Quality Control Associate Jobs in Nottingham, MD

Job Title: Quality Control Supervisor

Department: Quality

Reports to: Quality Manager

Position Summary: The Quality Control Supervisor is a working supervisor responsible for overseeing day-to-day laboratory operations while performing hands-on testing, inspections, and data review alongside Quality Control Technicians. This role ensures that QC activities are completed accurately, on time, and in compliance with documented procedures and quality standards. The QC Supervisor provides scheduling and coverage decisions, performs higher-level QC tasks requiring advanced competence, trains and coaches QC Technicians, and ensures the laboratory remains audit ready. The Supervisor serves as the primary point of escalation for QC issues and works cross-functionally with Production, R&D, Warehouse, and QA to resolve quality concerns. The QC Supervisor is accountable for the accuracy, completeness, and compliance of all QC testing, documentation, equipment checks, and inspections performed by the QC team.

Schedule/Hours: Monday - Friday, 9 am - 5:15 pm

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Education & Experience
  • High school diploma or equivalent; High school chemistry, general lab coursework, or hands-on lab/production experience required.
  • Associate or bachelor’s degree in a science field (Chemistry, Biology, or related discipline) is preferred.
  • 2+ years of experience in laboratory testing, inspection, or manufacturing quality control required.
  • Prior leadership, team lead, or mentoring experience preferred.
• Knowledge & Skills
  • Strong understanding of laboratory testing methods, measurement principles, and quality standards.
  • Ability to read, interpret, and follow SOPs, test methods, and technical documents.
  • Proficiency with laboratory equipment including balances, pH meters, spectrophotometers, refractometers, and specialized meters.
  • Excellent organizational, problem solving, and decision making skills.
  • Strong computer skills including use of email, Excel, LIMS, and electronic data systems.
  • Ability to coach, train, and develop others
  • Strong communication skills for cross-functional coordination.
• Work Style & Personal Attributes
  • Demonstrate leadership, reliability, and professionalism.
  • Able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to integrity.
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Physical Requirements
  • Ability to lift, move, or transport up to 40 lbs.
  • Ability to stand for extended periods and perform repetitive laboratory tasks.
  • Ability to wear required PPE, including gloves, safety glasses, lab coat and, as needed, a chemical respirator.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Working Supervisor Responsibilities
  • Perform QC Technician duties as needed to support workflow, staffing shortages, or priority testing.
  • Step in to perform inspections, testing, documentation, and equipment checks during high-volume periods or absences.
  • Maintain proficiency in all QC testing areas and serve as the technical escalation point for troubleshooting test or equipment issues.
• Quality Operations Oversight
  • Prioritize daily QC activities, assign work, and ensure adequate coverage to support all values streams.
  • Oversee performance, conduct counseling, and retraining for QC Technicians when needed.
  • Approve QC timecards and support accurate labor tracking.
  • Attend daily shift huddles to review priorities, communicate expectations, and address team needs.
  • Communicate with cross-functional teams regarding test results, component defects, and quality issues.
  • Serve as the first point of escalation for QC team questions or issues.
• Documentation and Records
  • Maintain and update the TI binder; ensure documents are current and accessible.
  • Review and approve technical instructions for accuracy, completeness, and compliance.
  • Review batch records and QC documentation for completeness and GMP compliance.
• Inspection & Testing
  • Perform first article inspections for internal products and purchased components.
  • Conduct and lead NCM and customer complaint investigations, including pulling retains, performing testing, reviewing data, and documenting results.
  • Perform routine data review of QC test results and logs to ensure accuracy and data integrity
• Lab & Equipment Management
  • Perform scheduled maintenance of pipettes, refractometers, spectrophotometers, and related lab equipment.
  • Run reactions and approve color standards (proof sets) according to documented requirements.
  • Perform qualification activities such as Spin meter qualification for use in QC.
  • Ensure inventory of lab tools, chemicals, solutions, and consumables is maintained.
  • Oversee lab housekeeping; ensure workspaces are clean, organized, and audit-ready at all times.
  • Ensure proper storage, labeling, and disposal of retains, chemicals, and laboratory waste.
• Materials & Waste Control
  • Perform hazardous waste disposal and hazardous retain disposal in accordance with safety and environmental procedures.
• Production & R&D Support
  • Submit R&D requests for assistance as needed.
  • Respond to requests for QC testing and laboratory assistance.
  • Support troubleshooting and production adjustments by providing quality input and recommendations.
• Training & Competency
  • Provide job-specific training on test protocols, daily tasks, and laboratory procedures.
  • Conduct and oversee QC training for electronic systems (e.g. Kinetic, LIMS, QC Client Webapp).
  • Maintain training compliance and ensure qualification status for QC Technicians.
• Other Duties
  • Perform additional tasks assigned by Quality Management to support business needs.
  • Support the quality culture through coaching, reinforcement of standards, and leading by example.
  • May support multiple value streams or locations as business needs require.

Miscellaneous

• Participates in Lean activities, including but not limited to:
  • Lean training and lean events such as Kaizen or a 5-day event.
  • 6S program in QA/QC or other assigned areas.
  • DMAICs. Continuously look for ways to improve both the department’s and own individual efficiencies and time management, as well as ways to improve any aspect of the Company’s operations and develop and implement DMAICs accordingly.
• Notifies Supervisors/Managers of any production, equipment, safety, personnel problems, etc., and cooperates in resolving such issues as well. For example, requests assistance when systems prevent the efficient performance of duties or when a system fails.
• Provides Supervisors/Managers with feedback to determine where additional training would benefit and obtain additional training as necessary.
• Assist in other department activities as needed.
• Floats to and works in other manufacturing areas as needed.
• Complies with all company policies (i.e. personnel, safety, etc.).

Environmental Factors & Mental / Physical Demands

• Works indoors in a temperature‑controlled laboratory environment with routine exposure to chemicals, powders, and testing solutions (training and PPE provided).
• May occasionally perform tasks inside a fume hood or near ventilation equipment.
• Requires the ability to stand, walk, sit, bend, reach, and lift up to 40 lbs as part of normal laboratory and material‑handling activities.
• Must be able to visually distinguish colors for tests involving color changes or comparison.
• Requires the ability to focus on detailed tasks, follow written procedures, and maintain accuracy during repetitive testing.
• Must be able to wear required personal protective equipment, which may include a chemical respirator depending on the task.

About Us:

LaMotte Company, a 100+ year-old global industry leader in developing and manufacturing premier water analysis solutions, operating in Newark, DE, Chestertown, MD and Warwick, UK. Our products are used around the world to accurately, quickly, and conveniently test water in a multitude of applications.

LaMotte offers paid time off including vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays. Full-time employees, who regularly work at least 30 hours per week, are eligible for employer-provided insurance including health, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, and supplemental insurance. Full-time employees are eligible to contribute to our 401(k) plan with an employer match available.

LaMotte is committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, disability, military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state, or local laws.