Lab Technician

Qualifications:
High School Diploma or Equivalent General or Technical Discipline Required
Capability to use personal computer and Microsoft Office applications, such as Excel and Word. Able to graph and chart data. Required
General R&D/laboratory knowledge including proper chemical handling Required
Able to work in a plant environment as needed to scale up products or processes. Preferred
Able to problem solve, troubleshoot, innovate, and be open to trying new ideas. Must have mechanical ability. Preferred
Must be detail-oriented, able to work independently, and able to meet deadlines. A critical feature of this position involves the ability to make keen observations during the duration of the test in order to devise a successful process and product. Required
Must have strong organizational skills, as well as oral and written communication skills. Required

Responsibilities:
This position is responsible for ensuring product quality as specified by the customer by performing standard and special tasks on samples obtained from various phases of the production process.

Responsibilities / Essential Functions:
Quality Testing:
General: Day-to-day organizing and scheduling of sample workload, including communications with Plant Personnel
Approvals of all samples (KIPs and Finals) in inventory
Maintenance and policing of on-hold log (plant-wide)
K.I.P.
Logs and studies incoming samples.
Assigns lab number to incoming samples.
Screens sample to proper size.
Prepares micro-hardness on samples coarser than 80 grit.
Polishes micro-hardness mount.
Performs hardness test ensuring proper firing.
Breaks down mount and prepares for Scanning Electronic Microscope (SEM).
Takes picture of sample on SEM.
Charts test results and repeats test in case of test failure.
Releases materials after test is passed.
Perform surface area, helium density, shape, aspect ratio, and LPD as requested on various products.
ICP fusion prep and analysis as required for products with additives.

Targa
Logs and studies incoming samples.
Prepares and polishes micro-hardness mount.
Performs hardness test ensuring proper firing.
Breaks down mount and prepares for Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM).
Takes pictures of sample on SEM.
Performs calculations to determine crystal size to ensure proper uniformity of material.
Charts test results and repeats in case of test failure.
Performs image analyzer test to determine aspect ratio.

Mill/Seeds
SWECO Mills:
Logs incoming sample.
Performs specific surface area test to determine if mills are ready to discharge.
Records test results.
Netzsch Mills:
Logs incoming sample.
Performs SSA, percent solids, pH, TGA, and X-Ray Diffraction Tests.
Record test results

Slurries/Sols/Green/Powder
Logs incoming sample.
Performs ICP, reflux and flaw count analysis
Record test results.

High Porosity NANO Abrasive (Gen 3 & 6, E700, NANO) Testing
Log incoming samples
Samples of Preshipment powders, sols, flakes, in-process aliquots and finals testing
Analyze samples as required for each type of sample (dispersibility, pH, SSA, XRD, ICP, DTA/TGA, He density)
Record test results.
Report test results to designated personnel.

Ekonol Testing
Logs incoming sample.
Performs sieve analysis test to determine size distribution for in-process and final samples.
Performs particle size analysis, FTIR, TGA, and apparent density tests.
Record test results.

Special Testing
Obtains sample or logs incoming sample.
Assigns lab number.
Performs standard or non-standard tests as requested or as appropriate based on the nature of the problem.
Logs and files test results.
Reports test results to requester.

Audits/Outliers for KIPS or Finals, New Products
Logs incoming sample.
Perform full characterization as needed for fired grain
Retains samples as required.
Record test results.

Instrument calibration
All regular internal lab and plant instrument and screen calibration
Knowledge and review of external calibrations. Example: pipets to make ICP standards
Miscellaneous Assignments
Occasionally works on own personal projects.
Works with manufacturing supervisors and R&D personnel on special projects as requested.
Provides detailed training for new inspectors.
Stocking (ordering) of lab supplies.

Record Keeping (Computer and Manual)
Logs sample in log book (finals, in-process, special tests)
Files hard copy of test results (K.I.P., final, special, Targa)
Files milling, mix, S4, mix cards, special testing, raw material, test results, and run results.
Enters finished product final test results into computer for reports to customers.
Actively supports SPCI problem solving efforts.

Safety
Practices safe lab procedures as defined by OSHA and as tailored specifically for Saint-Gobains Wheatfield facility.
Ensures lab functions in a safe manner.
Report all unsafe conditions and practices such as near misses.
Participate in required plant safety meetings and SMAT audits

Instrument / Equipment Maintenance
Advises R&D Group Leader and Lead Quality/R&D Laboratory Technologist of equipment problems.
Performs minor trouble shooting on all equipment as required.
Issue order to maintenance, if required.
Perform minor repairs (lubrication), if appropriate.
Perform routine preventative maintenance.

Housekeeping
Stores samples.
Keeps counter tops and table tops clean.
Keeps equipment clean.
Keeps work area clean and organized.
Daily washing of glassware.
Following 5S guidelines and task list.
Gas cylinder change out and inventory

Machinery/Equipment Used:
T-wrench, allen wrench, screw drivers, sieves, hardness tester, various microscope, image analyzer, polisher, jars, plastic bags, buckets, SEM, BET SSA, ICP, autoclaves, sample mounts, tweezers, adjustable wrenches, dentists picks, tongs, crucibles, cameras, log book, spatula, wipes, small kilns, ovens, cylinder tanks, scales, balances, lab glassware, weigh boats, firing boats, U-tubes, heating element, LPD test apparatus, liquid nitrogen container, test tubes, calculator, apron, hydrometer, thermometers, gold coater, centrifuge, pH meter, conductivity meters, turbidity meters, pH strips, drill press, polishing wheels and pads, diamond spray lubricant, spray bottle, gallon container, scrubbers, ultrasonic cleaner, face shield, gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, hit plates, trays, goggles, hammer, timers, water, acids and bases, oxidizing and reducing agents, inorganics, organics and inorganics in all physical states, grinder, master grit, rolling pin, boxes, dollies, pallets, film, funnels, knives, and elevator