Lab Technician

Profile

Michigan, United States of America

Job Family Group:

Production and Manufacturing Downstream

Worker Type:

Regular

Posting Start Date:

February 22, 2022

Business unit:

Downstream

Experience Level:

Experienced Professionals

Job Description:

What will I do in this role? How will I grow and develop my career in this role?

If you’re highly ambitious, safety-conscious, and attentive to detail, then this role is for you. It will help you grow and develop in a business that encourages both personal and professional development where you’ll be part of dynamic diverse team.

The entry level hourly rate for this position is $22.66/hr and the highest rate is $29.06/hr for exceptionally experienced individuals (6 years of relevant prior employment). Lab operators are expected to progress to top rate after 6 years and successfully learn all relevant test methods / operate all equipment. Once fully trained and competent in the laboratory there will be cross-training opportunities that will merit an increase in pay should the applicant be successful in the role.

What is the purpose of this role?

-To accurately provide quality assurance by testing samples against specifications and supply customers with the measured and interpreted results and to provide routine maintenance alongside occasional repair / troubleshooting support for laboratory equipment.

-To ensure that the products manufactured and distributed by Shell in the envelope conform to Shell internal, customer and legislative requirements through consistent strict adherence to standard and prescribed quality control test procedures.

-To work as part of the Shell Lubricants Supply Chain team in the envelope to improve efficiency and reliability of lubricants manufacturing, and thus improve financial performance, through the application of quality assurance methodology.

-To support Shell’s lubricant business through laboratory-based testing of lubricating oil.

-To provide laboratory-based product development, trialing and investigative services if requested by Shell’s various sectors of business.

What is this role responsible for?

The Lab Technician is responsible for:

• Prioritizing the safety of themselves and their coworkers above all

• Quality control of the following to ensure conformance to specifications prior to release, including:

1) blend oil sample testing

2) package filling sample testing

3) bulk truck/rail shipping sample testing

4) bulk truck/rail receiving sample testing

5) tank-to-tank transfer sample testing

6) Used lube oil samples from special customers

• Use of SAP and other computerized programs for daily operations transactions

• Recommend changes/updates to formulations of presently existing product to optimize blend properties (optional)

• Perform Blend Formulation and Laboratory Functions of the SAP R/3 System

• Trial blends new and modified products to come up with updated formulation meeting LQS standards, if requested

• Ensure that all lube oil and grease formulations are kept strictly confidential

• For off-specification products, determining corrective action (uptreating, reblending, working off, etc) to optimize cost to Shell while ensuring that released products meet minimum requirements

• Test, assesses and recommends corrective action for the control and disposal of non-conforming products in coordination with the Quality Manager

• Conduct internal validation and calibration of laboratory equipment to ensure only accurate outputs are generated during testing

• Monitor Statistical Process Control (SPC) data of selected lube oil products to sustain the LQS requirement on reduced testing

• Assist the Quality Manager and the Regional Area Product Manager in the development and implementation of the different programs and initiatives of the envelope as well as for the region

• Troubleshoot problems related to laboratory equipment and tests methods used

• Follow HSSE (Health, Safety, Security, & Environmental) guidelines in all activities/tasks

-

What special challenges does role encounter?

• Ensuring that laboratory testing is conducted Right First Time (RFT) according to approved test methods, of highest accuracy and within the set turnaround time

• Technical competency concerning various- and often incompatible- chemistries. (Will train)

• Balancing the conflicting needs of the different stakeholders

• Continuous Improvement (CI) is part of the Shell culture, supporting projects that may require additional lab testing and involvement is expected.

• Shift work will eventually be required (currently only 1st shift, M-F but as the plant expands flexibility in scheduling is preferred)

• Overtime encouraged and occasionally required

Experience and Qualifications required

• Relevant work experience in a similar industry • Grade 12 diploma or equivalent required

• Relevant post-secondary education preferred

• Technical Skills: Prefer experience with measuring viscosity, total acid number, pH, particle count, reserve alkalinity, titrations (general), FTIR, ICP but not required.

• Good problem solving and troubleshooting ability

• Strong computer literacy skills

• Willingness to continually learn and upgrade proficiency

• Ability to juggle several conflicting priorities without compromising safety or quality

• Strong, proven sense of urgency

• Ability to work in a high-performance team-based environment that requires high degree autonomous decision making

• Excellent communication skills highly valued

• Ability to learn, execute, and eventually write and follow procedures as required

• Ability to function in a dynamic team-based work environment. Asset Skills and Knowledge

• ISO processes, procedures and Quality management principles

• Knowledge and user familiarity with lab equipment • Computer literacy; familiarity with SAP is a valuable asset

Other Items

• Shell operates in a diverse and inclusive global environment. Ability to adapt to change, strong interpersonal and conflict resolution skills, as well as collaboration with all work teams is key. • Must be legally entitled to work in the US for anyone other than current employer • Must possess a valid driver's license • Willing to work a rotating shift schedule • Able to serve as a member of an emergency response team • Using safe lifting techniques, able to lift and carry 20 kg from ground to waist level • Ability to work safely wearing a respirator or Self-contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) • Willing to comply with Shell's drug-free and harassment-free work environment and comply with all safety policies and procedures • Willing to work in a diverse and team-oriented environment • Shell strives to eliminate or minimize health and safety risks associated with its business activities and is committed to providing a safe workplace for all workers • A condition of employment for this position is successful completion of a pre-placement medical assessment of your fitness for duty, background check, driving record check and Pre-Site Access testing for alcohol and specified drugs.

DISCLAIMER:

Please note: We occasionally amend or withdraw Shell jobs and reserve the right to do so at any time, including prior to the advertised closing date. Before applying, you are advised to read our data protection policy. This policy describes the processing that may be associated with your personal data and informs you that your personal data may be transferred to Royal Dutch/Shell Group companies around the world. The Shell Group and its approved recruitment consultants will never ask you for a fee to process or consider your application for a career with Shell. Anyone who demands such a fee is not an authorised Shell representative and you are strongly advised to refuse any such demand. Shell participates in E-Verify. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, citizenship, genetic information or other protected status under federal, state or local laws. Shell is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disability. As a US Federal Contractor, hiring selections are subject to periodic audit review and documentation of your selections should be maintained for a period of three calendar years. It is the policy of Shell in the U.S. (“Shell”) to provide equal opportunity to all individuals, employees and all qualified applicants for employment consistent with employment requirements and qualifications. Shell prohibits discrimination based on race, color, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, citizenship, genetic information, or other protected status under federal, state or local laws. All employees are expected to support this policy and contribute to an environment of equal opportunity. If you need an accommodation for a disability during the resourcing process, please speak with an HR representative.

According to the United Nations, the global population could increase to more than 10 billion people. A key role for society – and for Shell – is to find ways to meet the growing demand for energy, with less carbon emissions. We need people who dare to think differently – to take part in developing tomorrow’s energy solutions today.

Company info

Sign Up Now - WashingtondcCrossing.com