Research & Development Technician

ROCKWOOL Group•Chicago, IL

1d•$65,000 - $75,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Research & Development Technician is a hands-on role on the Development Engineering team, supporting product development through laboratory organization, test setup, ceiling mock-up construction, sample preparation, equipment readiness, and standard testing activities. The technician helps maintain a safe, organized, and effective R&D laboratory while assisting engineers in testing and evaluating ceiling system products and materials. The role is based at ROCKWOOL’s Chicago, Illinois location, is fully on-site, and requires 10–20% travel within the United States. The position supports product testing and compliance, prototype design and fabrication, data collection and reporting, equipment and laboratory maintenance, and collaboration with Engineering, Quality Assurance, Production, project managers, and external testing partners. It requires safe use of tools, ladders, PPE, and material-handling equipment, as well as independent ownership of assigned tasks and ongoing improvement of laboratory workflows.

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 pounds.
Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, problem-solving, organization, and time-management skills.
Effective communication and teamwork, 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 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.
Work 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 United States as required.