Quality Specialist 1 (Baltimore, MD, US, 21226)

Job Description

W.R. Grace & Co., a leading manufacturer of specialty chemicals, has an immediate need for a Process Controller at its Curtis Bay facility.

This position is responsible for obtaining product samples from the production process, preparing the samples for various tests, performing the tests, analyzing the results, and making process decisions based upon relevant data.   This position is embedded in a GMP manufacturing site.  Position is in a high-pace environment; effective communication and prioritization skills are critical to be successful in this role.  Decisions made in this role can have significant financial impact on plant performance.  This position will ensure compliance with environmental, health, and safety standards, as well as identifying, reporting, and resolving hazards. 

Responsibilities

• Performs the various tests in accordance to established methods, analyzes the results, and dictates any needed process adjustments in a coaching capacity
• Interacts closely with the Operations group in a team environment to assure effective group dynamics
• Use statistics and SPC tools to evaluate data and trends to effectively identify changes in process and/or instrumentation behavior; and responds accordingly as appropriate
• Recognizes and promptly investigates any test results not within established specifications; including monitoring and verifying key process attribute trends.  Follows established protocols to address out-of-specification situations, up to and including stopping the process
• Interacts with the Analytical Services Center for high priority samples, monitors for completed results, interprets same, and dictates process adjustments as needed
• Inputs and retrieves information from the laboratory data management system
• Operates analytical instrumentation, and is capable to troubleshoot simple equipment problems
• Responsible for all lab instrumentation during shift.  Assures all lab instrumentation is functioning to expectations via use of standards and verification of test results

• Ensure compliance with housekeeping standards and maintain the laboratory in an audit-ready condition at all times

• Manages and stocks lab supplies on each shift, up to and including ordering new inventory

• Support operations and quality teams by performing specialized sample analyses and conducting investigations related to process issues and customer complaints

• Assures regulatory compliance, including environmental and process safety, and a safe workplace for all employees.
• Depending on business conditions, may be temporarily reassigned.

The successful candidate will work 12-hour rotating shifts in a 24/7/365 plant, to include nights, weekends, and some holidays.  Some time will be spent in a production environment near heavy machinery.  This position will require standing for long periods of time, and may occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.

Physical Requirements and Environment

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field (Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related physical science strongly preferred) or
• High school diploma and 4+ years of experience within an analytical or in-process laboratory.
• Experience analyzing and interpreting complex technical data, defining trends, and drawing conclusions
• Strong working knowledge of laboratory safety protocols, chemical handling procedures, and process safety standards, with a commitment to maintaining audit-ready operational standards.
• Demonstrated ability to operate and calibrate on laboratory instruments 

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated hands-on experience in an industrial or analytical laboratory environment, including sample preparation, quantitative/qualitative analysis, quality control testing, and evaluating finished product against tight specification criteria.
• Proven capability to interpret complex technical data, recognize out-of-spec (OOS) trends, and make high-impact operational decisions or adjustments under pressure.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with a proven track record of prioritizing high-volume workloads effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to operate, calibrate, and perform routine troubleshooting on laboratory instruments and data management systems
• Working knowledge of, or experience in, a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), ISO 9001, or other regulated manufacturing and laboratory environment. Familiarity with data integrity principles, documentation practices, deviation management, and audit readiness is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to apply SPC methodologies, including control charts, trend analysis, process capability studies, and statistical techniques to monitor product quality, assess process stability, and evaluate laboratory instrument performance.
• Experience using Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS), SAP Quality Management (QM), or similar electronic quality systems for sample tracking, test result entry, data review, and records management.
• Hands-on experience operating, calibrating, maintaining, and troubleshooting laboratory instrumentation such as titrators, particle size analyzers, moisture analyzers, or other analytical testing equipment. Ability to identify equipment performance issues and support corrective actions.
• Previous experience supporting quality or laboratory activities within a continuous chemical, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, food, or heavy industrial manufacturing environment. Familiarity with Process Safety Management (PSM), Management of Change (MOC), Job Safety Analysis (JSA), and Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) requirements is highly desirable.
•  Demonstrated participation in quality investigations involving out-of-specification (OOS), out-of-trend (OOT), nonconformance, customer complaint, or corrective and preventive action (CAPA) processes. Experience utilizing structured problem-solving methodologies such as 5 Whys, Fishbone Analysis, or Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) is preferred.
•  Strong technical writing and communication skills with the ability to accurately document laboratory results, investigation findings, deviations, and quality-related records while effectively collaborating with operations, engineering, and quality teams.
• Experience supporting Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement initiatives aimed at improving laboratory efficiency, test reliability, quality performance, and operational excellence.

To be considered for this position, candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future employer-sponsored work authorization. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or visa transfer.

#LI-SK1

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance and Disability 
• Grace Wellness Program
• Flexible Workplace 
• Retirement Plans  
• 401(k) Company Match
• Paid Vacation and Holidays
• Parental Leave 
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Company Donation Match Program
• U.S. Employee Benefits Summary (grace.com)