Senior Lab Technician - Defense

Arclin•Richmond, VA

9h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Defense segment within the Arclin Aramids business is an exciting business focused on personal protection for soldiers and law enforcement agencies globally. We provide innovative materials used in soft body armor, hard body armor (helmets & plates), protective uniforms, vehicle armoring and civilian car armoring. The needs and expectations of personal protective equipment for military and law enforcement personnel continue to change to increase comfort while improving protection and performance of the wearer. We have several great brands used to promote our innovative products including Kevlar® and Nomex® the Defense segment is a growth segment with the expectation of investment in key initiatives for continued sustainable growth. The successful candidate will be responsible for assisting research scientists and engineers in and independently contributing to various aspects of research and development for Defense Segment projects. With minimal guidance from supervision and within established procedures, the candidate will operate the Composites Lab, Ballistics Range (as necessary), prepare test samples of various form factors, perform end-use performance evaluations and maintain information/data management activities in support of new material, process or application development. Candidate is expected to conduct experiments independently and collect, summarize and present experimental results as well as recognize and troubleshoot problems as they arise in the labs and range. Candidate will also perform safety audit functions within the lab to maintain a safe working environment.

Requirements

B.S. in physical science (chemistry, organic chemistry, physics), engineering or related field and/or several years of experience in a similar research lab is required.
Experience using CAD software to support automated lab equipment routines preferred.
Some travel is likely required to support varying internal and external (customer) interactions (less than 10%)

Responsibilities

Assist and participate in the invention process with other professionals.
Conduct experiments, to completion, according to specific procedures, exercising independent judgment and discretion as appropriate.
Maintain, organize and summarize results of experiments including notebook entries, regulatory documentation, data analysis, technical reports, etc.
Maintain chemical and sample inventory, coordinate outside laboratory testing including shipping samples following DOT requirements and guidelines for import/ export.
Inspect, use, and maintain research equipment including performing routine maintenance and troubleshooting. Implement refinements in evolving technologies, equipment, and methodologies.
Write and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and safety documentation.
Must be capable of physical lifting and work in varying ergonomic environments.
Work safely with hazardous chemicals, materials and solvents.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills as well as math and computer skills.
Demonstrated computer skills using PC-based applications such as Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Outlook
Excellent personal interaction skills and ability to work as a team member with a diverse group of people.
Knowledge and skills to conduct hands-on experimental work in laboratory, analyze, interpret the data, and suggest modifications.
Broad theoretical grounding and understanding in specialized or technical areas (i.e. chemistry, biology, engineering).
Demonstrated competency in planning projects and multitasking.
Able to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet established deadlines.