R&D Lab Operations Technician – Insulation

Job Summary

The R&D Lab Operations Technician – Insulation will be responsible for operating and maintaining our high-pressure polyurethane foam machine and preparing hand-mixed experimental foam samples. The ideal candidate will work collaboratively with R&D Scientists to produce experimental insulation foams for physical property, thermal, and fire testing. This individual will manage multiple projects independently, coordinate and plan trial dates, oversee chemical inventories, and ensure safety compliance. The ideal candidate will have experience in machine operation within a laboratory or manufacturing environment and possess strong problem-solving skills.

Employees in this position will typically work 8 hours a day, Monday through Friday, although start and end times may vary. The role has potential for overtime on Saturdays and/or Sundays, depending on CCM schedules and needs. This position will involve minimal, if any, travel, less than 10% annually.

Duties and Responsibilities:

60% – Operation of Polyurethane Foam Machine

• Operation of foam machine equipment via HMI
• Perform basic calculations for weighing and mixing
• Dispense and weigh chemicals into a 55 gallon drum
• Operate machinery to cut and fabricate foam samples
• Create/Update/Follow Standard Operating Procedures
• Cut samples for in-process testing
• Train other employees as needed on procedures and equipment
• Troubleshoot equipment and coordinate with maintenance personnel
• Perform routine maintenance tasks
• Handle hazardous and non-hazardous chemicals and waste

20% – Laboratory Tasks

• Weigh, mix, and dispense liquid polyurethane blends to produce experimental foams
• Cut samples for non-standard testing
• Collect laboratory data and communicate to the appropriate Insulation R&D Scientist
• Collaborate with Insulation R&D Scientists

20% – Other Duties as Assigned by Manager

• Participate in 5S process
• Participate in Safety Meetings, Good Catch & T3P Objectives
• Assist in the identification, purchase & installation of new/replacement equipment
• Packing or repacking material as required
• Operate other equipment as necessary
• Promote a positive work environment

Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

Essential Full Performance Knowledge

• Operation of assigned industrial and laboratory equipment
• Laboratory Information Systems
• Basic Microsoft software packages
• Company rules, regulations, policies, and procedures
• Chemical Hygiene Plan, Safely Handling & storing hazardous waste and materials.

Essential Full Performance Skills

• Basic mechanical skills
• Ability to be flexible and troubleshoot problems quickly.
• Interpersonal skills; oral communication, written communication
• Communication with operators, chemists, engineers, technicians, safety personnel, and management
• Builds trust with others by encouraging open dialogue and collaboration
• Mathematical reasoning and problem solving
• Operate table saw, miter saw, band saw and other cutting equipment

Essential Full Performance Abilities

• Ability to multitask and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work well within a team and as a self-led individual contributor.
• Ability to facilitate workload with good safety and practices.
• Ability to train others.
• Ability to use data to make decisions.
• Ability to keep laboratory space organized, clean, and neat.

Education and Experience:

Required:

• High School Diploma or GED
• 3-5 years of experience working in a laboratory or manufacturing environment
• Valid state-issued driver’s license

Preferred:

• Associate’s Degree
• Industry coursework in mathematics, science and computers.

Working Conditions:

Environment – The basic work environment is a combination of office, laboratory, and climate-controlled pilot equipment settings.

• The atmosphere is relatively fast paced and occasionally becomes stressful. The environment demands that multiple projects be worked on at the same time with safe and accurate actions taken under minimal supervision.
• Work in manufacturing plants will occur, where there could be exposure to dirt, dust, and hotter/colder temperatures than office settings.
• Often required to use high-speed internet connection to facilitate video calls, systems management, and other project related activities.