Research & Development Zirconia Technician

Argen Corporation • San Diego, CA

4d • $70,000 - $80,000

About The Position

The Research & Development Zirconia Technician assists in preparing materials, operating laboratory and production equipment, and documenting results in support of research and development testing in the zirconia production facility. The position performs work in accordance with established procedures and Company safety, quality, and confidentiality requirements.

Argen is a family-owned, privately held company based in San Diego, California. It operates a manufacturing center providing dental solutions and focuses on dental alloys, zirconia, and digital dentistry solutions. The company invests in product improvement initiatives through its Quality Management System. Its products are FDA regulated and ISO certified.

Requirements

• Associate of Science degree in engineering technology, chemistry, materials science, physics, or a related technical field, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience.
• At least three years of hands-on experience in a research and development, laboratory, or technical manufacturing environment.
• Working knowledge of basic math, including weights, ratios, percentages, and metric units.
• Accuracy and attention to detail when performing measurements, following procedures, and maintaining documentation.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to document work clearly and report results.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, prioritize assigned tasks, and maintain professional working relationships.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional research and development, production, quality, and engineering teams.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with laboratory or production equipment.
• Experience with data entry or laboratory data systems.
• Understanding of manufacturing quality systems and regulatory requirements; ISO 13485 and cGMP are preferred.

Responsibilities

• Participate in product development activities for new and existing manufacturing processes.
• Prepare ceramic powder blends for research and development projects according to established formulations and procedures.
• Operate research and development equipment, such as mass scales, powder blenders, and hydraulic presses, in accordance with operating instructions and safety procedures.
• Assist other ceramics research and development team members with manufacturing and process development activities.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and contemporaneous project records in accordance with good documentation practices.
• Follow Company safety policies and procedures, including proper use of required PPE.
• Prepare test specimens and perform basic measurements, including dimensions, weight, density, and shrinkage.
• Support property testing, including flexural strength, translucency, and shade evaluation, as directed.
• Compile results in spreadsheets or summary reports for R&D/Engineering review.
• Promptly report equipment malfunctions.
• Identify and report deviations, nonconforming results, or unexpected outcomes.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision plans.
• 401(k) with employer match.
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick time.
• Employee events.
• Wellness programs.
• Discounts on home, travel, entertainment, relaxation, mobile phone service, technology, airline and hotel bookings, theater and theme park tickets, and restaurants.
• Training and learning opportunities.
• Career development and advancement opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree