Development Technician

Woodbridge is a global innovator in foam technology, serving multiple industries with next-generation products. With over 7,000 teammates worldwide, we are committed to quality, collaboration, sustainability, and community engagement through our Woodbridge Cares programs. Our people-centric culture has earned us numerous awards for manufacturing excellence and innovation.

About the role

This position coordinates the development and improvement of new foam products. You will lead and participate in experimental design, data analysis, compilation, and presentation, while also assisting with laboratory management, housekeeping, inventory, standards, and procedures for the Development Laboratory, Process Laboratory, and Development Pour Line.

Responsibilities

• Develop and modify foam formulations to meet customer and organizational expectations.
• Frequently interact with production staff.
• Write and update procedures, standards, and policies.
• Help maintain the Development laboratories and work areas.
• Comply with Woodbridge Health, Safety, and Environmental policies, laws, regulations, and standards in any workplace.
• Remind colleagues, students, and visitors to comply with Woodbridge Health, Safety, and Environmental Policies and Practices.
• Ensure HS&E training requirements are met and up to date.
• Adhere to the values and principles in the “Code of Business Conduct and Ethics.”
• Apply WPS principles, 5S, and Kaizen to eliminate waste and drive continuous improvement.
• Promote innovation, collaborative teamwork, honesty, integrity, and a productive work environment.
• Lead and participate in experimental design, data compilation, analysis, and presentation.
• Execute experiments designed to meet Research and Development project objectives.
• Safely use and operate lab instruments such as scales, mixers, die press, Zwick, K-F Titrator, Viscometer, FT-IR, and other analytical devices (training provided).
• Handle chemical safety and compliance, including HMIS training.
• Occasionally supervise interns, line trials, or cover for vacations.

Requirements

• Two-year degree or related experience/training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Previous urethane experience is a plus.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from managers, clients, and customers.
• Proficiency in applying mathematical concepts to development tasks.
• Proficiency in Windows OS and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Ability to quickly learn and adapt to new internal software systems.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to interpret technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and handle abstract and concrete variables.

Skills

• Prior chemical laboratory experience required.
• Experience with lab instruments such as scales, mixers, die press, Zwick, K-F Titrator, Viscometer, FT-IR, and other analytical devices.
• Chemical safety and handling, including HMIS training.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation and benefits plan.
• Defined Contribution Plan with additional company match (automatic company contribution to a top-quartile retirement savings plan).
• Flexible working hours.
• Employee Assistance Program with free access to health and wellness coaches.
• Continuous learning culture with upskilling and internal promotion opportunities.

Physical Demands

• Frequently required to sit, stand, walk, use hands, reach with hands and arms, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, talk, and hear.
• Must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.

Work Environment

• Occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts, high precarious places, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, and vibration.
• Moderate noise level in the work environment.