Technician, Application & Customer Enabling Services

Overview

The R&D Plastics Technician supports research and development activities by setting up, operating, maintaining, and improving polymer testing and conversion processes in a non‑manufacturing laboratory environment. This role focuses on fiber/fabric testing and rotational molding (rotomolding) processing and testing, providing hands-on technical expertise to advance polymer product development.

Responsibilities

• Testing, Processing, and Technical Support
  • Independently set up, operate, and optimize polymer testing and processing equipment in an R&D environment.
  • Develop, document, and execute experimental and testing procedures to support fiber and rotomolding projects.
  • Provide hands-on technical support and input to research and development initiatives.
• Fiber and Fabric Testing
  • Set up, operate, and improve fiber and fabric testing methods and processes.
  • Maintain the fiber laboratory, including equipment upkeep and sample inventory management.
• Rotomolding Processing
  • Set up, operate, and refine rotomolding conversion processes and methods.
  • Maintain rotomolding equipment, including safety checks and operational documentation.
• Materials Handling and Data Management
  • Dry, blend, and prepare raw polymer materials in accordance with established safety protocols.
  • Convert formulation percentages to weights and accurately weigh materials for blending.
  • Maintain accurate experimental and operational records using a workflow management database and Microsoft Office applications.
• Process Improvement and Problem Solving
  • Analyze process or testing deficiencies and recommend practical, data-driven solutions.
  • Lead or execute laboratory improvement initiatives, including concept development, solution implementation, and documentation of results (data and conclusions).
• Equipment and Laboratory Maintenance
  • Perform equipment modifications related to safety, process improvement, or laboratory organization.
  • Conduct minor equipment repair and routine maintenance as required.
  • Maintain a safe, clean, and compliant laboratory work environment in accordance with all safety, health, and environmental policies.

Physical and Environmental Requirements

• Regularly scheduled 8-hour shifts, Monday–Friday; overtime as required.
• Work in environments with processing equipment operating at approximately 300–575°F.
• Frequent walking, standing, and reaching.
• Frequent lifting of up to 55 lb (floor to chest).

Qualifications

• Associate degree or equivalent technical experience preferred.
• Minimum of 2–3 years of experience with plastics processing equipment or in a materials-related R&D laboratory.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and hands-on craftsmanship with laboratory and processing equipment.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot and resolve processing or testing-related issues.
• Solid mathematical skills, including calculations involving percentages, ratios, averages, unit conversions, and basic variability concepts.
• Proficiency with computer-based data entry and Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Basic to intermediate knowledge of statistics preferred.
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills, with a strong commitment to teamwork.