R&D Lab Technician II

Mactac North America•Moosic, PA

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The Research & Development Lab Technician performs standardized testing assignments, sometimes devising special apparatus or techniques. The role may involve troubleshooting malfunctioning equipment and making simple repairs, extracting and processing test data, and performing routine analysis to check data accuracy, applicability, and reasonableness. The technician is proficient in the work and generally needs only occasional management support or supervision when handling intermediate to difficult issues. The position conducts laboratory and industry tests on raw materials, compounds, and coated products, including trials in the lab and plant. It uses laboratory test equipment and methods, sometimes modifying equipment to meet special requirements, and records and reports results for further interpretation by R&D personnel. The technician fabricates laboratory samples, coordinates testing with customers and vendors, assists with plant trials and product/process improvement efforts, and reports experimental results to internal personnel. The role also includes maintaining equipment and work areas and following the Laboratory Chemical Hygiene plan in laboratory and plant settings. The position is based in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and may require up to 15% travel with an R&D professional. Work is primarily on an assigned shift, with alternate shifts sometimes required to support business needs. The technician reports to the R&D Scientist and has no direct reports.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalency.
Three to seven years of laboratory experience.
Verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to interact with personnel at all levels within Mactac.
Working knowledge of personal computers and Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Math skills, with an emphasis on statistical interpretation of data.
Ability to work independently.
Valid driver's license.
Legal authorization to work in the United States; the employer will not sponsor employment visas for this opening.
Ability to use laboratory equipment to determine the performance of pressure-sensitive adhesives, including rheometers, lab coaters, lab mixers, UV curing units, and adhesion and shear testers.
Ability to meet the physical requirements of the role, including occasional lifting or moving of up to 50 pounds and use of required safety PPE in laboratory and manufacturing environments.

Nice To Haves

Four-year degree, preferably with an emphasis in math and chemistry.
Industry-related experience, such as coatings, structural adhesives, packaging adhesives, hot melt carton-sealing adhesives, or plastics compounding, may be acceptable.

Responsibilities

Conduct standard laboratory and industry tests to determine the nature and physical properties of raw materials, compounds, and coated products, including laboratory and plant trials.
Use laboratory test equipment and methods, modifying equipment when necessary to meet special test requirements.
Record test results in a laboratory record book or electronic database, provide basic interpretation, and prepare reports for further interpretation by R&D personnel.
Fabricate laboratory samples for R&D personnel or customers using standard or experimentally prepared compounds with web stocks as prescribed.
Coordinate laboratory testing with customers and vendors using relevant PS test methods as needed.
Occasionally assist R&D personnel in overseeing plant trial runs.
Support process and product improvement efforts using designed experimentation and appropriate statistical techniques for experimental planning and analysis.
Maintain clean equipment and work areas and routinely assist with laboratory cleaning or servicing.
Follow the Laboratory Chemical Hygiene plan during all phases of work in the lab and plant.
Report experimental results to internal personnel.
Work primarily on the assigned shift and, when needed, on alternate shifts to support business needs.
Perform other duties as needed and assigned by the supervisor.