Quality Technician

Vision:

Valley Rubber aims to be the reliable provider of robust rubber solutions for challenging mining and industrial tasks.

Mission:

Valley Rubber specializes in creating custom rubber solutions for demanding mining and industrial challenges that demand creative strategies. Our commitment lies in delivering solutions that have a positive effect on our clients. We attribute our presence to God's grace and His purpose for us. Our faith in His provision shapes our future as we dedicate ourselves to serving our customers, staff, and community.

The Laboratory Technician is responsible for administrative tasks and testing raw rubber within the Quality Laboratory. This role encompasses managing all facets of the laboratory and guaranteeing the quality of rubber for manufacturing processes.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Mix elastomer compounds with rubber mill and other internal mixers to ensure accuracy of rubber makeup.
• Ensures all rubber is tested for plant operations.
• Monitors rubber inventory and aged rubber FIFO.
• Perform all required testing with universal machine tester, durometers, compression set fixtures, calipers, riometer, tensile tester, abrasion tester, and lab press to ensure all rubber is tested for accurate make-up for production needs.
• Making and maintaining customer certs as required by the customer.
• Prepare and maintain laboratory operation documents.
• Maintain and complete accurate records of test results and supplier records.
• Maintaining lab equipment while ensuring a safe working environment.
• Sample preparation by use of rulers, scissors, drill press, and band saw machinery.
• Filing and data entry.
• Maintain the Lab and equipment.
• Work with the Manufacturing department to initiate effective containment, investigation, and countermeasure activities to prevent further outflow in-house and to customer.
• Conduct quality audits including performing vehicle (end use applications) evaluations, problem analysis, and providing design/redesign input.
• Support and assist with planning, development, and implementation of quality systems and activities with suppliers to ensure supplier parts meet or exceed plant and customer expectations.
• Oversee and support service part quality issues and warranty claims as necessary.
• Initiate, prepare, and present plans for quality improvements and train required team members.
• Other duties as needed.

Personal/Technical Skills:

• Working knowledge of quality audit techniques.
• Must be trusted with confidential data.
• Basic shop math ability required (i.e., addition, subtraction, multiplication, division).
• Understanding of conceptual math (i.e., basic geometry, charts and graphs) required.
• General understanding and working knowledge of product design specifications functions and quality standards of finished product as well as parts/materials used.
• Thorough understanding and working knowledge of manufacturing plants and processes, company products, trade terminology, quality management and control systems and techniques, manufacturing processes, tooling and equipment, and machine operation.
• Ability to read, interpret, and understand engineering documents such as drawings (component, assembly, and equipment), technical standards, design specifications, general tolerances, critical characteristics, Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T), Engineering Change Instructions (ECI), Prototype Parts Requests (PPR), and color instructions.
• Effective time management skills.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Strong organization and planning skills.
• Excellent critical thinking skills required.
• Good assertiveness and negotiation skills.
• Ability to understand inspection standards.
• Hands-on, self-starter with a strong work ethic.
• Active listener with effective communication skills.
• Ability to compile effective and concise visual reports.
• Ability to perform responsibilities with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, multicultural work environment.
• Ability to maintain records and files and prepare recaps and reports.
• Ability to maintain on-call flexibility to control abnormal conditions.
• Ability to be flexible in a constantly changing production environment.
• Ability to communicate and work well with all levels of the organization.
• Ability to create excellent working relationships with internal and external customers.
• Ability to effective problem solving and resolution.

Language Skills:

• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Spanish is a plus.

Computer/Software:

• Solid working knowledge and experience with Microsoft Office and other computer-based applications (e.g., MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, Outlook, Sharepoint, Power BI, etc.).

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Attention to detail and excellent communication skills required
• Knowledge in Rubber testing per ASTM standards
• Troubleshooting quality issues
• Ability to multi-task and use hand tools

Working Conditions:

• The employee must have the ability to sit/stand for 6 or more hours per day.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds is required.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work:

This is a full-time position, and hours of work and days are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Some weekend and overtime work may be required.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required by the employee.