PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT TEST TECHNICIAN

Vybond•Franklin, KY

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Product Development Test Technician executes laboratory testing and prepares lab-scale samples in support of research, new product development, product improvement, raw material qualification, process validation, troubleshooting, and cost-reduction initiatives. Working under the direction of the Product Development Test Engineer and in collaboration with Product Development, Quality, and Operations, the Technician plans and prioritizes assigned testing, operates and maintains analytical and physical test equipment, follows established methods and protocols, analyzes and documents results, and communicates findings to project stakeholders. The role requires accurate, traceable data; recognition and escalation of unusual or nonconforming results; support for application-relevant test methods; and compliance with safety, quality, regulatory, and data-integrity requirements. The Technician uses techniques including microscopy, FTIR, rheology, DSC, TGA, and standard tape testing such as peel, shear, and tack across various substrates. The role also prepares lab-scale adhesive tape samples by coating liquid adhesives onto release liner, drying them, laminating them with selected backing, and conditioning them for evaluation. Testing methods are developed and executed to reflect real-world application and end-use conditions and to help correlate laboratory results with customer performance and field expectations. The position maintains testing protocols and documentation for products supported out of Franklin, Kentucky, and provides broader company support as needed. It also supports root cause analysis, quality and continuous-improvement initiatives, cost reduction, lab performance, and safe laboratory operations.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required.
Ability to collect, organize, analyze, and accurately document technical data; recognize unusual or nonconforming results; and escalate concerns for technical review.
Strong mathematical, analytical, organizational, and computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word.
Commitment to laboratory safety and chemical-handling practices, including compliance with SDS, OSHA, environmental, and company requirements.
Ability to manage multiple test requests, prioritize work, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing project and customer needs.
Ability to clearly communicate test methods, observations, results, and data limitations to Product Development, Quality, Operations, and other cross-functional stakeholders.
Ability to work independently within established procedures and recognize when technical, quality, safety, or data-integrity issues require escalation.
Ability to travel and work flexible hours as needed to support testing, trials, and business requirements.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree or technical certification in laboratory science, chemistry, materials science, quality, manufacturing technology, or a related technical discipline.
One to two years of related laboratory, analytical testing, quality, product development, or manufacturing experience.
Hands-on experience operating laboratory test equipment and following written test methods, specifications, protocols, and standard operating procedures.
Experience with pressure-sensitive adhesive or materials testing, including peel, shear, tack, coating weight, thickness, microscopy, FTIR, rheology, DSC, or TGA.
Ability to prepare lab-scale adhesive tape samples, including coating, drying, laminating, conditioning, cutting, and labeling test specimens.
Basic understanding of calibration, preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, measurement-system control, and good laboratory practices.
Familiarity with ASTM and PSTC test methods and ISO 9001, IATF 16949, ISO 13485, or similar quality-management systems.
Experience with PowerPoint, D365, Minitab, laboratory information systems, or statistical software.

Responsibilities

Provide testing expertise to support research, innovation, new product development, and product improvements using analytical and physical testing techniques.
Prepare lab-scale adhesive tape samples by coating liquid adhesives onto release liner, drying, laminating with selected backing, and conditioning samples for evaluation.
Develop and execute test methods that replicate real-world applications and end-use conditions.
Plan, prioritize, and execute testing for assigned projects; interpret protocols, analyze data, and communicate results to cross-functional teams.
Conduct testing to support root cause analysis involving raw materials, product quality, and process variability, partnering with Product Development, Quality, and Operations.
Ensure testing systems, protocols, and documentation meet applicable industry standards, regulatory requirements, and internal policies, with emphasis on data integrity, accuracy, and traceability.
Prepare technical reports and summaries to support decision-making and business objectives.
Maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment to support reliable, repeatable results and lab readiness.
Support quality, continuous improvement, and cost-reduction initiatives by identifying ways to improve testing methods, reduce variability, and increase lab efficiency; track and report metrics as applicable.
Maintain ownership of testing protocols and associated documentation for products supported out of Franklin, Kentucky, and provide broader company support as needed.
Safely handle, store, and dispose of chemicals in accordance with SDS, OSHA, environmental, and company policies, and promote a safe work environment.
Contribute to operational excellence initiatives and overall laboratory performance goals.