R&D Technician

Amrize • Portland, OR

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Performs testing for the Research and Development laboratory with limited supervision, including raw material and finished material testing. The position also assists quality technicians with training and root cause analysis, supports plant trials, maintains a safe and clean working environment, and helps with laboratory maintenance and organization.

The role conducts chemical and physical property testing on raw materials, laboratory and production samples, and finished products. It partners with manufacturing and research employees and management to evaluate the capability of new processes in the plants, and generates data or reports from plant trials for technical review. The technician also audits and calibrates laboratory equipment, maintains routine laboratory supplies, and assists with documentation of laboratory procedures.

The position works in laboratory, office, and production environments typical of manufacturing. Conditions may include hot and cold temperatures, noise, moving machinery, dust, and fumes. The job involves walking and climbing stairs or ladders, safely handling hot materials exceeding 400°F, and lifting up to 65 pounds. Machinery operation requires PPE, and respirator use is subject to fit-testing and facial-hair requirements.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• 1–3 years of prior manufacturing or laboratory technician experience.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment within established policies and procedures, including authority and responsibility to withhold materials and shipments when situations arise.
• Ability to identify and implement strategies that help parties with different or opposing outlooks recognize common goals and work together.
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced, productive work environment.
• Ability to adapt positively to shifting priorities and changing circumstances.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, manage multiple tasks, meet critical deadlines, and organize and prioritize work over the long term.
• Flexibility in scheduling, including the ability to work outside normal business hours as business needs change.
• Adhere to safety protocols and properly use approved PPE, including respirators when required; respirator users must be clean-shaven where the respirator seal meets the face to pass fit tests.
• Ability to safely handle hot materials exceeding 400°F and lift up to 65 pounds.
• Ability to distinguish colors and shades, with distance vision and depth perception.
• Use required PPE for machinery operation, including safety glasses, hearing protection, safety-toe work boots, long sleeves, long pants, and hard hats.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience as a quality technician, process technician, or operations technician, or experience working in a manufacturing environment.
• Associate or bachelor's degree in a scientific or technical field.

Responsibilities

• Adhere to company policies, including safety requirements and the use of personal protective equipment.
• Work with the Director of Research and assigned Researcher to determine job priorities and work schedules.
• Generate data and reports from plant trials for technical review.
• Conduct chemical and physical property testing on raw materials, laboratory and production samples, and finished products.
• Partner with manufacturing and research employees and management to ensure new processes are capable of operating in the plants.
• Interact with all levels of the company.
• Regularly audit laboratory equipment to ensure proper operation.
• Maintain routine laboratory supplies for the department.
• Regularly calibrate laboratory equipment.
• Assist with writing and implementing documentation for laboratory procedures involving raw materials and finished products.
• Follow all documented procedures and standards used by the department and industry.
• Communicate effectively with quality control, production, maintenance, operations, warehouse personnel, and plant management.
• Maintain regular and predictable attendance.
• Assist quality technicians with training and root cause analysis.
• Assist with plant trials and laboratory maintenance and organization.
• Maintain a safe and clean working environment.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• 401(k) pre-tax and/or Roth after-tax retirement savings
• Medical, dental, disability, and life insurance
• Holistic health and well-being programs
• Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for health and dependent care
• Vision and other voluntary benefits and discounts
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Paid parental leave, including maternity and paternity leave
• Educational Assistance Program

What This Job Offers

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