Quality & Laboratory Specialist

Omya; Superior (AZ); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Omya USA–AZ production facility seeks a Quality & Laboratory Specialist to support laboratory operations, product quality, and quality system activities. The role blends hands-on testing with coordination of QA programs across materials, processes, and regulatory standards.

The position supports production, continuous improvement, and audit readiness, requiring attention to detail and collaboration across departments in a manufacturing setting serving industrial, food-grade, and pharmaceutical

Qualifications

• Associate's, Technical Diploma, or Bachelor's in Chemistry, Biology, Laboratory Science, Quality Management, Chemical Technology, or related field.
• 3–5 years in laboratory, quality control/assurance, or related manufacturing environment preferred.
• Experience with GMP, GLP, HACCP, ISO, or similar standards is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine laboratory testing of raw materials, in-process materials, and finished products.
• Support production with timely testing and reporting; maintain traceable test data.
• Assist with batch release activities and related documentation.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment.
• Maintain laboratory organization and compliance with procedures.
• Coordinate and maintain testing programs, calibration, and waste management.
• Support quality management systems, SOPs, internal audits, and investigations.
• Assist with data reporting, KPI tracking, and trend analysis.
• Provide training and technical support within laboratory and quality teams.

Skills

Laboratory testing

Quality systems

GMP/GLP knowledge

Data integrity

LIMS proficiency

Microsoft Office

Team collaboration

Education

Associate's Degree

Technical Diploma

Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry/Biology

Tools

LIMS

Job description

BASIC FUNCTIONBased at the USAZ production facility, the Quality & Laboratory Specialist plays an important role in supporting laboratory operations, product quality, and quality system activities.This position combines hands-on laboratory testing with coordination of key quality and laboratory processes to help ensure products consistently meet specification, customer requirements, and regulatory standards. The role supports production, continuous improvement initiatives, quality compliance activities, and the overall effectiveness of the laboratory function.Operating within a manufacturing environment serving industrial, food-grade, and pharmaceutical applications, the position requires strong technical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate effectively across multiple departments.RESPONSIBILITIESLaboratory Operations and TestingPerform routine laboratory testing of raw materials, in-process materials, and finished products.Support production through timely and accurate testing and reporting of results.Maintain laboratory records and ensure the integrity and traceability of test data.Assist with production batch release activities and related documentation.Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment as required.Maintain laboratory organization, cleanliness, and compliance with established procedures.Provide back-up support for laboratory activities as needed.Laboratory Programs and CoordinationCoordinate and maintain laboratory testing programs, including:Stability TestingTMYM and OVI TestingICH Q3D TestingExternal laboratory testing activitiesCoordinate laboratory cleaning schedules.Support calibration and preventative maintenance programs for laboratory equipment.Coordinate laboratory waste management with approved third-party vendors.Maintain retain samples and related testing programs.Quality Systems and ComplianceAssist with maintaining quality management systems and laboratory documentation.Support SOP creation, review, and updates.Assist with internal GMP audits and compliance activities.Participate in investigations, corrective actions, and continuous improvement projects.Support customer complaint investigations and follow-up activities.Help ensure compliance with applicable food, pharmaceutical, customer, and quality standards.Support audit readiness and regulatory compliance activities.Laboratory Inventory and Equipment ManagementMonitor inventory levels of laboratory supplies, chemicals, reagents, and consumables.Coordinate ordering and replenishment of laboratory materials.Maintain laboratory equipment records and calibration status.Support equipment servicing and vendor coordination activities.Data Management and ReportingSupport administration and maintenance of LIMS and laboratory data systems.Ensure laboratory data is accurately entered, reviewed, and maintained.Assist with quality reporting, KPI tracking, and trend analysis.Maintain accurate records in accordance with company standards and regulatory requirements.Training and Technical SupportSupport laboratory-related training activities and onboarding of personnel.Promote compliance with laboratory procedures and Good Laboratory Practices (GLP).Assist in sharing best practices and technical knowledge within the laboratory and quality teams.Serve as a resource for laboratory processes, testing methods, and quality requirements.Health, Safety, Environment and QualityPerform all work in compliance with health and safety, environmental, and quality standards.Maintain safe laboratory practices and promote a strong safety culture.Support site quality objectives and continuous improvement initiatives.Ensure adherence to standards supporting industrial, food, and pharmaceutical production.QUALIFICATIONSEducationAssociate's Degree, Technical Diploma, or Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry, Biology, Laboratory Science, Quality Management, Chemical Technology, or a related field.Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience may be considered.Experience3 to 5 years of laboratory, quality control, quality assurance, or related manufacturing experience.Experience within food, pharmaceutical, chemical, mineral processing, or similarly regulated industries preferred.Experience working with laboratory equipment, quality systems, and technical documentation.Experience with LIMS or similar laboratory management systems is considered an asset.Knowledge and SkillsStrong understanding of laboratory operations and analytical testing.Familiarity with quality systems, documentation control, and continuous improvement principles.Knowledge of GMP, GLP, HACCP, ISO, or similar quality standards is considered an asset.Strong organizational and time management skills.Excellent attention to detail and data accuracy.Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.Proficient with Microsoft Office and laboratory information systems.Ability to communicate effectively with employees at all levels of the organization.Team-oriented with the ability to collaborate across multiple functions.Working ConditionsCombination of laboratory and manufacturing environments.Exposure to production areas, industrial equipment, chemicals, dust, and noise.Regular movement between laboratory and production areas.Occasional lifting and handling of laboratory samples and materials.Other RequirementsAbility to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.Commitment to quality, safety, and continuous improvement.Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining a high level of accuracy.WHY JOIN OMYAJoin a global leader in mineral-based specialty solutions.Work in a quality-focused environment serving industrial, food, and pharmaceutical markets.Develop technical expertise across laboratory operations, quality systems, and manufacturing processes.Contribute directly to product quality, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement initiatives.Be part of a collaborative team committed to safety, quality, and operational excellence.