R&D Technician

UFP Industries•Prattville, AL

About The Position

We’re seeking an experienced Research Technician to support the growing needs of our R&D Team within Deckorators business. The successful candidate will work closely with the R&D staff to accelerate Product Development Cycle and New Product Introduction. A high degree of initiative and resilience to challenges is expected. Assist in expanding non-destructive testing capabilities of composite building materials. Conduct testing on product properties including standard QC tests as well as specialized non-QC tests. Develop in depth understanding of equipment and processes, troubleshooting and addressing issues. Assist in a phase or key part of a project by analyzing processes, products, or equipment against desired results, including formulation characterization and process optimization. Utilize pilot, lab scale, and production scale extrusion equipment to generate and process prototypes for further testing. Conduct experiments to improve upon or duplicate various materials and processes. Recommends improvements to R&D instrumentation, equipment, and lab procedures based on results analyzed. Assist in all trial runs, field evaluations, and analysis of customer requirements for a project. Assist in code qualification trials and testing. Presents meaningful results and unbiased conclusions to R&D and other technical functions. Assist in other functions of the R&D and engineering functions as directed. Be self-driven to meet project goals in a timely manner. Work under minimal supervision with project priorities in mind. Take ownership of the trial line to plan and execute trials efficiently. Assume accountability for assigned tasks and staying on schedule. Be flexible to adapt to changing work environment and priorities. Be willing to take more responsibilities as the job requires and evolves.

Requirements

Minimum of 5 years relevant experience, or an Associate/Bachelor degree in engineering, applied or physical sciences.

Nice To Haves

Extrusion or testing experience in extruded building products industry is a plus.
Working knowledge of polymer processing analysis, testing and equipment.
Demonstrated ability to analyze and report data, including testing equipment troubleshooting.
Understands lab scale processes and technologies for extrusion and composite building products.
Excellent mechanical and analytical aptitude.
Demonstrated ability to take ownership.
Sense of urgency and accountability.
Proactive communication.

Responsibilities

Assist in expanding non-destructive testing capabilities of composite building materials.
Conduct testing on product properties including standard QC tests as well as specialized non-QC tests.
Develop in depth understanding of equipment and processes, troubleshooting and addressing issues.
Assist in a phase or key part of a project by analyzing processes, products, or equipment against desired results, including formulation characterization and process optimization.
Utilize pilot, lab scale, and production scale extrusion equipment to generate and process prototypes for further testing.
Conduct experiments to improve upon or duplicate various materials and processes.
Recommends improvements to R&D instrumentation, equipment, and lab procedures based on results analyzed.
Assist in all trial runs, field evaluations, and analysis of customer requirements for a project.
Assist in code qualification trials and testing.
Presents meaningful results and unbiased conclusions to R&D and other technical functions.
Assist in other functions of the R&D and engineering functions as directed.
Be self-driven to meet project goals in a timely manner.
Work under minimal supervision with project priorities in mind.
Take ownership of the trial line to plan and execute trials efficiently.
Assume accountability for assigned tasks and staying on schedule.
Be flexible to adapt to changing work environment and priorities.
Be willing to take more responsibilities as the job requires and evolves.