Research & Development Technician

ROCKWOOL Group•Chicago, IL

10d•Onsite

About The Position

ROCKWOOL is seeking a hands-on Research & Development Technician to join its Development Engineering team at the Chicago, Illinois location. The technician supports product development by organizing the laboratory, setting up tests, building ceiling mock-ups, preparing samples, maintaining equipment readiness, and performing standard testing activities. The role helps maintain a safe, organized, and effective R&D laboratory while supporting engineers in the testing and evaluation of ceiling system products and materials. The position is fully on-site and requires 10–20% travel within the USA. The role includes testing ceiling systems and materials, including strength, fire, and seismic tests; constructing prototypes, fixtures, and mock-ups; evaluating products against industry standards and internal requirements; collecting and reporting test data; and maintaining tools, materials, equipment, and lab spaces. The technician works with Engineering, Quality Assurance, Production, project managers, and external testing partners to plan tests, communicate progress, resolve issues, and support product compliance. The position requires careful attention to safety, independent ownership of assigned work, meeting deadlines, and proactively improving lab workflows and organization. The annual salary range is $65,000–$75,000. The role is part of Rockfon, a ROCKWOOL Group business that provides ceiling system solutions. ROCKWOOL describes sustainability as central to its business strategy and states a commitment to inclusive employment and equal opportunity.

Requirements

Associate degree with five years of relevant experience, or seven years of related experience in lieu of a degree.
ASQ Certified Quality Technician (CQT) certification or willingness to obtain it within one year.
Proficiency with hand tools, power tools, measurement instruments, and Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
Ability to read engineering drawings, interpret test data, and communicate findings clearly.
Ability to work on ladders, perform overhead work, and lift or carry up to 50 lbs.
Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, problem-solving, organization, and time management skills.
Effective communication and teamwork skills, initiative, and ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Hands-on approach to testing, fabrication, troubleshooting, material handling, and laboratory organization.
Strong commitment to workplace safety.

Nice To Haves

Experience with ceiling systems, construction mock-ups, mechanical assembly, fabrication, or machine shop practices.
Knowledge of 5S or workplace organization methods.
A valid forklift license in good standing.

Responsibilities

Test ceiling systems and materials, including strength, fire, and seismic testing.
Build ceiling mock-ups, document results, and support product development.
Evaluate products against industry standards and internal requirements through accurate testing, measurement, and documentation.
Build prototypes, test fixtures, and ceiling mock-ups using hand tools, power tools, and fabrication techniques.
Read and interpret engineering drawings.
Record, analyze, and report test data using Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, and communicate findings clearly.
Maintain clean, safe, and organized laboratory and testing areas.
Manage tools, materials, and equipment; troubleshoot issues; and coordinate equipment repairs and calibration.
Collaborate with Engineering, Quality Assurance, Production, project managers, and external testing partners to plan tests, communicate progress, resolve issues, and support product compliance.
Follow safety procedures and ensure safe use of tools, ladders, PPE, and material handling equipment, including compliance by lab visitors and team members.
Manage assigned tasks and laboratory resources independently, meet deadlines, and proactively improve laboratory organization, workflows, and processes.
Travel within the USA as required.