Research & Development Technician

Vitro Architectural Glass manufactures a broad range of industry-leading, energy-efficient products such as Solarban, Sungate and Starphire Ultra-Clear glasses. Throughout our storied history, collaboration and innovation have been central to our advancements. Today, the key to our success continues to lie in the strength of our partnerships. With a foundation formed on trust, teamwork and shared excitement, the possibilities for impactful innovations in glass are truly endless.

With manufacturing facilities throughout the U.S. and Mexico, Vitro Architectural Glass is committed to sustainable manufacturing processes and products. Vitro also operates one of the world's largest glass research and development facilities in Pittsburgh, PA and has four residential glass fabrication plants in Canada.

Website: www.vitroglazings.com

The Process Engineering and Process Control group in Vitro Architectural Glass R&D is currently looking for a Research & Development Technician. The primary purpose of the Technician role is to execute experiments in support of R&D or non-R&D customers. This individual will contribute to and gain experience from the development of data-driven process control and instrumentation technologies spanning glass melting, forming, coating, and other process operations.

The primary location for this role will be in the laboratory environment at Vitro Glass Technology Center in Harmar, PA. The individual may be required to travel to various manufacturing facilities in the United States and Mexico to provide support.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, and test automation and instrumentation system
• Support onsite and/or offsite instrumentation system installation, tuning, and debugging
• Process and analyze experimental data following guidance
• Communicate with vendors to seek opportunities for improvement and innovation
• Compile research findings in reports and presentations

Requirements

• Associate or Bachelor of Science Degree (preferred) in Engineering, Technology or Scientific Discipline (physics, Chemistry, Electrical, Mechanical, Material Science, etc.)
• Hands-on mechanical and electrical experience with instrument setup and/or design
• Experience in using CAD software to create detailed engineering drawings
• Programming knowledge in at least one language, e.g., C++, C#, Python, etc.
• Attention to detail, documentation, planning and organization
• Written and Verbal communication skills
• Adherence to safe work practices in compliance with all environmental, health, safety, and security protocol
• Ability to work both autonomously and in team settings
• Aptitude and willingness to continue to learn and expand upon skill set
• Flexibility to participate in other duties, as assigned
• May be required to travel to various manufacturing facilities in the United States and Mexico to provide support
• The role is primarily daylight hours with up to 40% travel requirements. Overtime may be required in support of projects

Additional preferred:

• Programming skills in industrial PLC and HMI
• Knowledge of flat glass and vacuum coating manufacturing processes
• Fluency in Spanish