R&D Technician

The R&D Technician is a hands-on technical position supporting the development, evaluation, and improvement of additive manufacturing materials, processes, equipment, and prototypes. This position works closely with scientists, engineers, and other members of the Customer Development Partnerships team to execute experiments, prepare and evaluate materials and components, build and test prototypes and subassemblies, and generate reliable technical data. The R&D Technician will translate experimental plans, technical drawings, specifications, and established test methods into practical laboratory and development activities. The position requires strong attention to detail, sound technical judgment, accurate documentation, and the ability to identify unexpected results, equipment issues, material inconsistencies, and potential design or process improvements and communicate them to the appropriate members of the R&D team. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Execute R&D experiments and development activities involving additive manufacturing materials, printing processes, equipment, and prototype components. Prepare resin formulations, test specimens, printed samples, cast samples, and other materials or components for experimental evaluation. Operate laboratory, testing, and manufacturing equipment in accordance with established procedures and experimental requirements. Conduct material, process, and component testing using appropriate measurement and analytical equipment and established test methods. Perform printing trials and other process experiments to evaluate new materials, parameters, designs, and manufacturing approaches. Execution of prototype printing and processing for R&D collaborations Use the MES system to track R&D prints from creation and to ensure end delivery for development partners Create and Manage builds in Construct Perform Quality Control inspection of parts and defect reporting Perform printer and post process equipment maintenance and upkeep for R&D efforts Support the setup, modification, calibration, and troubleshooting of prototype equipment, test fixtures, and experimental systems. Identify unexpected equipment behavior, material performance issues, dimensional or functional discrepancies, and other technical issues encountered during development activities. Work with engineers and scientists to troubleshoot problems and evaluate potential solutions or process changes. Collect, record, organize, and analyze experimental and test data with a high degree of accuracy. Maintain clear and complete documentation of experimental procedures, observations, results, equipment settings, and relevant deviations. Communicate experimental results, technical observations, and potential issues to R&D team members. Assist with development and improvement of test methods, experimental procedures, and laboratory processes. Assist in identifying opportunities to improve material performance, manufacturing processes, equipment operation, test methods, and experimental workflows. Maintain laboratory and R&D work areas in a clean, organized, and safe condition. Maintain appropriate laboratory records, equipment documentation, and material information as required. Follow established safety procedures, including requirements related to laboratory equipment, chemicals, mechanical systems, and other potential hazards. Perform other technical duties in support of R&D projects as assigned. Qualifications Bachelor's degree or at least two years of relevant work experience required. Experience working in a laboratory, engineering, manufacturing, research and development, testing, or other technical environment preferred. Experience with additive manufacturing, 3D printing, polymers, resins, coatings, adhesives, materials testing, or related technologies preferred. Experience operating laboratory, analytical, measurement, testing, or manufacturing equipment preferred. Experience supporting prototype development, engineering testing, or new product development preferred. Familiarity with polymers, resins, coatings, adhesives, or other engineered materials. Experience with material or mechanical testing methods. Familiarity with laboratory or analytical equipment such as rheometers, DSC, mechanical testers, or similar instrumentation. Experience with 3D printing or other additive manufacturing technologies. Experience with prototype assembly, test fixtures, or experimental equipment. Familiarity with CAD or other technical design software. Experience with data analysis, spreadsheets, or laboratory data-management systems. Experience working in a fast-paced R&D or product-development environment. Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to work hands-on with materials, equipment, tools, prototypes, and test systems. Ability to understand and follow experimental procedures, technical specifications, drawings, and test methods. Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate measurement, documentation, and data collection. Ability to recognize unusual results, inconsistencies, defects, or equipment behavior and communicate findings effectively. Basic ability to troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, fluid, pneumatic, materials, or process-related issues. Ability to use computers and software systems for data entry, documentation, data analysis, and technical record-keeping. Ability to work independently on assigned activities while collaborating effectively with engineers, scientists, and other technical personnel. Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple development activities or experiments. Commitment to safe laboratory and technical work practices. Willingness and ability to learn new materials, technologies, equipment, testing methods, and processes. Physical Demands The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job Site; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls. Lifting, pushing, pulling and carrying products weighing up to 45 pounds Potential exposure to moving mechanical parts, vibration, and moderate noise levels. Potential exposure to hazardous chemicals or other materials. Safety shoes compliant with site specific policies/procedures must be worn in designated areas Ability to sit, stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, and bend, stoop, kneel, or crouch as required by laboratory, testing, and prototype-development activities. Ability to use hands and fingers to handle, manipulate, assemble, and inspect small and large components, materials, tools, and equipment. Ability to operate a computer, keyboard, mouse, laboratory equipment, hand tools, and other technical equipment. #J-18808-Ljbffr Inkbit