The TPE Quality Control (QC) Lab Technician is responsible for conducting tests and analyses on Thermoplastic and Elastomer (TPE) materials, components, and finished products to ensure they meet established quality, safety, and regulatory specifications. This role is hands-on, involving meticulous documentation and collaboration with Production and R&D.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

This list of duties and responsibilities is not all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities, as management may deem necessary from time to time. Duties may be accomplished by the incumbent or through the utilization of appropriate staff and resources. 

Testing and Analysis

• Perform routine and non-routine physical and chemical tests on raw materials, in-process samples, and finished TPE products according to Standard Operating Procedures and industry standards (e.g. ASTM, ISO).

Equipment Operation

• Operate, calibrate, and maintain laboratory instruments such as viscometers, durometers, spectrophotometers (FTIR), analytical balances, ovens, furnace, molding machines, extrusion lines, scales, and other systems as needed.

Documentation and Reporting

• Accurately record all test results, observations, and calculations in laboratory notebooks and Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS), ensuring data integrity. And traceability in compliance with GLP/GMP guidelines.

Quality Assurance and Compliance

• Identify deviations or non-conformances, conduct initial investigations into out of specification (OOS) results, and communicate findings to supervisors or management.

Troubleshooting and Improvement

• Assist with root cause analyses, corrective/preventative actions (CAPA), and continuous improvement initiatives to resolve quality issues and enhance lab processes.

Safety and Maintenance

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment, follow all safety protocols, and ensure proper handling and disposal of hazardous materials.

Collaboration

• Work closely with production, shipping, R&D, and other quality personnel to support production and schedules and address quality concerns.
• Communicate issues with the production floor personnel.

Qualifications and Skills

• Education: A high school diploma or GED is required, with an associate or bachelor’s degree in chemistry, Biology, Material Science, or a related scientific field is preferred.
• Experience: Previous experience in quality control or manufacturing laboratory setting is required, preferably within a regulated industry (e.g., plastics, automotive, medical device).

Technical Skills:

• Proficiency in physical testing methods (tensile strength, specific gravity, hardness, etc.) relevant to TPEs.
• Strong computer skills, including LIMS and Microsoft Office.
• Knowledge of quality control management systems (e.g. ISO 9001) and regulatory standards.

Soft Skills:

• Excellent attention to detail and a high degree of accuracy.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to work independently and as a part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Effective written and verbal communication abilities. 

Physical Requirements 

• This position requires walking, sitting or standing to a significant degree.
• You must have the ability to lift and carry 50 pounds. 
• You must have the ability to climb ladders and/or stairs.
• Stooping, crouching, kneeling and bending.
• Handling, feeling, and gripping would be required for some activities.
• Visual and color acuity is required to inspect work completed.
• This role may be subject to internal and external environmental conditions.
• Working in manufacturing, office, and laboratory environments.
• Wearing PPE as required, including, but not limited to, hearing protection, face mask, safety shoes, safety glasses.

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts. The employee is occasionally exposed to high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; extreme heat; risk of electrical shock and vibration. The noise level in the work environment varies from loud when in the plant area to quiet in the office areas.