Process and Materials Lab Technician

Cormetech Inc•Durham, NC

9d•Onsite

About The Position

We are currently expanding our team and are looking for a Process and Materials Lab Technician. At CORMETECH our Process and Materials Lab Technicians are enthusiastic about supporting production experiments led by the Development Department. Your primary role will be to operate pilot scale lab equipment according to the prescribed procedures and internal standards. You will perform duties in the processing areas and conduct material testing of wet and calcined products. At the heart of clean air, Cormetech is the global leader in the design, manufacture, and full lifecycle management of technologies that clean the air pollutants and carbon dioxide linked to climate change. The company’s reputation is built on three decades of developing and delivering market-leading selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalysts and CO2 adsorbers, the building blocks of emissions control and CO2 capture systems. If you are looking to make a difference in the world you have found the right place. Join us as we continue to fight climate change.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent
Strong organizational skills
Ability to work effectively independently
Excellent communication skills
Strong mathematical skills
Intermediate Excel

Nice To Haves

Some College preferred but not required.
Associate or bachelor’s degree in science or related field
Prior laboratory experience
Good analytical ability

Responsibilities

Accurately identify, weigh, and prepare raw materials according to specified formulations, quantities, sequence, and processing instructions.
Operate laboratory-scale mixers and kneaders while monitoring and recording process variables including moisture, temperature, pressure, RPM, energy, power, and peak time.
Assess equipment and material behavior, make approved minor adjustments, and recognize when additional technical support is needed.
Visually assess and test finished batches using moisture balances, Curdmeter/plasticity testing equipment, pH meters, and other applicable equipment to verify batch/drop specifications.
Document process conditions, adjustments, observations, and test results; provide useful process feedback to engineering as knowledge and experience develop.
Perform routine equipment changeovers, cleaning, and basic equipment care while efficiently managing assigned daily work.
Set up and operate hydraulic extrusion equipment according to processing requests, including selection and installation of specified dies, screens, backers, and extrusion hardware.
Control extrusion pressure and speed within established guidelines to consistently produce quality honeycomb logs
Assess extrudate quality and flow-front profile, making approved hardware adjustments as needed and providing process recommendations as experience develops.
Inspect dies and screens for wear using pin gauges, microscopes, and other applicable tools; promptly report out-of-specification conditions, pin loss, or equipment concerns.
Disassemble, clean, inspect, and reassemble screw, barrel, and related extrusion components between batches or as required.
Operate and monitor humidity- and temperature-controlled drying equipment, including daily weight-loss measurements and restoration of operating conditions when required.
Monitor and document log weight, moisture, dimensions, and physical condition throughout drying and other specified processing steps.
Prepare samples to specified dimensions using bandsaws and other applicable equipment while maintaining proper sample identification and documentation.
Operate furnaces for calcination, burnout, and other thermal treatments, including selecting or modifying programs according to experimental requests and reporting abnormal conditions.
Prepare, label, organize, and submit samples according to testing requests, maintaining accurate paperwork and traceability throughout processing.
Support development trials and perform additional sample preparation, measurements, processing, and experimental activities as required by laboratory or production-floor development work.
Follow all safety policies, procedures, and required PPE practices when operating equipment and handling materials.
Recognize unsafe or abnormal conditions, stop work when appropriate, and promptly communicate safety, equipment, or process concerns to supervision.
Follow standard operating procedures and experimental instructions accurately, seeking clarification when conditions or results fall outside established expectations.
Maintain required records, sample traceability, and work areas in accordance with laboratory procedures and internal requirements.
Safely perform the physical requirements of the position, including routinely handling materials, equipment, and samples weighing up to 40 lbs.
Support special projects and other laboratory, production, or development activities as assigned.