The R&D laboratory technician will perform laboratory testing duties required to support Research and Development’s support of manufacturing operations, formulation, product development/innovation, environmental social governance efforts and material testing.  The technician will perform laboratory testing and possibly assist in plant trials to support projects assigned.  The technician will work with electronic and mechanical equipment during performance of these duties. This includes tasks such as thermoplastics heat welding, two roll mill mixing and operating internal mixers and adhesive mixers. Once training has been conducted on test methods or equipment the technician is expected to work independently on testing projects and products with minimal supervision by the scientist or engineer who requested the work.  The technician is expected to work in a flexible, team environment during performance of these duties. The Manager may assign other responsibilities and tasks as seen fit for this position.

 

Typical R&D Laboratory Technician duties

Product Testing Laboratory Project mixing and testing Participating in Laboratory Team Participating in cross-training Operating any necessary lab equipment Troubleshooting test equipment Calibration verifications & routine care of equipment Improving method accuracy Developing new tests Data Entry and Management
Essential Full Performance Knowledge Test method Knowledge Test equipment knowledge Safety procedures knowledge Math/algebra Laboratory Information System knowledge Computer knowledge of current software programs Membrane and Adhesive processing technology Mixing Milling Extrusion Aging Testing Elementary concepts in roofing system technology Design Installation Heat welding Elementary knowledge of polymer materials and compounds Company rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. Internal processing and purchasing specifications. ASTM test methods and SOP procedures Handling, storage safe handling of hazardous waste and materials Essential Full Performance Skills Data Analysis Test output interpretation Data analysis (i.e. XR charts and histograms) Statistical calculations Ability to use data to make decisions. Leadership skills Helps solve problems. Ability to facilitate laboratory workload with good safety and practices. Ability to train others. Interpersonal skills-oral communication, written communication Communication with operators on the floor Communication with management staff Communication with departments outside R&D, the plants, Purchasing, outside auditors, vendors, suppliers, contractors, etc. Communication with other Technicians Computer literacy Skills with current business software employed by the Company Skills with process control software employed by the Company Skills with statistical software employed by the Company Skills with lab equipment software employed by the Company Operation of all lab equipment Individual and group problem solving skills Mathematical reasoning and problem solving

 Equipment Operated

Personal computer Familiar with all Laboratory and equipment such as Viscometers Instrons Durometer Lab mill Press cure press Hot air heat welding machines Balances and scales Fume hood Other current laboratory equipment All lab safety equipment and procedures. Materials All raw materials for CCM and Custom Mix Customers Experimental raw materials Mixed stock Work-in-process Finished products Competitive product Data Used Compound physical property statistics Sheeting physical property statistics Insulation physical property statistics Adhesives Physical property statistics Accessory physical properties and statistics Dimensional analysis data Statistical software information Raw material test data and specifications Plant processing specifications Supplier certificates of analysis SDS Interactions with others Production and Maintenance hourly personnel Production and Maintenance supervision Plant Technical/QA personnel R&D technicians, scientists, and engineers Suppliers/Vendors Purchasing agents Work Environment

            Factory, office, and laboratory.  Fast paced, task oriented.  No direct supervision.    

            Can be noisy and dirty.

Time Worked Hours worked-typically daylight 7am to 4pm, 7:30am to 4:30pm or 8am to 5 pm. Days worked-Monday through Friday with Saturday and/or Sunday overtime possible depending on specific CCM schedules and needs. Position is a support position for a 24 hour/day, five to seven-day operation. Physical Requirements Sitting (at desk, PC, meetings, workstations) Ability to operate computers and data stations Standing (evaluation/observation of processes, procedures, materials, etc.) Walking Sight (visual observation of all processes/products/materials is required) Hearing (listen to machinery, telephone, paging system) Hand-eye coordination, dexterity and strength to operate lab equipment Climbing stairs Operating mechanical equipment such as mixers, welders, etc Other physical requirements required to acquire or locate material in the warehouse or on job sites. Ability to lift up to 40 lbs (1/2polymer bale or 5 gallon can of solvent or adhesive) is required.  Educational Requirements Education-High school diploma or GED with industry coursework in mathematics, science and computers. Understanding of statistical methods required.  Experience 1-3 years of experience preferred working a lab environment. Familiar with lab equipment and/or equipment listed above. Ability to multitask and work in a fast-paced environment. Ability to work well within a team and as a self-led individual contributor. Strong organizational, communication and computer skills. Strong attention to detail and adherence to strict processing procedures. Strong problem-solving skills, self-motivated & a good work ethic.

#LI-LT1