Quality Lab Analyst-McDonough GA

The Quality Lab Analyst is responsible for performing comprehensive laboratory testing to support Nexus Circular’s pyrolysis operations, including finished product (pyrolysis oil and wax), in‑process samples, feedstock qualification, and R&D samples. Working in accordance with established ASTM and internal methods, this role ensures results meet industry standards and product specifications, supports timely material disposition decisions, and helps maintain the integrity of Nexus’ Quality Management System (QMS). The analyst operates and maintains a wide range of analytical instruments, collaborates closely with Manufacturing Operations, Supply Chain, and the Feedstock Team, and plays a key role in incident follow‑up, documentation, and maintaining an audit‑ready, 5S laboratory environment.

Essential Functions:

• Sample Testing & Material Disposition
• Perform comprehensive quality testing on:
• Pyrolysis oil and wax (finished product and in‑process samples).
• Feedstock qualification samples and R&D samples.
• Use established ASTM and internal methods to ensure compliance with product specifications and industry standards.
• Leverage operational data and real‑time plant feedback to:
• Make informed, timely decisions on material acceptance, processing, or disqualification.
• Escalate critical quality issues promptly to appropriate stakeholders.
• Cross‑Functional Interface & Incident Management
• Serve as a primary interface and internal liaison between:
• Manufacturing Operations,
• Supply Chain, and
• The Feedstock Team
  to drive feedstock quality assurance.
• Process and track Feedstock Quality Incident forms and similar quality events.
• Provide clear communication and reporting on incident status, risks, and resolutions.
• Support development and refinement of quality standards, inspection protocols, and acceptance criteria based on operational learnings and incident outcomes.
• Instrument Operation & Troubleshooting
• Operate and maintain quality control equipment, including but not limited to:
• GC, ICP‑OES, C‑IC, vapor pressure measurement instruments, and other analytical/lab equipment.
• Perform first‑level instrument troubleshooting (e.g., basic diagnostics, checks, and adjustments).
• Coordinate with vendor technical support for advanced repairs, calibrations, and maintenance.
• Ensure instrument calibrations are current and appropriately documented.
• Data Integrity, Documentation & Reporting
• Ensure the integrity of data, processes, and results; identify and address issues affecting test accuracy.
• Schedule, organize, and prioritize laboratory samples; manage sample queues in alignment with operational needs.
• Report results for release of process tanks for offloading as required; prepare and issue Certificates of Analysis (COAs).
• Document and maintain laboratory results in appropriate systems (lab notebooks and digital records).
• Lab Housekeeping & 5S
• Organize and maintain laboratory cleanliness and order, which may include:
• Sweeping, mopping, dusting, and glassware hand‑cleaning.
• Maintain a 5S laboratory environment to ensure audit‑readiness:
• Housekeeping, glassware decontamination, workspace organization, and proper labeling/storage.
• Supplies, Inventory & Calibration
• Perform and document daily verification checks on calibrated balances.
• Maintain laboratory supplies and inventory, including:
• Ordering and tracking consumables, reagents, and spare parts.
• Ensure required equipment calibrations are scheduled, completed, and documented.
• Method Development & R&D Support
• Contribute to continuous improvement of analytical methods, SOPs, and lab workflows.
• Safety, Compliance & Audits
• Ensure proper disposal of hazardous materials and samples in accordance with company procedures and regulations.
• Communicate effectively with other teams on analysis results, risks, and quality trends; support collaborative problem‑solving.
• Strictly adhere to all Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) guidelines, including:
• Proper use of PPE,
• Chemical hygiene plans,
• Compliance with SDS requirements.
• Participate in internal and external audits by:
• Maintaining meticulous records,
• Adhering to Quality Management System (QMS) protocols,
• Supporting corrective and preventive actions as needed.

Job Requirements and Qualifications:

• Education & Experience
• Requires 2 years of laboratory experience in quality control/quality assurance or analytical testing, ideally in a chemical, refining, or manufacturing environment.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment with time sensitive tasks
• Technical Skills
• Familiarity with, or ability to learn, operation of:
• GC, ICP‑OES, ion chromatography (C‑IC), vapor pressure units, and related analytical instruments.
• Strong understanding of good laboratory practices (GLP), data integrity, and calibration/verification concepts.
• Competent in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint) and basic electronic data entry/record‑keeping systems.
• Soft Skills & Behaviors
• High attention to detail, accuracy, and organization.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; able to clearly explain analytical findings and quality issues.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across functions (Operations, Supply Chain, Feedstock, Engineering).
• Proactive problem solver with sound judgment and the ability to prioritize in a fast‑paced, changing environment.
• Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Working Environment Conditions/Requirements:

• Primarily laboratory‑based role with periodic work in process or warehouse areas.
• Routine exposure to chemicals, solvents, and process samples; must follow all EHS and chemical hygiene procedures.
• Required PPE includes, but is not limited to:
• Lab coat or work uniform,
• Safety glasses,
• Safety shoes,
• Additional PPE (e.g., gloves, hard hat) as required by specific tasks or areas.
• Must be able to perform standard lab tasks such as standing at benches, lifting light to moderate sample containers, and performing repetitive manual tasks (e.g., pipetting, weighing).