Blending Lab Technician - DIST

Ravago Americas•Baytown, TX

About The Position

The Blending Lab Technician inspects and analyzes materials, performs and documents laboratory testing, and reports results in support of the facilities business. The role operates laboratory and molding equipment, prepares samples and blends, verifies equipment standards and operating conditions, and records and files results using internal material codes and shared file systems. Testing is performed according to customer specifications and applicable ISO or ASTM procedures. The position primarily operates in an office setting but requires working in shared space with constant noise, with or without a private office. Schedules may vary according to business demands and may exceed 40 hours with or without notice. The role involves a variety of standing, sitting, and walking during the day, as well as regular verbal communication, listening, reading, comprehension, and typing.

Requirements

At least 2 years of experience in a laboratory environment.
Knowledge of melting points for most plastics.
Ability to differentiate between polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP).
Demonstrated understanding of basic math.
High school diploma or GED.
Basic knowledge of Excel and Outlook.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual ability.

Responsibilities

Operate laboratory equipment according to instructions to conduct material tests.
Perform daily laboratory standards and record and verify that equipment is operating according to internal standards.
Test, record, store, and file laboratory results using internal material codes.
Enter data into shared file systems.
Test material according to customers’ testing needs and specifications, including D2A, 6002A, 6002G, AASHTO, 7002A, and 7002AC.
Perform sample blends using specified grams per component, homogenize the blends, and test them.
Review bulk inventory by email, verifying inventory, codes, pounds received, and location to complete appropriate documentation.
Verify that the chill water unit is operating within its specified range so equipment such as the compression molded press and film line performs optimally.
Operate injection molding equipment and mold test bars according to ASTM.
Perform tests according to applicable ISO procedures, including melt index and melt flow tests for specified plastics, density, tensile bars, NCTL, NCLS, ESCR, and room- and cold-temperature notched Izod tests.
Mold specimens to specification for Izod, Type I tensile bars, and flex bars.
Operate film extruder equipment to fabricate film from pellets.
Identify contamination other than polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP).
Perform other duties as assigned.