Lab QA Specialist

About Saudi Gold Refinery

Saudi Gold Refinery (SGR) is a leading Saudi company in mining and precious metals, focused on refining gold and other precious metals, producing bullion, and providing value-added precious-metal services. Operating within the Kingdom's mining value chain, SGR aligns with Vision 2030's mining pillar and follows regulations from the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources (MIM) alongside Saudi and international quality standards. The company produces responsibly sourced, traceable bullion meeting LBMA Good Delivery and ISO-aligned standards, investing heavily in people, processes, and quality controls.

Role Overview

SGR is looking for a Lab QA Specialist based in Riyadh to maintain the accuracy and reliability of assay operations and uphold quality management systems. This role guarantees that all gold and silver bullion meets LBMA Good Delivery criteria by performing meticulous data validation and adherence to processing standards. Managing ISO 17025 accreditation and supporting the lab’s technical proficiency framework are key duties. The role reports to the Lab Manager and balances strict quality assurance with production timelines in a busy refining environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Validate daily fire assay and instrumental test results ensuring accuracy prior to certificate release, including reviewing calculation methods, control chart trends, and approving final purity assessments.
• Maintain the lab's Quality Management System per ISO 17025, including updating SOPs and ensuring all calibration records are current and traceable.
• Oversee chain of custody procedures for all incoming dore samples and outgoing reference materials, verifying sample seals and segregation of duties during sample prep.
• Conduct scheduled internal audits covering laboratory processes, chemical stock, and waste management, documenting findings and ensuring corrective actions are executed.
• Manage external proficiency testing participation, analyze results such as z-scores, and implement improvements when necessary.
• Prepare documentation and assist in audits by LBMA, SASO, and customers, responding to auditor queries with factual information and root cause investigations.
• Investigate any laboratory non-conformances or procedural deviations, identifying root causes and confirming effectiveness of corrective measures.
• Assess technical competencies of lab analysts using blind testing and observations, maintaining updated training matrices to ensure only authorized staff perform critical assay tasks.
• Calculate and review measurement uncertainty budgets for accredited methods to ensure reported values are statistically robust.
• Enforce chemical safety compliance, auditing storage, handling, and disposal of hazardous materials following HSE and SDS guidelines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Metallurgy, or related science field is required.
• Minimum five years of practical experience in precious metals assay or analytical labs.
• In-depth knowledge of ISO 17025 standards and their application in testing and calibration.
• Expertise in fire assay techniques including flux and cupellation processes.
• Proficiency with elemental analysis instruments such as ICP-OES, AAS, or XRF.
• Strong capabilities in statistical data analysis and measurement uncertainty calculations.
• Fluency in English for technical writing and communication during international audits.
• Ability to work safely in industrial settings with exposure to acids and high temperatures.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with LBMA Good Delivery audits and knowledge of responsible sourcing standards.
• Master’s degree in Analytical Chemistry or Extractive Metallurgy.
• Certification as an ISO 17025 Lead Auditor.
• Experience with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) implementation or validation.

Performance Metrics

• Achieve zero significant non-conformities in ISO 17025 and LBMA external audits.
• Ensure 100% issuance of assay certificates with fully validated data and no subsequent corrections.
• Complete proficiency testing rounds with acceptable z-scores.
• Finish all internal audits on time and resolve corrective actions within 30 days.
• Maintain 100% calibration compliance for all critical measurement equipment.
• Reduce assay rework rates by 10% by enforcing improved procedural adherence.
• Update all laboratory SOPs to current operational and regulatory requirements.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Saudi Gold Refinery is an equal opportunity employer welcoming applications from all qualified individuals. Hiring decisions prioritize role fit, skills, experience, and alignment with Saudization and Vision 2030 objectives.