Quality Engineer

Albemarle in Australia – Be An Essential Element To A Brighter Future  

Albemarle is a global leader in transforming essential resources into critical ingredients for mobility, energy, connectivity and health. We are one of the biggest producers of lithium in the world and Australia is critical to our energy storage business. 

Our new world class Lithium Hydroxide Processing Plant at Kemerton, near Bunbury in the South West of Western Australia, is the most modern plant globally and is set for major expansion. Albemarle investment in Australia spans mining joint ventures and processing operations. Our corporate office sits in the heart of the Perth CBD.

We are a rapidly growing part of Albemarle Corporation which has over 7000 employees worldwide across energy storage and specialty chemicals. We are suppliers of choice for leading companies including the world’s biggest electric vehicle manufacturers, and makers of batteries and electronics. 

The work we do at Albemarle helps to pioneer new ways to move, power, connect, and protect.

The Role

Reporting to the Quality Assurance Manager, the Quality Engineer will work within the Albemarle Kemerton Lithium refinery to:

• Ensure the site’s compliance to ISO 9001 and the implemented Quality Management System.
• Ensure consistent reporting and investigation of Quality Incidents (including product quality related incidents) which occur at site.
• Support continuous improvement of the Quality Management System.
• Act as technical focal point in interaction with the business and customer enquiries for the product quality
• Support the planning and execution of Sustaining Capital Projects at the Kemerton plant to improve the final product and Co Product quality.

This will be accomplished through close collaboration with Operations and all relevant departments within Albemarle Kemerton’s organisation.

It is a residential role, you will work full time at our Kemerton site, and will be required to work Monday to Friday (standard business hours).

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain Quality Assurance (QA) methods, systems and procedures policies to ensure compliance to ISO 9001 and Albemarle Global policies and procedures.
• Support and consult Kemerton operations departments to maintain ISO 9001 and QMS compliance as required.
• Drive continual QMS improvement to ensure that its processes remain fit for purpose and efficient.
• Support the Quality Manager in the development and implementation of the annual audit program.
• Perform internal audits of Kemerton operations departments and external supplier audits.
• Support extrinsic (client or certifying body) audits at Albemarle Kemerton.
• Monitor and support where required) the close-out progress of audit findings and escalate critical delays to the Quality Manager and/or Kemerton line managers.
• Support the Quality Manager in the continuous improvement of the QMS and Quality methods, processes and tools including control of documents and records relevant to the QMS.
• Ensure that Quality incidents which have occurred at the Kemerton site, are consistently reported and investigated.
• Support root cause analysis and the definition of corrections and corrective actions where required.
• Support the Quality Manager in the management and resolution of customer complaints.
• Review Inprocess and Final product quality results and ensure corrective actions are taken for the noncompliant results.
• Analyse the product quality data and prepare the plant capability report.
• Support the assembly of project as-built documentation and data record books.
• Support the Quality Manager in the preparation and provision of Quality relevant training to Kemerton staff.

About You

Albemarle is a values-driven company that appreciates and promotes resilience, equity, inclusion and diversity of background, experience and expertise. As the successful candidate you will possess:

• Expert knowledge of problem-solving tools – 7 QCs, 8D, Sologic or similar.
• Understanding of the control charts and exposure to complex chemical manufacturing process.
• Ability to understand product and process operating principles, control points, methods, process interactions.
• In-depth knowledge of document control principles, tools and workflows and ability to define and improve those.
• Strong problem-solving skills including the ability to analyse complex systems, draw conclusions based on facts.
• Good proficiency in troubleshooting operational issues and debottlenecking.
• Organizational skills, critical thinking skills and process oriented
• Excellent communication skills 
• Strong interpersonal skills 

Education / Qualification Requirements

• Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in an Engineering – Chemical, Mechanical, Metallurgy Discipline.
• Previous experience within a product quality management role preferably in chemical industry.
• Continual Improvement Qualifications, such as Lean Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing.

On Offer

The successful candidate will be provided with an attractive salary package and the following employee benefits:

• 12% superannuation
• Annual Bonus Scheme
• Private Health Insurance subsidy - up to $1500 per year
• Novated Leasing
• Life Insurance and Income Protection Insurance

Albemarle acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia, and their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to all members of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and cultures; and to Elders past and present.

Albemarle is committed to building a diverse workforce and strongly encourages applications from people encompassing diversity of age, ethnicity and cultural background - including First Nations Australians, and from those with varied religious beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, physical ability and thinking styles, family background and level of education and experience.

Albemarle is proud to be a WORK180 Endorsed Employer for All Women. If you would like to know more information about how we are supporting our employees, click here: Albemarle Corporation Benefits | WORK180 Endorsed Employer