Powder Coater

Summary The R&D Technician provides hands‑on laboratory and engineering support to advance product development, testing, and plant initiatives. This role combines technical lab execution with administrative and project coordination responsibilities, ensuring efficient lab operations and accurate tracking of engineering activities. Duties and Responsibilities R&D / Laboratory Support (Approx. 75%) Serve as the primary day‑to‑day lab technician supporting engineering activities. Weigh, blend, and prepare materials for development trials and testing. Assemble and test pipe samples in support of R&D, product certification, and plant initiatives. Perform hands‑on technical work including machining, welding, and precision measurements (training provided as needed). Maintain lab organization, equipment readiness, and material inventory/flow. Support prototype development and act as a technical resource for machine shop activities. Administrative & Project Support (Approx. 25%) Process SAP transactions including requisitions, purchase orders, coding, and invoice tracking. Monitor and track engineering project spend and related invoices. Provide limited project coordination support, including scheduling and follow‑up (approx. 1 day/week). Maintain essential administrative processes required to support site operations. Education, Experience, and Qualifications Associate degree (2‑year) in a technical field (e.g., engineering technology, manufacturing, industrial technology) preferred. Hands‑on experience through technical programs, labs, internships, or prior roles. Demonstrated mechanical and technical aptitude (e.g., machining, welding, measurement tools, lab testing). Exposure to lab operations, material handling, or shop environments preferred. Experience with SAP or similar ERP systems preferred, or ability to quickly learn. Strong organization skills with the ability to manage both technical and administrative tasks. General computer skills; experience with Microsoft Office (e.g., Excel, Outlook, Word) required. Location and Schedule This is a fully onsite role. Must be able to commute daily to our Leola, PA office (80% of the time) and our Wayne, PA office (20% of the time). Must be currently residing in or near Leola, PA. Must be able to work Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm. Physical Demands The employee frequently sits; stands; walks; uses hands; reaches with hands and arms; talks or hears. Occasionally stoops, kneels, or crouches. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50pounds. Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Work Environment This position involves office/computer work and manufacturing plant work. The noise level in the plant environment is usually high. Some work may require the use of required personal protective equipment including safety glasses, hearing protection, steel‑toe shoes, fall protection, hard hats, etc. EEO Statement Westlake is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristics protected by applicable legislation. #J-18808-Ljbffr