Quality Manager

Mike Leblang; Omaha (NE); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading ethanol production company in Omaha, Nebraska, is seeking an experienced Ethanol Quality/Lab Manager to oversee daily Lab Operations. The ideal candidate will manage quality metrics for feedstock and water, ensure regulatory compliance, and optimize fermentation processes. Candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree in a related science field and at least 5 years of experience in an industrial setting with a strong understanding of ethanol processing unit operations.

Qualifications

• 3+ years direct experience in ethanol plant technical role required.
• 5+ years of experience in an industrial setting.
• Excellent understanding of ethanol processing unit operations.

Responsibilities

• Monitor fermentation, process, and water data daily.
• Document data via email weekly or more frequently if issues arise.
• Oversee fermentation process adjustments for optimal conversion.

Skills

Quality metrics documentation

Data monitoring

Process troubleshooting

Calibration of instruments

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Chemistry, or related field

Tools

HPLC’s

pH meters

Titrators

Density meters

Job description

About the Role

We’re looking for an experienced Ethanol Quality/Lab Manager to lead day-to-day Lab Operations at the Plant. In this role, you will maintain and document quality metrics on incoming feedstock and water, as well as all outgoing and in-process streams such as ethanol, coproducts, carbon dioxide, corn oil, and others to maintain optimal operations metrics and maintain regulatory compliance.

What You’ll Do

• Monitor fermentation, process, and water data as well as 3rd party testing daily.
• Document and report on this data via email on at least a weekly basis or more frequently in times of upset.
• Identify outliers and provide rationale for results. Recommend adjustments to process based on this data.
• Oversee and troubleshoot fermentation process in coordination with the Fermentation Coordinator and outside vendors to achieve optimal conversion by adjustments to yeast, enzyme, temperature, solids loading, and any other inputs into the fermenter.
• Audits operational data entry for accuracy and completeness.
• Maintain operations sampling schedules to optimize workload and process data insights.
• Maintain calibration of all instruments in the process including but not limited to HPLC’s, pH meters, titrators, density meters, and water testing equipment.
• Work closely with operations to understand the production goals and schedule

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Chemistry, related science field, or at least 3 years direct experience in ethanol plant technical role required.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in an industrial setting. Renewable fuels experience preferred.
• Excellent understanding of ethanol processing unit operations and process flow.