The Lab Technician will assist in the formulation, testing, and analysis of industrial adhesives and coatings. This position involves working closely with the Director of R&D to conduct experiments, run tests, and maintain lab equipment. The technician is responsible for ensuring product quality, consistency, and adherence to safety and environmental regulations.
Key Responsibilities:
Formulation Support:
Assist in the preparation of adhesives, coatings, and related chemical formulations.
Weigh and mix raw materials according to established formulations.
Adjust formulations based on performance testing and analysis results.
Testing and Analysis:
Perform physical and chemical tests on paints and coatings, including viscosity, adhesion, hardness, color matching, cof, cure, and chemical resistance.
Operate and maintain lab equipment such as viscometers, spectrophotometers, pH meters, and mixing equipment.
Conduct accelerated aging tests, corrosion testing, and environmental exposure assessments.
Quality Control:
Conduct quality checks on incoming raw materials and final products to ensure they meet industry standards and company specifications.
Record and report data accurately, including any deviations from quality norms.
Work closely with the production team to resolve any issues that arise during the manufacturing process.
Research & Development Support:
Collaborate with R&D and production teams to improve existing products and develop new formulations.
Provide support in scaling up laboratory formulations for production.
Assist in documenting all lab work, including observations, results, and modifications to formulations.
Safety and Compliance:
Adhere to all safety protocols while working with chemicals and powders.
Maintain a clean and organized laboratory environment.
Maintenance & Calibration:
Perform routine maintenance on laboratory equipment to ensure its proper functioning.
Calibrate instruments as needed and troubleshoot equipment issues.
Required Qualifications:
Education:
Associate degree or technical diploma in chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, or a related field. A bachelor’s degree in chemistry or related fields is a plus.
Experience:
1-3 years of experience in a laboratory setting is preferred, but the position is open to entry level applicants.
Skills and Competencies:
Basic understanding of chemistry, particularly in relation to coatings and polymer materials.
Familiarity with lab equipment and safety protocols for handling chemicals.
Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
Ability to work in a team environment and follow technical instructions precisely.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) for data recording and reporting.
Good problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot technical issues.
