Summary / Objective
Employees in this position focus on inspection, testing and reporting of finished goods, incoming raw materials, and competitive samples, which are used to manufacture products according to internal or customer supplied tolerances and specifications. Lab Assigned Quality Technicians assist in controlling all non-conforming finished goods that do not meet the requirements set forth internally or by the customer. A Lab Assigned Quality Technician helps identify raw materials that may cause non-conforming finished goods to be manufactured through qualification on the Lab Line. This position creates and reports customer required certificates of analysis, and accurately labels and logs samples that may be submitted to customers per their requirements. Lab Assigned Quality Technicians maintain a professional appearance in the Quality Lab by ensuring the following tasks are completed daily: (1.) floors are swept, (2.) countertops are wiped clean of dust and debris, (3.) test equipment is wiped clean of dust and debris, (4.) film scrap is routinely disposed of in proper receptacles, and (5.) household trash is removed. Lab Assigned Quality Technicians assist in keeping testing equipment in calibration and zeroed for use according to testing procedures. Employees in this position complete testing within the guidelines determined by ASTM or MSE methods. Upholding the safety requirements within the MSE employee handbook.
Essential Functions
- Have a working knowledge of all lab equipment.
- Be familiar with Job Travelers and engineering PDF’s which instruct how to manufacture finished goods according to internal or customer specifications.
- Know how to complete a testing form, save the information in the Quality One-Drive and report the information gathered using a Company issued Surface tablet or desktop computer.
- Know how to safely operate a fork truck and pass the requirements for operating an MSE forklift.
- Be able to determine product requirements are met by testing against provided tolerances and specifications, and the review of results and/or visual inspection of manufactured goods.
- Be able to conduct tests according to the following ASTM/MSE Standards using the appropriate test equipment:
- Gauge Profile ASTM D 5947
- Coefficient of Friction ASTM D 1894
- Elmendorf Tear ASTM D 1922
- Elongation ASTM D 882
- Tensile Yield ASTM D 882
- Tensile Ultimate ASTM D 882
- 1% Secant Modulus ASTM D 882
- Dart Impact ASTM D 1709 A & B
- Surface Tension ASTM D 2578
- Opacity MSE Method
- Haze ASTM D 1003
- Shrink MSE Method
- Melt Flow Index ASTM D 1238
- Log test results, document, and report in an accurate manner to senior management.
- Accurately mark and store sample retains in the designated areas.
- Maintain the lab and testing equipment in good working order, ensuring that the lab and the area outside the lab is clean of debris, trash, and dust that could affect the results of any of the performed tests.
- Report to work when scheduled, and apply good time management and diligent work practices during the assigned work schedule.
- Abide by the safety requirements outlined in the MSE Employee Handbook.
- Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as required, including safety glasses and/or side shields, steel toed shoes and ear protection in designated areas.
- Operate the QC Lab line to produce films using a specified blend free of melt fracture or wrinkles, manufactured to an instructed mil thickness and blow-up-ratio.
- Provide samples and/or test data from lab line films to inform senior management and/or customers of production grade products.
- Use basic computer skills in Microsoft software to create, open, format, save, retrieve, and populate documents with Word, Excel, and Outlook. Create folders to sort and save data associated with testing. Routinely use spell and grammar check software(e.g., Grammarly) on all communications.
- Issue Certificate of Analysis as instructed by customer request, by pulling test data and merging information into the appropriate template in a timelyand accurate manner.
- Accurately document and mark with the appropriate identification number, all competitive films submitted for testing and reporting purposes.
- Complete examination and documentation of all physical attributes of competitive films, accurately documenting any noticeable differences between both sides of the film surface, vent types and patterns, print schematics, colors, placement, repeat.
- Document and report all submitted customer supplied information relative to the performance and/or requirements of films.
PPE requirements and Safety Rules:
You must conform with the PPE requirements and Safety Rules established by Mid South Extrusion. These include:
- Eye protection is required everywhere in the plant
- Hearing protection is required when crossing the blue lines painted on the floor, heading towards the machines.
- Safety toed shoes or boots are required everywhere in the plant.
- Cut gloves are required to be worn on the opposite hand you use to hold a knife when cutting.
- Maximum weight allowed to be lifted by one person is 80 pounds. Anything heavier requires the aid from another person, forklift, Big Joe, or roll handlers.
- Face shields must be worn anytime you are over the die during start-up. This includes the die on the Lab Line.
- Each machine is equipped with multiple safety switches and devices. Although the features are not the same for each machine, they all have safety devices in place to help protect you. These include, pressure sensitive mats, light curtains, pull cords, and emergency stop buttons. You must learn where these safety switches and devices are located and how they work.
Work Environment:
This job operates primarily in a Lab (inside, office-like environment), but occasionally works in a plant setting. This role routinely uses standard office equipment, including but not limited to a computer or Surface, calculator, telephone, and photocopier.
Employee may be periodically exposed to extreme environmental conditions (e.g., hot or cold) when working in a plant setting.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job successfully.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be able to safely lift and/or move up to but no more than 80 lbs. The Lab Assigned Quality Technician must be able to walk up several levels of the production line. This position requires sitting, standing for prolonged periods of time, reaching, walking, bending, kneeling and stooping. A Lab Assigned Quality Technician periodically uses a shop hammer (up to 5# in weight) and sample punches to cut film. The Technician must be able to lift the hammer and strike the punch repetitively.
A Lab Assigned Quality Technician must be able to see and read both printed text and electronic media, which includes computer screens, cell phone screens, and test equipment displays. This position requires finger and hand dexterity to hold and manipulate film samples and test equipment components.
Position Type & Expected Hours of Work:
This is a full-time, hourly position. Work hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. This position may require work on some weekends and/or holidays, and some overtime is required.
Education and Experience:
High School Diploma or GED required; some college preferred. There is no time frame for skill level position increase; the Technician must prove skills/knowledge before advancement and have Quality Management and Executive Management Approval for multi-step increases.
Other Duties:
Please note this Job Description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Reasonable Accommodations:
Reasonable accommodations can be made for Qualified ADA disabilities if they assist in enabling the employee to perform the essential functions and duties of this position.
Mid-South is an equal opportunities employer. We want applicants of diverse background and hire without regard to race, color, gender, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, age, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law.
