Lab Technician

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position title: Laboratory Technician Reports to: Regional Technical and Quality Manager Location: PVNA Position level: Plant Management: No direct reports Department: Technical Services Laboratory / Metrology Purpose of the job The Laboratory Technician performs laboratory analysis, functional testing, and metrology work that supports new-product development, technical-service projects, customer investigations, and quality activities. The role ensures testing is performed safely and exactly to procedure, data and reports are accurate and traceable, laboratory equipment remains calibrated, and controlled records are complete and audit ready. This is not a "run the test and log the number" job. We are looking for a curious, analytical technician who wants to understand why a part performs the way it does, who spots the result that doesn't fit, and who brings ideas for doing the work better - while holding the line on the procedures that protect our data, our customers, and our people. Main Responsibilities Testing & Analysis Set up and conduct functional tests for new and existing products in accordance with approved procedures and component-specific requirements. Coordinate with Product Development, Engineering, and Quality to establish functional test methods for new products, and prepare work instructions as needed. Analyze results using prescribed methods and approved software; identify trends, outliers, and unexpected behavior, and elevate findings with a clear explanation of what was observed. Support customer complaint and nonconformance investigations by performing evaluations, documenting evidence (measurements, photos, samples), and contributing to root-cause analysis (5 Why, fishbone, 8D). Generate work orders or Experimental Part Requests for testing performed in the Technical Services laboratories in Greenville or Yonkers. Critical Lab Procedures, Safety & Compliance Follow critical laboratory procedures, test methods, and safety requirements exactly as written; never deviate from an approved method without documented authorization. Recognize the limits of a method or of your own competence and seek direction before results or safety are compromised. Document any deviation, abnormal condition, or out-of-tolerance finding immediately and notify the appropriate lead. Maintain sample identification, retention, and traceability from receipt through disposition. Maintain safe, orderly, and efficient Technical Services and Metrology laboratory work areas, including correct use of PPE and proper handling of chemicals, pressurized products, and test equipment. Metrology & Calibration Ensure laboratory and metrology equipment is calibrated and maintained according to approved procedures and schedules; coordinate with external calibration providers. Support vision systems, melt-index testing, gauge R&R / measurement system studies, and SPC system implementation and upkeep. Maintain laboratory materials, supplies, fixtures, and consumables at appropriate levels for uninterrupted operation. Documentation & Data Integrity Record test data in accordance with written procedures, following good documentation practices (complete, legible, contemporaneous, and traceable). Prepare reports using approved formats and review all records for accuracy, completeness, and compliance before release. Organize and maintain specifications, drawings, test data, reports, and other controlled documents in approved hard-copy and electronic systems. Support controlled-document maintenance and internal and external audits. Customer & Cross-Functional Interaction Interact face to face with customers during lab visits, tours, audits, joint testing, and investigation reviews, representing the laboratory and the company professionally. Present test results, observations, and limitations clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences, in person or virtually. Communicate testing status, risks, and required follow-up to Technical Services, Quality, and project stakeholders in a timely manner. Partner with Manufacturing, Quality, and Engineering to resolve issues quickly and share what the lab is learning. Priorities, Improvement & Learning Manage multiple concurrent requests and adapt quickly when priorities change; re-plan the workload and communicate impacts on other commitments. Identify and propose improvements to test methods, fixtures, workflows, and lab efficiency; help validate and document approved changes. Pursue ongoing learning in test methods, measurement techniques, product knowledge, and quality tools; share knowledge with the team. Train new employees on applicable laboratory methods, systems, documentation, equipment, and safety requirements. Perform other testing, technical-support assignments, and laboratory projects as directed by the Regional Technical and Quality Manager or designee. Main challenges & complexity Maintain accuracy, repeatability, traceability, and compliance while supporting multiple projects with rapidly shifting priorities. Balance creativity with discipline: improve how testing is done without ever compromising an approved procedure in the moment. Interpret technical requirements and turn raw observations into clear, defensible, error-free data and reports in a fast-paced environment. Represent the lab credibly with customers, including when results are unfavorable or still under investigation. Coordinate testing, calibration, documentation, audit support, and lab readiness across Technical Services, Quality, and Product Development. Communication Internal: Regional Technical and Quality Manager, Product Development, Engineering, Quality, Metrology, Manufacturing, Document Control, and project teams. External: Customers and customer technical/quality representatives, calibration providers, testing laboratories, equipment vendors, and technical-service partners. Knowledge Required High school diploma or GED. Strong math, reading, and written-communication skills, and a genuine interest in science and how things work. Demonstrated ability to follow detailed procedures precisely and keep accurate records. Proficiency with computers and Microsoft Office (Excel in particular); ability to learn databases, testing software, and document-control systems. Professional, customer-ready communication and interpersonal skills. English required. Preferred Associate degree (or progress toward one) in a laboratory, science, quality, engineering technology, or related technical field. One to two years of laboratory, metrology, or Quality Control experience, ideally in manufacturing. Familiarity with calibration, measurement tools (calipers, micrometers, optical/vision systems), SPC, document control, and internal audits. Exposure to problem-solving and root-cause tools such as 5 Why, fishbone, or 8D. Working knowledge of Spanish. Work Environment & Physical Requirements Work is performed in the Technical Services and Metrology laboratories and may include time in manufacturing and Quality areas. The employee must follow laboratory and site-safety procedures, use required PPE, work around test and metrology equipment and pressurized products, stand for extended periods, perform fine manual and visual inspection tasks, and occasionally lift up to 25 pounds using safe lifting techniques. Occasional travel to the Yonkers laboratory or other sites may be required. Additional Notes This is a general position description. Other specific duties may be assigned as required. This position description is not all-inclusive. #J-18808-Ljbffr Precision-Valve