R&D TECHNICIAN

Description

The R&D Technician supports the area of the R&D department by setting up, calibrating, operating, and cleaning equipment used in the manufacturing or testing of thermoplastic compounds under the direction of Product Development Engineers. They work in a fast-paced collaborative environment, regularly interacting with engineering, quality, and manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Set-up and operate compounding extruders.
• Calibrate gravimetric feeders.
• Run experiments under the direction of Product Development Engineers.
• Set up, calibrate, and operate auxiliary equipment (e.g., GALA pelletizer and liquid inject pumps).
• Set up and operate injection molding machines for production of test specimens.
• Complete various tests on materials as requested by Product Development Engineering.
• Complete and submit documentation for work performed.
• Maintain cleanliness of lab area.
• All duties are performed in accordance with applicable safety guidelines, as well as appropriate processing standards.
• Other duties/responsibilities as assigned, or apparent.

Requirements

Skills and Abilities

• Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook required. The ability to utilize Microsoft Word and Excel is a plus.
• Working knowledge of ISO 9000 policies and procedures preferred.
• Ability to communicate and interpret oral and written instructions.
• Ability to work independently.
• Attendance is an essential function of the position.
• Must be able to read, write, and speak English.

Education and Experience

• High School or equivalency required; two-year technical degree preferred.
• 1-3 years prior laboratory work experience and familiarity with general laboratory practices preferred.
• Lean manufacturing experience is a plus.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

CONTACTS: Internal - Continuously (67 - 100%) External - Rarely (1 - 6%)

Contacts involve giving or exchanging information of a limited controversial nature.

Regularly

• Communicates via phone, email, in person
• Required to sit, perform keyboard work, for prolonged periods of time

• Proper personal safety equipment is to be used while performing this job as pointed out by plant safety procedures.
• Operates a computer and other office equipment such as a copy machine and printer.

Occasionally

• Lift and/or move up to 25 lbs.

• Exposed to hazardous materials as defined by the OSHA Hazard Communication standard.

Standard office and lab environment. The noise level is typically low to moderate, due to office and lab equipment.


Specific vision abilities may require close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.


Manual Dexterity: Repeatedly required to walk, bend, reach, twist, turn and stand, climb stairs, sit in one place for extended periods of time. Use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch; talk, hear, and see.