Quality Control Lab Technician
Celgard, LLC

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 Us

For more than 50 years, Celgard has been a proven global leader in the development and production of high-performance membrane technology. Our products are used in a broad range of energy storage and other barrier-type applications, including lithium-ion batteries, lithium primary and other specialty battery solutions, technical textiles such as waterproof breathable apparel and medical personal protective equipment (PPE) and other specialty applications. Headquartered in the United States, we operate manufacturing facilities in the USA and China and have sales and technical service staff located strategically throughout North America, Europe, and Asia.

Celgard is part of Polypore International, a leading global high technology company specializing in microporous membranes. Polypore brings advanced development and manufacturing know-how as well as unique problem-solving capabilities to customers' lithium-ion and lead-acid battery development teams. Polypore is an Asahi Kasei Group company, which is a diversified group of companies led by holding company Asahi Kasei Corp., with operations in the material, homes, and health care business sectors. We are creating for tomorrow!

About the Role

We are seeking a Quality Technician for our plant in Concord, NC. 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.

Reporting Relationships

This position directly reports to the Quality Supervisor and does not supervise others.

Asahi Kasei's Values

• Sincerity - Being sincere with everyone
• Challenge - Bolding taking challenges, continually seeking change
• Creativity - Creating new value through unity and synergy

Key Accountabilities

• Job openings are for 12-hour shift positions. Will regularly work on night shift (6pm - 6am, 2-2-3 schedule), must be willing to train on day shift (6am - 6pm)
• Perform standard and/or non-routine QC tests including physical and chemical testing
• Perform standard and/or non-routine resin testing
• Analyze resin testing results monthly and present to teams as defined
• Knowledgeable on how to use different lab equipment including TGA analyzers, FTIR spectroscopy, rheometer and pycnometer equipment used for resin testing
• Completes DSC, rheology, TGA and melt flow analysis
• Train others (new and current employees) as needed
• Maintain calibration status of equipment
• Create requisitions for equipment service agreements
• 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 ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 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
• May lead meetings for resin testing
• Present to small groups and participate in customer and visitor tours of the lab and facility
• 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
• QC Lab department testing works on a 24-hour coverage and may require rotating shift
• Must keep all Celgard information CONFIDENTIAL.

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

Travel:

• Possible travel between local company locations.

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.

Location Information

Concord is a part of the greater Charlotte, NC metro area. Charlotte, known as the Queen City, is a thriving metropolitan area of over 2.6 million people across 15 counties and is situated just north of the South Carolina border, within a weekend drive to the mountains and the beach. It is comprised of diversity in people, industries and living, from urban to rural. It is ranked second among 25 largest cities for most desirable place to purchase a home by Nerdwallet.com and is ranked eight among the top 10 big booming cities by CNNmoney.com. Charlotte is home of one of North Carolina's largest college campuses, UNC Charlotte. Along with a friendly southern culture, Charlotte offers dining, arts, museums, major league basketball, football and soccer teams, a minor league baseball team, NASCAR, shopping, festivals, a variety of amenities and quick access to several parks and reserves for people who love the outdoors.

#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.

---