Industrial R&D Technician

Westlake•Valley Forge, TN

3d•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

Education background in technical field with experience in technical or trade fields (e.g., engineering technology, manufacturing, industrial technology)
Hands-on experience with assembly, testing, technical construction, lab work or similar
Demonstrated mechanical and technical aptitude (e.g., machining, welding, measurement tools, lab testing)
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) preferred

Nice To Haves

Exposure to lab operations, material handling, or shop environments preferred

Responsibilities

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
Process 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