Chemist Intern

OBJECTIVES AND GENERAL OVERVIEW OF THE POSITION:

SUMMARY OF JOB: The Chemist Intern provides support to the Quality Control Department, focusing on quality control, customer complaints and inventory control. Working under close guidance and supervision, the intern assists with laboratory testing, sample preparation, raw material handling and record keeping, while learning coatings technology, quality systems and inventory controls. The role supports the Company’s Business Plan and Quality Objectives and is consistent with ANSA McAL Group policies, ISO 9001 standards and HSSE requirements.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist the Quality Control Lab with laboratory bench work, including weighing, mixing, preparing and testing paint samples or conducting pilots under supervision for all in process batches.
• Assist the Quality Control Lab with routine reporting (including batch tracking, complaints tracking), administration, projects and support other QC tasks as assigned.
• Help with complaint and non-conforming product investigations by collecting samples, data and records for review by the Specialists or Supervisors as needed and assist with tracking non-conformances.
• Maintain retained samples and related records, including labelling, filing and disposal as per procedure.
• Support the monitoring, correction and evaluation of batch products by preparing trial batches and recording results accurately.
• Assist with batch tracking and evaluation, including conducting first time right (FTR) calculations and First Time Quality (FTQ) checks
• Help with colour matching and shade checks using the colour matching software and tinting machines, and learn the basics of colour systems.
• Follow the quality system, ISO 9001 procedures and the Company's Quality Manual, and support internal audits as required.
• Learn to operate basic laboratory and analytical equipment (e.g. balances, viscometers, gloss and colour meters) and follow equipment maintenance and calibration schedules.
• Assist with the receiving, measuring, recording, labelling and tagging of raw materials, semi-finished and finished products for traceability, including inbound raw materials testing, certificate of analysis evaluation and releasing products for use or quarantining and segregating materials from being used.
• Help ensure the correct materials are dispensed according to batch tickets before and during quality adjustments in production, and that usage is recorded.
• Capture inventory transactions on the ERP system (e.g. quarantine releases, item receiving, transfer orders) under guidance.
• Participate in stock checks, cycle counts and discrepancy investigations, and support the work-away of slow-moving or obsolete items.
• Comply with all HSSE, product safety and laboratory policies, using required personal protective equipment at all times.
• Maintain cleanliness and order in the laboratory and work areas in line with 5S standards.
• Complete and submit records, logs and reports accurately and on time.
• Participate in training and development activities as required.
• Perform any other related duties as assigned by the Quality Supervisors or Coatings Specialists. Maintenance and Calibration of testing and measuring equipment as per schedule
• Assist with ensuring overall lab testing efficiency and established testing standards with continued alignment to the FIFO philosophy of prioritizing sample testing.
• Assists with equipment inspection and calibration as needed.
• Promotes the quality philosophy throughout the organization by setting a positive example and positively participating in cross- functional problem-solving activities
• Is familiar and complies with all the applicable corporate as well as site and laboratory policies/procedures regarding personal conduct, HSE and Product Safety and Regulatory standards
• Participates in inventory cycle counts and implement and maintain measures to ensure the variance is within the defined target
• Understands company goals, processes, procedures for advising employees on concerns and be able to direct the hourly paid employees in the right direction regarding general company information.
• Timely completion and submission of all records and reports to meet HO reporting requirements.
• Assist in maintaining the general cleanliness and order of the Laboratory
• Ensure compliance to the Quality Control Process and procedures.
• Participate in the development of and perform all duties in accordance with the procedures set forth in ISO 9001 standards and the Company’s Quality manual and OSHA standards.
• Liaise with external customers/contractors/suppliers as and when necessary
• Compliance with Ansa McAL Group Policies.
• Any other work assigned by the Technical Manager and or Coatings Specialist II.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in Chemistry, or an equivalent combination of academic qualifications and relevant work experience.

Required Skills & Competencies

• Knowledge of Quality Assurance and Quality Management Systems
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent organizational and time-management abilities
• Strong attention to detail and analytical skills

Additional Requirement:

• Applicants must not have any colour vision deficiencies, as the role requires accurate colour assessment and matching.

Technical Proficiency

Proficiency in:

• Microsoft Office Suite
• Microsoft Dynamics
• Colour Matching Software
• Tinting Machines