Quality & Process Engineer

RESPECT to people, COURAGE to be pioneers and raise the bar, and always demonstrating INTEGRITY and authenticity. Do these core values align with yours? If so, Lhoist North America may be the place for you! We are a company that believes our people make it happen and rewards talent by offering opportunities to further develop your knowledge and interests. Within our organization, we offer safety first environments, collaboration across teams, diverse and inclusive workspaces all while challenging each other to grow.

POSITION SUMMARY: The Quality & Process Engineer is responsible for the plant quality program, site process engineering support, and management of the laboratory. Responsible for daily laboratory activities, oversight of laboratory support, and management of the Quality Management System. The Quality & Process Engineer will work closely with the regional Quality & Process team and site operations team to monitor and drive improvements in product quality, product cost, product yields, process KPI's, and customer experience. The role will interface with sales and customers in a positive manner to help solve problems and provide expected value to the customer.

RESPONSIBILITIES & EXPECTATIONS:

Quality Control Testing

• Ensure that all test results are entered into database accurately and timely, and database maintained
• Use statistical process control (SPC) to ensure product and process stability and review with operations/sales
• Ensure that instrument verification, standardizations and/or calibrations are performed timely
• Ensure quality control dashboards are utilized and up to date for quality control testing
• Work closely with regional mining/geology team to understand reserves and ensure all material mined is consistent with product quality needs
• Perform sample tests in compliance with standards and internal procedures

Customer Focus

• Respond to customer and internal technical inquiries and quality surveys
• Lead root cause analysis (RCA) and corrective/preventative actions (CAPA) process for customer complaints and internal quality events to drive improvements in customer experience
• Ensure certificates of analysis (COA's) are sent out timely and accurately

Quality Management System

• Manage/maintain/implement as needed Lhoist quality management system (internal QMS and Safe Quality Feed program) including self-audits and occasional audits at other sites
• Track completion of improvements and recurring tasks for SQF and Quality Management System
• Create and update documentation for Quality Management System and maintain site DMS ShareBox
• Maintain and update product specifications and related documentation
• Support corporate-level development of quality and quality data systems

Training and Development

• Provide on-the-job training to others regarding quality control and testing procedures
• Provide training and guidance on process theory, process control, and instrumentation
• Educate team members about plant quality control, assurance, awareness, and auditing
• Ensure test methods and procedures are properly understood, carried out and evaluated

Authority and Back Up

• Has authority to reject, hold, or not release any shipment or produced material suspected of non-conformance
• Provide onsite leadership during incidents of non-conforming product to ensure minimal customer impact
• Provide back up to Lab Technician for daily quality testing

Safety

• Lead lab safety initiatives, active participation in site wide safety activities and meetings, ensure safety compliance by lab team
• Ensure lab workplace exams are completed timely and any hazards addressed
• Site Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) for lab radiation sources

Supervision of Quality Department/Laboratory

• Direct supervision and direction of laboratory staff/ support in daily workload and task assignment
• Set up and maintain connectivity between instrumentation and quality database
• Conduct preventive maintenance, repairs, and calibrations on laboratory equipment as required
• Develop and manage operating budget for lab
• Plan and execute lab related capital projects
• Maintain accurate inventory of all operating supplies and consumables and order supplies as needed
• Maintain a neat and orderly lab, consistent with 5S principles and high housekeeping standards

Process

• Close collaboration with operations regarding optimization of plant yields and balance, crushing and milling improvements, separation efficiency, process throughput, and waste reduction
• Lead Continuous Improvement projects for Quality and Process efficiencies
• Develop Standard Operating Procedures to ensure improvements are sustained
• Support analysis, design, and commissioning of new process equipment, control theory, and instrumentation
• Track and report process KPI's such as tons produced, fuel efficiency, power consumption, process yields, etc.
• Identification and improvement of quality process/production limitations, sources of waste, power consumption improvements or recycling opportunities, product costing, and other inefficiencies in the process
• Complete projects and special analysis as assigned

Perform other duties as assigned.

ATTRIBUTES:

• Strong sense of urgency in meeting customer needs.
• Excellent team building and people skills
• experience is required
• Self-motivated and must be able to work independently.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks/projects and meeting all required deadlines.
• Ability to complete required paperwork and mathematical assignments in a scientific format.
• Lab instruments maintenance knowledge
• Ability to plan and direct the work of your assigned direct reports.
• Strong time management and organizational skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Capable to work in a dynamic workplace
• Strong presentation and public speaking skills.
• Must have strong working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook and PowerPoint software. Previous SAP knowledge is a plus.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

• Tolerate working outside in severe weather conditions as well as exposure to industrial high temperature, noise and dust.
• 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 in both a lab environment and in a mining process 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 Metallic 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.
• Able to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to travel up to 10% as needed and/or directed by leadership.

REQUIRED EDUCATION:

• Bachelor's degree in a chemical, electrical, mechanical, engineering or related technical field is required.

PREFFERED EDUCATION:

• Master's degree in relevant / related field

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE:

• Must have at least a minimum 1 to 3 years quality control/assurances experience in mining and/or heavy manufacturing environment.

PREFFERED EXPERIENCE:

• Mining industry experience. Direct employee supervision experience.

Lhoist North America offers a very competitive salary package that includes but is not limited to comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, vacation, and disability insurance. You can plan for your future with Lhoist North America 401K retirement savings options, which include an employer match. Lhoist North America also recognizes the importance of continuing education by offering Educational Assistance to our employees to encourage continued personal development and professional growth.

Here at Lhoist North America, we are an equal opportunity employer and value inclusion in our workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any of these protected characteristics. We encourage applications from all individuals and strongly support an inclusive workplace. We strive to create an inclusive environment for everyone, and we are committed to treating everyone with respect at all times. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and are committed to fostering an inclusive work environment.