R & D Technician

Job Summary:
We're seeking an experienced Research Technician to support the growing needs of our Deckorators business. The successful candidate will work closely with the R&D staff to accelerate Product Development Cycle and New Product Introduction. A high degree of initiative and resilience to challenges is expected.
* Assist in expanding non-destructive testing capabilities of composite building materials.
* Conduct testing on product properties including standard QC tests as well as specialized non-QC tests.
* Develop in depth understanding of equipment and process, troubleshoot and address issues.
* Assist in a phase or key part of a project by analyzing processes, products, or equipment against desired results, including formulation characterization and process optimization.
* Utilize pilot, lab scale, and production scale extrusion equipment to generate and process prototypes for further testing.
* Conduct experiments to improve upon or duplicate various materials and processes.
* Recommends improvements to R&D instrumentation, equipment, and lab procedures based on results analyzed.
* Assist in all trial runs, field evaluations, and analysis of customer requirements for a project.
* Assist in code qualification trials and testing.
* Presents meaningful results and unbiased conclusions to R&D and other technical functions.
* Assist in other functions of the R&D and engineering functions as directed.
* Be self-driven to meet project goals in a timely manner.
* Work under minimal supervision with the project priorities in mind.
* Take ownership of the trial line to plan and execute trials efficiently.
* Assume accountability for assigned tasks and staying on schedule.
* Be flexible to adapt to changing work environment and priorities.
* Be willing to take more responsibilities as the job requires and evolves.
* Work schedule is weekday daytime, some flexibility on working hours is expected.

Preferred skills:
* Extrusion or testing experience in extruded building products industry is a plus.
* Working knowledge of polymer processing analysis, testing and equipment.
* Demonstrated ability to analyze and report data, including testing equipment troubleshooting.
* Understands lab scale processes and technologies for extrusion and composite building products.
* Excellent mechanical and analytical aptitude.

Job Qualifications:

Minimum of 5 years relevant experience, or an Associate/Bachelor degree in engineering, applied or physical sciences.

Schedule:
M-F 8 AM to 5 PM