Materials Testing Technician (Textiles/Apparel)

Overview:

Business Title: Softlines Test Technician II

Position Title: Technician II

Division: Consumer Products Services

Entity: Consumer Products Services

Reports to: Softlines Supervisor

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Location: Buffalo, NY

Hours Worked: Typically, Monday through Friday, 40 per week

However, must be flexible to meet the needs of the department and complete other projects as assigned.

Position Summary:

The Softlines Technician II is responsible for hands-on testing of apparel, soft home products, carpeting, and upholstery to test fiber content and ensure regulatory label accuracy. This role focuses primarily on chemical, mechanical, and physical testing to confirm material claims, while also advising clients on correct labeling based on test results. The position supports daily lab operations through testing, reporting data, and technical writing, requiring strong attention to detail and technical precision.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Knowledge of how to access the latest revisions of standards, protocols, and test methods, with direction.
• Evaluate products submitted for testing for quality / safety issues, with direction from senior staff in a limited scope.
• Prepares a variety of samples for testing using prescribed testing methods, following testing standards / specifications, in a limited scope.
• Conducts testing or analyzes a variety of consumer products for basic bench analysis and limited analytical instrumentation using prescribed testing methods, following testing standards / specifications appropriate to the sample, in a limited scope.
• Use and verify (if applicable) test equipment and instruments and maintain record keeping system for calibration / quality system integrity with direction.
• Maintain test equipment, supplies, lab cleanliness (and limited analytical instrumentation).
• Accurately record test data per BV Quality guidelines.
• Assist with department testing in other areas, with direction, as required.
• Organizes and manages workload to meet or exceed laboratory turnaround time and client expectations.
• Assist in the technical and administrative aspects of various departmental projects as directed.
• Accurately compile data, prepare and review written technical reports in a limited scope
• Interface with senior staff for direction on interpretations pertaining to compliance and standards.
• Identify and troubleshoot technical issues in a limited scope with direction from senior staff.
• Adhere to the requirements of the Bureau Veritas Consumer Products Services Quality System.
• Provide feedback to department manager regarding departmental systems, processes and recommendations for improvements and meeting department / quality objectives.
• Follow the guidelines set forth in the Bureau Veritas Consumer Products Services, Inc. Safety / Chemical Hygiene Plan.
• Other duties as defined by Manager, department needs and workload.

Additional Responsibilities for Technician II:

• Evaluate test results data, with direction.
• Interpret and apply industry standards within a limited scope and with direction.
• Offer problem resolution, as applicable, for any client issues/questions identified, while aiming to enhance client satisfaction and improving client relations.
• Conduct verbal and written communications with internal clients regarding administrative and technical issues, with direction.
• Participate with senior staff in client meetings / visits, when appropriate.
• Identify and troubleshoot technical issues in a limited scope.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Problem solving and process improvement ability
• Possess and demonstrate written and verbal communication skills
• Organization and time management skills
• Ability to perform multiple tasks
• Ability to prioritize individual workload to meet or exceed deadlines
• Individual and team work ethic
• Basic computer skills: Windows, Word & Excel.
• Attention to detail
• Technical aptitude

Experience and Educational Background Required for the Job

Technician II:

• High school diploma or equivalent and 1-3 years related experience; or
• 2 year technical degree and 6-12 months related experience; or
• 4 year technical degree

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted in lieu of above.

Compensation Range: $19 - $21 an hour (e.g., the job posting is not necessarily reflective of actual compensation that may be earned, and actual compensation is subject to variation due to such factors as locations, education, experience, and skillset)