CQPA) or Technical (CQI or CQT) career tracks or willing to obtain in the first year of employment.
• 5+ years of experience in a quality position beyond entry-level and having worked in a manufacturing or corporate environment.
• Previous experience with analytical equipment, quality systems, and project management required.

Qualifications

• Intermediate Microsoft Office/G-Suite skills.
• Intermediate Statistical skills.
• Strong foundation in standard Quality tools and practices.
• Advanced laboratory and analytical skills.
• Strong background with the development of analytical procedures, policies, and programs including implementation.
• Intermediate knowledge of databases (e.g. NWA, MiniTab, SQL, MS Access, G-Suite, etc.).
• Advanced knowledge of manufacturing processes (mining preferred).
• Advanced knowledge of Process/Continuous Improvement techniques including auditing, Statistical Process Control, variation reduction, and Root Cause Analysis.
• Understanding of DOE (Design of Experiments) or MVT (Multi-variable testing) with the ability to participate and share leadership on teams.
• A strong ability to train and lead others in company procedures/policies and compliance.

Skills

• Leadership
• Adaptability
• Building Strategic Working Relationships
• Technical/Professional Knowledge & Skills
• Stress Tolerance
• Decision Making
• Communication
• Planning & Organizing
• Team Building
• Project Management
• Analysis and Problem Solving

Benefits

At Specialty Granules LLC, we offer competitive salary, benefits, and vacation package for all full-time permanent positions. We provide a generous 401K program, including an employer match contribution with your pre-tax and/or Roth contributions from your first day as an employee. Additional programs include a generous tuition reimbursement program. Employees are also provided paid leave options, including vacation, sick, paid holidays, and volunteer time off.