Lab Technician - 3rd Shift

Wacker Chemie AG•North Canton, OH

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Lab Technician is responsible for supporting the development and optimization of RTV and heat-curing silicone elastomer formulations for industrial applications. This role involves compounding, mixing, processing, and evaluating experimental silicone formulations using laboratory-scale processing equipment. The technician will also conduct formulation screening, benchmarking, and comparative performance studies against commercial products and competitive materials. A key aspect of the role is performing physical, mechanical, thermal, and rheological testing in accordance with ASTM, ISO, and internal test methods, and evaluating material properties such as hardness, tensile strength, elongation, tear resistance, compression set, cure characteristics, viscosity, rheology, adhesion performance, and thermal aging/environmental resistance. The position also includes operating and maintaining laboratory instrumentation and test equipment, accurately collecting, analyzing, and documenting test data, and managing raw material inventories. Ensuring proper chemical handling, storage, labeling, and disposal in compliance with EHS and regulatory requirements is crucial. The role requires maintaining detailed laboratory notebooks, test records, and technical reports consistent with company quality systems and adhering to all company Environmental, Health, Safety, and Security (EHSS) requirements.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED
Must be able to lift up to fifty (50) pounds on occasion.
1–3 years of laboratory, product development, quality, or related technical experience preferred.
Experience working in a chemical, materials, polymer, or manufacturing environment is beneficial.
Strong attention to detail and ability to follow established procedures.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills.
Strong organizational and time-management abilities.
Effective written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
Collaborative team-oriented mindset.
Experience with laboratory mixers, physical testing equipment, or elastomer testing.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and technical data recording.
Sound written and verbal skills to share and receive information with a variety of team members and external agents.
Extended periods of walking, standing, reaching, pulling, grabbing, stooping, bending, and twisting.
Ability to work legally in the United States on a permanent unrestricted basis.

Nice To Haves

Associates degree preferred.
Experience working in a chemical, materials, polymer, or manufacturing environment is beneficial.

Responsibilities

Compound, mix, process, and evaluate experimental silicone formulations using laboratory-scale processing equipment.
Conduct formulation screening, benchmarking, and comparative performance studies against commercial products and competitive materials.
Perform physical, mechanical, thermal, and rheological testing in accordance with ASTM, ISO, and internal test methods.
Evaluate material properties including: Hardness (Shore A/D), Tensile strength and elongation, Tear resistance, Compression set, Cure characteristics, Viscosity and rheology, Adhesion performance, Thermal aging and environmental resistance.
Operate and maintain laboratory instrumentation and test equipment, including mixers, curing ovens, tensile testers, rheometers, hardness testers, and environmental chambers.
Accurately collect, analyze, and document test data using laboratory information systems and standard reporting tools.
Maintain laboratory equipment through calibration verification, preventive maintenance, and troubleshooting activities.
Manage raw material inventories, including silicone polymers, fillers, crosslinkers, catalysts, pigments, and additives.
Ensure proper chemical handling, storage, labeling, and disposal in compliance with EHS and regulatory requirements.
Maintain detailed laboratory notebooks, test records, and technical reports consistent with company quality systems.
Adhere to all company Environmental, Health, Safety, and Security (EHSS) requirements.
Perform Safe work practices.
Read, follow and complete in process instructions, including documenting work steps and results.
Sample in-process and finished products.
Maintain housekeeping.
Report upset conditions and mechanical breakdowns.
Participate in training, both as a trainer and a trainee.
Enthusiastically accept required training in techniques, equipment and safety and train others as needed.
Other Duties Assigned.