Laboratory Technician

Suzano Packaging • Pine Bluff, AR

12d

About The Position

The Laboratory Technician is an entry-level technician role in the laboratory department. Employees are expected to have a general understanding of the lab’s responsibilities and functions and to have completed the tasks and functions identified for the position. The role supports product quality through testing, calibration, sample handling, documentation, and maintenance of a clean and safe work area.

The technician performs tests on samples from extruders and paper production, including physical, visual, absorption, strength, and surface-quality tests. The role also changes and checks testing solutions, calibrates equipment, records results, and completes checklists. Laboratory work includes walking through the lab and mill to gather samples and may involve exposure to high noise levels; hearing protection is provided.

The position requires a high school diploma or GED, basic math and computer skills, attention to detail, organization, willingness to learn and follow instructions, soft skills, reliability, punctuality, and safety awareness. Applicants must have passed the qualification test for the Tech IV position. The role includes a compensation and benefits package, career growth opportunities, internal promotions, and annual or skills-based wage increases.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Basic math skills.
• Basic computer skills.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Willingness to learn and follow instructions from supervisors and experienced employees.
• Soft skills.
• Reliability, punctuality, and safety consciousness.
• Must have passed the qualification test for the Tech IV position.
• Ability to stand for long periods, climb stairs, and walk throughout the lab and mill.
• Ability to perform repetitive movements and visually inspect products using testing equipment at close range or a few feet away.
• Ability to handle objects and samples with hands and fingers; bending, stretching, stooping, twisting, or reaching may be required.
• Ability to lift, push, pull, or carry objects weighing up to 40 pounds using upper-body strength.
• Ability to support the body and remain physically active for long periods.
• Ability to work with exposure to high noise levels for short or long periods; hearing protection will be provided.

Responsibilities

• Analyze burr holes twice per shift.
• Conduct heat seal and micro pit tests on every fifth reel sample for Extruders #6, 7, 8, and 9.
• Perform pinhole, dyne treatment, and streak tests on every fifth reel sample for Extruders #6, 7, 8, and 9.
• Conduct aged adhesion (X-cut) tests on every fifth reel sample for Extruders #6, 7, 8, and 9.
• Check dyne solutions daily for expiration and replace them as needed.
• Change burr hole and pinhole solutions every Monday.
• Monitor the heat-sealer temperature to ensure it remains within required parameters.
• Complete standardization reports to document test results and equipment calibration records.
• Perform coffee wicking testing for new coffee runs.
• Change lactic acid and Sorbit P solutions at the start of every shift.
• Calibrate the Huygen bond tester, manual opacity meter, and brightness meters.
• Perform manual internal bond tests.
• Manually test wet and dry tensile strength.
• Conduct manual brightness and fluorescence tests.
• Perform manual Z-Directional Tensile (ZDT) tests.
• Conduct modified excello tests on coated samples and manually test edge smoothness.
• Manually test samples for the presence of metals.
• Check paper samples for curls.
• Manually test the static coefficient of friction.
• Conduct manual dirt count tests.
• Complete the daily checklist and perform necessary equipment checks and calibrations.
• Complete Cobb testing.
• Perform new or existing tests as needed to determine whether the paper machine is aligned for good paper.
• Maintain housekeeping during and at the end of the shift; keep the lab organized and clean.
• Follow health and safety protocols and maintain work surfaces and equipment.
• Change nitric acid once per week or when necessary.
• Handle, cut, and store samples properly, promptly, and accurately.

Benefits

• Medical coverage, including a Comprehensive PPO, two HRA plans, and an HSA plan.
• Dental coverage with basic and comprehensive options.
• Vision coverage with basic and premier options.
• Prescription drug coverage.
• 401(k) with a 2.75% company match, eligible Day 1, with 100% immediate vesting.
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
• Livongo diabetes program.
• Career growth opportunities, internal promotions, and annual or skills-based wage increases.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED