Quality Engineer - Lompoc, CA

Based at our flagship plant in Lompoc, CA, Imerys is hiring a Quality Engineer for our Celpure product. In this role, you will be responsible for implementing and improving statistical process control techniques in relation to the production and process activities of the Celpure Plant. He/she will ensure the integrity and functionality of the crude plant feed recipes are in alignment with process capability and controls. You will also collaborate with Celpure process experts to develop and continuously refine a process control database focused on alignment of process capability, maintain consistent quality and control set points. Specific focus is applied to documenting of process flows, identification of critical process inputs and outputs (system settings), development of operational tools and applications and validation of process control points.You will work with Operations to optimize processes to meet customer expectations and industry regulations, specifically with respect to Pharmacopia and cGMP.Location: Lompoc, CA (relocation assistance provided)Key Tasks and Responsibilities:Responsible for ensuring a consistent product quality in alignment with process capabilityRelation of QA quality parameters to support crude ore recipesValidate ore blending to support process performance as related to operational variability and deviation.Evaluates, analyses and develops NPD initiatives for transformation and conversion of low value impure raw crudes, establishing a balanced mining and production platformResponsible for execution of ore sampling, analytical data management and ore control to provide graded feed to the plant. Provides control data for incorporation into mine models and plansEstablishes operational parameters in alignment with the current finished goods product portfolio and defines in process quality control methodologiesApplies statistical process control methods for analysing data to evaluate current processes and process changesIdentifies opportunities and leads the implementation of process improvement projects / initiatives and develops control plans for the inspection, measuring and effectiveness of targeted improvementsSupports the implementation of new manufacturing processes, facility design initiatives, validation and management of changeInitiates process based corrective and preventative action (CAPA) plans with root cause analysisCreate and maintain quality standards (documents) for specifications, processes, while ensuring compliance with industry regulationsPerform process auditsPartners with purchasing to ensure appropriate and consistent quality as related to process critical raw materialsDefines and scopes automated controls improvement initiatives focused on process reliability and productivity, responsible for defining the baseline and determiners of successEducation and Experience requirementsB.S. in Engineering, preferably in Food or pharma related area, Minerals Engineering or Chemical EngineeringMinimum 8 years' experience in process development, validation, technical documentation, engineering standards and guidelinesGood manufacturing principles (GMP) for the food or pharma industryProficiency and aptitude for problem solving and process improvement using accepted methodology such as Six-Sigma, Shainin, Red X, ASQ, or willing to learn and become certified.Skills Requirements:Must be able to develop detailed work scope and charters to be utilized in facilitating improvement initiatives and in securing monetary resourcesInterpersonal relationships; must be able to successfully interact with all levels of employees to maintain open lines of communications utilizing "smart communications"Must be able to successfully interact with vendors to insure cost efficient supply of parts and service, scheduling of unusual work and testing of new products / facilitiesGood problem solving skills and able to operate independentlyMust be able to simultaneously control multiple tasks and initiatives in multiple locationsCompensation Base range: $115,000 - $150,000 Depending on experiencePhysical/Environmental Aspects - US ONLYList specific physical demands and activities of the position with a description of the activity including the frequency and duration required. Also note the work environment.Approximately 70% of the work day is spent in a manufacturing environment. Work will include walking through the operations as appropriate and may require occasional climbing of stairs and lifting of up to 50 lbs. Varying types of personal protective equipment shall be donned when handling hazardous chemicals. A hard hat, safety glasses, hairnet, and safety boots are required when working in the manufacturing areas. 25% of the work day is spent in an office environment.

Created: 2025-02-22