Chemical Technician Specialist - Laboratory & Documentation Support

Job Description

Job Description

Chemical Technician Specialist – Laboratory & Documentation Support
Location: The Woodlands, TX (On-site)
Position Type: Contingent Contract (6–12 Months, Potential for Extension)
Pay Rate: $38.60 – $42.00 / hour (commensurate with experience)About the RoleOpenwork is seeking on behalf of our client an experienced Chemical Technician Specialist for a long-term assignment with a leading global specialty chemicals organization in The Woodlands, TX.This role requires hands-on formulation, compounding, and analytical evaluation of reactive polymer chemistries (epoxies, polyurethanes) and/or thermoplastics processing (melt extrusion) . The technician will perform sample preparation, physical/mechanical testing, and equipment operation while maintaining precise technical records, batch logs, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) within electronic laboratory management systems.Key Responsibilities

• Formulation & Processing: Prepare, mix, and cure reactive resin formulations (epoxies, polyurethanes, curing agents/catalysts) and/or operate thermoplastic processing equipment (twin/single-screw extruders, injection molders, compounders).
• Laboratory Testing & Operations: Execute mechanical, physical, and thermal characterization on polymer samples following ASTM, ISO, and internal methods (e.g., tensile/flexural strength, viscosity, gel time, DSC, TGA, melt flow index).
• Equipment Operation & Care: Safely operate, calibrate, clean, and maintain specialized polymer processing and analytical test equipment; troubleshoot process parameters and log operational data.
• Technical Documentation: Accurately document formulations, processing parameters, batch sheets, and test results in Electronic Lab Notebooks (ELNs), SharePoint, and technical document repositories.
• Quality & EHS Compliance: Handle hazardous and reactive chemical systems (e.g., isocyanates, reactive amines, volatile additives) strictly adhering to chemical safety protocols, PPE requirements, and OSHA/EHS standards.

• Experience: 3–5+ years of hands-on laboratory or pilot plant experience in polymer chemistry, specialty chemicals, advanced composites, or plastics manufacturing.
• Core Technical Competencies (Must demonstrate experience in at least ONE track):
  • Track A – Reactive Chemistries: Direct experience formulating, handling, mixing, or testing reactive thermoset systems, specifically epoxies, polyurethanes, polyols, or isocyanates .
  • Track B – Thermoplastics Processing: Direct experience with thermoplastic melt extrusion (single/twin-screw), compounding, pelletizing, or melt flow testing.
• Testing Standards: Hands-on familiarity with polymer testing standards (ASTM/ISO for mechanical properties, rheology, thermal transitions, or cure kinetics).
• Chemical Safety: Strong working knowledge of hazardous chemical handling, SDS interpretation, and safe storage of reactive chemical components.
• Documentation & Systems: High proficiency in recording experimental data, batch records, and maintaining records in electronic lab management tools (ELN, LIMS, SharePoint).