QA/QC and Materials Lab Manager

$45,760 - $58,240/Yr

Soilworks, LLC - Dust Control & Environmental Infrastructure - Casa Grande, AZ

Full-time - Mid Level

Casa Grande, AZ

About the position

The QA/QC and Materials Lab Manager is responsible for overseeing the quality assurance and control of both raw materials and finished products, as well as managing lab testing with a strong emphasis on research and development. This role also provides production support as needed, requiring both technical expertise and cross-functional collaboration. The position is critical to maintaining high product quality, advancing research initiatives, and supporting production operations, all in line with Soilworks' commitment to innovation and excellence.

Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed QA/QC testing on raw materials and finished products to ensure full compliance with internal and external quality standards.
• Perform quality tests in strict accordance with documented procedures and industry best practices, documenting each phase meticulously.
• Maintain thorough, organized records of all test results, compile reports, and escalate any issues to the production team or upper management.
• Collaborate closely with production teams to quickly resolve quality concerns, ensuring minimal disruption to workflow.
• Establish, update, and refine internal quality protocols and ensure adherence across the production team.
• Develop, manage, and continuously improve soil and product testing procedures, ensuring consistent, accurate results.
• Manage laboratory inventory, ensuring that all necessary materials and equipment are readily available and in working order.
• Oversee database development and management for test data, making sure it is consistently accurate, easily accessible, and aligned with the needs of production and R&D teams.
• Ensure lab compliance with safety regulations and best practices, leading audits and inspections as necessary.
• Conduct and document soil tests (e.g., Proctor tests, Atterberg limits, soil classification, sieve analysis) with a high degree of accuracy and precision.
• Perform R&D product tests, including pH, viscosity, and solids content, to optimize dust control and soil stabilization formulas.
• Evaluate test results to determine optimal formulations and production methods for Soilworks' products.
• Prepare detailed data analyses and graphical reports of soil and product test results.
• Present findings in a clear and actionable format for Sales and Engineering teams to support data-driven product recommendations.
• Use data to identify trends, predict performance issues, and proactively recommend solutions to improve product quality or operational efficiency.
• Conduct site visits to collect soil samples for lab testing, ensuring samples are representative and handled in accordance with best practices.
• Collaborate with project teams during site visits to ensure all relevant data is collected to support testing accuracy and research efforts.
• Lead R&D initiatives focused on the development of new testing procedures and product improvement.
• Evaluate and incorporate emerging technologies and methodologies to advance Soilworks' R&D capabilities.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to refine product performance expectations and integrate customer feedback into product development.
• Provide technical guidance and assistance to production teams to ensure smooth operations and strict adherence to quality standards during manufacturing processes.
• Step in as needed to support production tasks, applying your technical expertise to troubleshoot and resolve any process issues.
• Develop comprehensive training materials, including presentations, that clearly communicate testing procedures, QA/QC standards, and production protocols.
• Lead training sessions for sales staff, distributors, and new hires, ensuring all team members understand and adhere to established processes.
• Stay current with industry trends and advancements, and use this knowledge to educate the wider team on new technologies or methods.
• Oversee the maintenance and calibration of all lab equipment, ensuring it operates effectively and meets quality standards.
• Maintain detailed records of equipment performance, calibration schedules, and repairs to ensure compliance with quality requirements.
• Manage lab equipment including, but not limited to, industrial ovens, mixers, moisture analyzers, automatic soil compactors, pH testing devices, and soil classification equipment.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive laboratory manual, including step-by-step procedures, maintenance schedules, safety guidelines, and visual guides.
• Ensure all documentation is up to date and accessible to relevant team members, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and internal protocols.
• Work closely with the Production Manager, CEO, Technical Director, and production teams to align QA/QC and lab activities with broader company goals.
• Collaborate with the Sales and Engineering teams to provide technical support and data-driven insights, enhancing customer satisfaction and product effectiveness.
• Use tools such as Excel and Salesforce.com to report key metrics and share data across departments, ensuring visibility into quality and production trends.
• Attend weekly virtual company meetings, providing updates on lab activities, R&D initiatives, and any quality concerns.

Requirements

• High school diploma required; Bachelor's degree in a related field preferred. Equivalent work experience will also be considered.
• 3-5 years of experience in quality control, soils engineering, testing, lab management, or production support.
• Strong analytical mindset and solid math skills.
• Proficiency in computer applications, with a preference for Excel.
• Excellent communication abilities.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with Salesforce.com for data entry and reporting.
• Knowledge of emerging technologies in soil testing and product development.

Benefits

• $200/month paid toward employee's monthly insurance premium.
• 401(K) based on employee's eligibility.
• Paid company-provided health insurance for employee.
• Company-sponsored 401K plan with full company match.
• Paid company-provided life and disability insurance.
• PTO accrual of 80 hours per calendar year.
• Sick time accrual of 40 hours per calendar year.
• Soilworks-provided iPhone.
• Credit cards and fuel cards available for expenses.
• Soilworks-sponsored employee events throughout the year.