Lab Technician

POSITION SUMMARY

Responsible for performing directed research/ development and product testing of polymer-based mixtures and blends. This will include formulation and prototyping work using polymer processing equipment, polymer testing, and close collaboration with staff engineers, process engineers, customers, and suppliers. This position reports to the Director of Product Technology.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Prepare polymer formulations with laboratory equipment as directed by the supervisor.
• Test laboratory scale samples and new production trial samples for physical and chemical properties, as directed by the supervisor.
• Collect and record test data and observations and provide summaries and interpretation of work to the supervisor.
• Collaborate with members from other departments for the commercial scale introduction of new products.
• Evaluate new raw materials in product formulations, as directed.
• Provide on-the-floor support of manufacturing group for production scale trials of modified and new product formulations.
• Provide support to Technical Engineers for customer technical service projects.
• Test properties of products for customer specifications, as directed.
• Evaluate competitive products, as directed.
• Demonstrate precise and accurate laboratory skills to prepare and test polymer formulations.
• Collect test data in an orderly fashion and provide written reports to direct supervisor.
• Produce internal project status reports for activities.
• Detailed record keeping and general laboratory upkeep.
• Provide technical training to Quality Control personnel for laboratory procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of Associate’s degree in a relevant field of chemistry, biology/bio-chemistry, physics, engineering, materials, polymer science, plastics processing, or chemical manufacturing, and at least two years of technical experience in chemical or plastics manufacturing
• Experience with laboratory equipment to measure properties of liquids or solids
• Hands-on laboratory experience required with either with analytical testing, physical testing, or quality control methods
• Experience with methods for Physical Testing, including methods such as spectroscopy, mechanical (Instron), or other analytical methods of material characterization
• Familiarity with standard test methods for materials (ASTM, ISO, and others)
• Experience with computer-based analysis of data, such as spreadsheet calculations
• Experience with statistical analysis of data
• Specific experience with chemical blending, polymer compounding or alloying
• Background in manufacturing operations, shop-floor experience, or demonstrated capability to work with shop-floor personnel with manufacturing equipment
• Capability to understand machine operation and provide directions to operators
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Proficiency in MS Office
• Accuracy and attention to detail
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

This job description outlines the general nature and level of work performed and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the role. Additional duties may be assigned, and the job description may be modified or updated at any time.