Quality Control Lab Technician

The Asahi Kasei Group operates with a commitment of creating for tomorrow.  Our business sectors, Material, Homes, and Health Care, contribute to the development of society by anticipating the changing needs of those around the world. We look for candidates that offer a fresh perspective and a variety of skills to help us achieve our commitment.

We are currently seeking applications to fill the following job opening at Celgard where we develop and manufacture membrane battery separators that are critical components used in lithium-ion batteries for electric drive vehicles (EDVs) and energy storage systems (ESS).

Company:

Celgard, LLC

Job Description:

About the Role 

We are seeking a QC Lab Tech to be a part of the Quality team based in Charlotte, NC.  Reporting to the Quality Supervisor, the Quality Control Technician serves as part of a team responsible for performing all duties associated with product quality testing in a plastic separator manufacturing facility, and is responsible for maintaining the safe and secure operation of the quality lab on his/her shift. The QC Technician will support the plant in aligning Celgard systems and processes to the automotive requirements; specifically in the product quality testing lab, and will assist the quality team in maintaining and performing other quality-related duties in the manufacturing area that directly support the on-going success of the value stream.  

Shift 

This is a night shift position on a 2-2-3 schedule. Shifts are 12-hour shifts from 6:00pm - 6:00am. 

Qualifications 

Education Background: 

• High School Diploma or equivalent required 

Knowledge & Experience:  

• 1+ years of “hands on” experience in a laboratory environment or previous Celgard operations experience required; may consider relevant advanced education and coursework in lieu of experience 

• Quality Control Lab performing chemical and physical testing for the release of manufactured products preferred 

• Previous lab experience in an analytical or R&D environment preferred 

• Hands on experience working with polymer resins preferred 

• Prior experience documenting test results/observations required 

• Experience with an ISO certified system is a plus; Experience as an internal auditor in an ISO certified quality system is a plus 

• Proficient in MS Office applications (i.e. MS Office, Excel, Word, Outlook) required 

• Good math skills and understanding of unit conversions (English/Metric) required 

• Knowledge of basic statistical concepts desired 

• Knowledgeable of requirements needed for a certified environmental system preferred 

Key Attributes:  

• Excellent communication skills (oral and written) to create and revise lab procedures and documentation 

• Time management skills, comfortable in team-based, multi-tasking environment with daily focus on safety and quality 

• Able to multi-task multiple projects and activities and remain flexible and adaptable as priorities change 

• Able to work under limited supervision and be a self-starter 

• Excellent attention to detail and organization skills 

• Individual initiative, analytical skills, and a healthy sense of urgency 

• Strong problem-solving skills   

• Able to work on a high performing team creating an environment where open and honest communication is the norm 

• Must be able to deal with conflict productively, bringing forth issues that need to be discussed and work to forge a mutually beneficial outcome 

Key Accountabilities 

• Perform standard and/or non-routine QC tests including physical and chemical testing 

• Perform routine and non-routine resin testing using equipment such as Differential Scanning Calorimeter, TGA analyzers, FTIR spectroscopy, Rheometer, Melt Flow indexer, and pycnometer. 

• Maintain calibration status of equipment 

• Maintain accurate records of data and observations (paper and electronic records) 

• Prepare and verify accuracy of data certificates for product shipments (COA).  Maintain QC document control (test procedures, calibration procedures, forms, etc.) 

• Collaborate and demonstrate good communication with team members both within the department and cross-functionally; participate on cross-functional teams; lead meetings 

• Communicates via telephone and e-mail in a friendly and professional manner 

• Participate in employee involvement activities and ISO 9000 / TS16949 initiatives. 

• Practice excellent safety and environmentally sound habits; plan safety into all work activities. 

• Maintain a clean and organized work environment that meets facility standards; participate in 5S activities; keep the quality lab organized and “tour ready” at all times 

• Present to small groups and participate in customer and visitor tours of the lab and facility 

• Train others (new and current employees) as needed. 

• Maintain a professional and productive relationship with management & co-workers. 

• Utilize KPI's (key performance indicators) to gauge performance, identify areas for improvement, and implement corrective actions.  

• Collaborate with plant personnel from other departments to meet objectives. 

• Participate on cross-functional teams to drive and support continuous improvement initiatives. 

• Work in a high performance, team-centered work environment to support overall plant goals. 

• Utilize Lean Manufacturing Principles to ensure continual improvement. 

• Must keep all Celgard information CONFIDENTIAL. 

Asahi Kasei & Celgard Values 

• Sincerity – Being sincere with everyone 

• Challenge – Bolding taking challenges, continually seeking change 

• Creativity – Creating new value through unity and synergy 

Working Environment 

This position is in a manufacturing plant setting that would require working in a production environment around chemicals.  Work will require standing and walking throughout the shift.  Lighting and temperature are adequate.  You may be required to lift up to 35 pounds and/or force necessary to push, pull, or otherwise move objects. 

Celgard manufacturing sites are IATF 16949 and ISO 9001 certified. 

Perks & Benefits  

• Comprehensive Healthcare Benefits, effective 1st day of the month 

• Flexible Spending Account & Health Savings Account 

• Vacation + 8 Paid Holidays + 24 Hours of Floating Holidays 

• 401K Safe Harbor Contribution + Matching 

• Paid Parental Leave after a Year of Employment 

• Employee Assistance Program 

• Life & Disability Insurances 

About Us 

For more than 50 years, Celgard has proven itself as a global leader in the development and production of high-performance membrane technology. Celgard specializes in solvent-free, dry-process, microporous membranes used as separators that are a major component of lithium-ion batteries that power a broad range of electric vehicles (EV) and energy storage systems (ESS). Celgard® membrane is also used in specialty applications such as satellites and military installations as well as other barrier-type applications like technical textiles for waterproof and breathable apparel. Headquartered in the United States, we operate manufacturing facilities in the U.S. and China and have sales and technical service staff located strategically throughout North America, Europe, and Asia.  

#LI-MN1 

As an equal opportunity employer, Asahi Kasei believes a diverse workforce will provide us with the ability to continuously support the changes in the economy, society, and environment.