The Lab Technician is responsible for supporting the development and optimization of RTV and heat-curing silicone elastomer formulations for industrial applications. Compound, mix, process, and evaluate experimental silicone formulations using laboratory-scale processing equipment. Conduct formulation screening, benchmarking, and comparative performance studies against commercial products and competitive materials.

Perform physical, mechanical, thermal, and rheological testing in accordance with ASTM, ISO, and internal test methods. Evaluate material properties including:

• Hardness (Shore A/D)
• Tensile strength and elongationTear resistance
• Compression set
• Cure characteristics
• Viscosity and rheology
• Adhesion performance
• Thermal aging and environmental resistance
• Operate and maintain laboratory instrumentation and test equipment, including mixers, curing ovens, tensile testers, rheometers, hardness testers, and environmental chambers.

• Accurately collect, analyze, and document test data using laboratory information systems and standard reporting tools.

Responsible for maintaining laboratory equipment through calibration verification, preventive maintenance, and troubleshooting activities to include:

• • Managing raw material inventories, including silicone polymers, fillers, crosslinkers, catalysts, pigments, and additives.
  • Ensuring proper chemical handling, storage, labeling, and disposal in compliance with EHS and regulatory requirements.
  • Ensuring proper chemical handling, storage, labeling, and disposal in compliance with EHS and regulatory requirements.
  • Maintaining detailed laboratory notebooks, test records, and technical reports consistent with company quality systems.

Adhere to all company Environmental, Health, Safety, and Security (EHSS) requirements. The position consists of the following duties and responsibilities:

• • Perform Safe work practices
  • Reading, following and completing in process instructions, including documenting work steps and results.
  • Sampling of in-process and finished products.
  • Maintaining housekeeping.
  • Reporting upset conditions and mechanical breakdowns.

Cleaning:

 5S is a workplace organization method designed to improve efficiency, safety, and productivity. The 5S’s stand for:

• Sort (Seiri): Remove unnecessary items from the work area.
• Set in Order (Seiton): Organize and arrange items so they are easy to use and label everything.
• Shine (Seiso): Clean the workspace and equipment regularly to maintain standards and identify issues.
• Standardize (Seiketsu): Establish procedures and schedules to maintain the first three S’s.
• Sustain (Shitsuke): Make 5S a habit and part of the culture through training and regular audits.

The "Shine" step specifically refers to cleaning the workplace, keeping tools and equipment in good condition, and ensuring that any problems (such as leaks or wear) are quickly identified and addressed.

Participating in training, both as a trainer and a trainee.

• Enthusiastically accept required training in techniques, equipment and safety and train others as needed.
• Other Duties Assigned.

Requirements:

• High School Diploma or GED, Associates preferred.
  Must be able to lift up to fifty (50) pounds on occasion.
• 1–3 years of laboratory, product development, quality, or related technical experience preferred.
• Experience working in a chemical, materials, polymer, or manufacturing environment is beneficial.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow established procedures.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong organizational and time-management abilities.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Collaborative team-oriented mindset.
• Experience with laboratory mixers, physical testing equipment, or elastomer testing.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and technical data recording.
• Sound written and verbal skills to share and receive information with a variety of team members and external agents.                                                           
• Extended periods of walking, standing, reaching, pulling, grabbing, stooping, bending, and twisting.

• Compensation and Incentive plans
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance effective day 1
• Paid Time Off in addition to personal days and holidays
• Paid parental leave
• Wellbeing fund
• Flexible hybrid work arrangements
• 401(k) with company match
• Education Assistance Program
• Career development and advancement opportunities
• Support for Community Involvement