R&D Lab Technician

Overview Join the Gaco team, a trusted name in building envelope solutions with a heritage dating back to 1955. We’re seeking an R&D Lab Technician who’s ready to be part of a company committed to formulating everyday success for every customer through innovative, reliable products used to adhere, seal, and protect at every level of the building envelope. We are seeking a motivated, hands-on R&D Spray Foam Technician to support the development and evaluation of innovative two-component polyurethane spray foam systems. This position plays a critical role in preparing, spraying, and evaluating experimental foam formulations while working closely with scientists and engineers to advance new product development. This position involves operating industrial spray equipment, preparing materials, building test assemblies, and performing physical product evaluations in both laboratory and pilot-scale environments. The ideal candidate enjoys practical, hands-on work, is mechanically inclined, and is comfortable performing physically demanding tasks. Salary range: 50K to 74K + Annual Incentive Bonus. What You\'ll Be Doing Prepare, mix, and apply experimental two-component spray foam formulations using plural-component spray equipment. Set up, operate, clean, and maintain spray equipment, pumps, hoses, and associated application systems. Evaluate foam performance including rise profile, yield, adhesion, density, dimensional stability, cell structure, and other physical properties. Prepare test panels, substrates, and mock-up assemblies for product evaluations. Collect, document, and communicate experimental results accurately using laboratory notebooks and electronic databases. Assist scientists with formulation development by preparing raw materials and supporting experimental trials. Troubleshoot equipment and application issues while maintaining safe operating practices. Support pilot-scale production trials and manufacturing transfers as needed. Maintain laboratory, spray booth, and equipment in a clean, organized, and safe condition. Work collaboratively with R&D scientists, engineers, manufacturing, and Quality personnel to support development projects. What Are We Looking For Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience applying two-component polyurethane spray foam using plural-component spray equipment. Demonstrated experience setting up, operating, troubleshooting, and maintaining spray foam application equipment. Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to identify and resolve equipment and application issues. Ability to accurately follow procedures and maintain detailed documentation. Proficiency with Google (Docs, Sheets). Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with scientists, engineers, and manufacturing personnel. Physical Requirements Frequently stand, bend, kneel, and move throughout the workday. Lift and carry up to 50 pounds on a regular basis. Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including respirators and protective clothing. Work in laboratory, pilot plant, and spray booth environments. Comfortable performing repetitive manual tasks and equipment cleaning. Preferred Qualifications Experience operating plural-component spray equipment or similar industrial application equipment. Experience with polyurethane spray foam, coatings, adhesives, sealants, or related polymer systems. Familiarity with construction materials testing or product performance evaluations. Extensive industrial experience in spray polyurethane foam, coatings, adhesives, sealants, or related polymer applications is highly valued and will be given greater consideration than formal education. An Associate\'s or Bachelor\'s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Engineering Technology, or a related field is considered a plus but is not required. What We Offer Competitive Compensation Retirement Savings Medical, Dental, Disability and Life Insurance Coverage Holistic Health & Well-Being Programs Health Savings Accounts (HSA) & Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for Health and Dependent Care Vision and other Voluntary Benefits and Discounts Paid Time Off and Holidays Paid Parental Leave (Maternity and Paternity) Educational Assistance Program #J-18808-Ljbffr Amrize