Industrial R&D Technician/CAD Designer, Pipe & Fittings (Leola, PA)

R&D Technician/CAD Designer, Pipe & Fittings

Westlake Pipe & Fittings, a Westlake division (NYSE:WLK), is one of the largest polyvinyl chloride pipe and fittings manufacturers in North America. With 23 manufacturing and distribution locations, the company supplies gasketed, solvent weld and restrained joint pipes and a wide range of fittings for various markets including municipal water and sewer, plumbing, water well, pool and spa, and agricultural and turf irrigation. Westlake Pipe & Fittings is an industry leader in product development with Certa-Lok® spline-lock technology and product systems that are focused on building A Better Foundation.

About the Role

The R&D Technician provides hands-on laboratory and engineering support to advance product development, testing, and plant initiatives. This role combines technical lab execution with administrative and project coordination responsibilities, ensuring efficient lab operations and accurate tracking of engineering activities.

Responsibilities

• R&D / Laboratory Support (Approx. 75%)
  • Serve as the primary day-to-day lab technician supporting Engineering activities
  • Weigh, blend, and prepare materials for development trials and testing
  • Assemble and test pipe samples in support of R&D, product certification, and plant initiatives
  • Perform hands-on technical work including machining, welding, and precision measurements (training provided as needed)
  • Maintain lab organization, equipment readiness, and material inventory/flow
  • Support prototype development and act as a technical resource for machine shop activities
• Administrative & Project Support (Approx. 25%)
  • Process SAP transactions including requisitions, purchase orders, coding, and invoice tracking
  • Monitor and track Engineering project spend and related invoices
  • Provide limited project coordination support, including scheduling and follow-up (approx. 1 day/week)
  • Maintain essential administrative processes required to support site operations

Qualifications

• Education: Associate degree (2-year) in a technical field (e.g., engineering technology, manufacturing, industrial technology) preferred
• Experience: Hands-on experience through technical programs, labs, internships, or prior roles
• Technical Skills: Demonstrated mechanical and technical aptitude (e.g., machining, welding, measurement tools, lab testing)
• Experience: Exposure to lab operations, material handling, or shop environments preferred
• Software: Experience with SAP or similar ERP systems preferred, or ability to quickly learn
• Organizational Skills: Strong organization skills with the ability to manage both technical and administrative tasks
• Technology: General computer skills, experience with Microsoft Office (e.g., Excel, Outlook, Word) required
• Location: Fully onsite role. Must be able to commute daily to our Leola, PA office (80% of the time) and our Wayne, PA office (20% of the time)
• Work Schedule: Must be able to work Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm

Physical Demands

• Physical Abilities: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; stand; walk; use hands; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, or crouch.
• Lifting and Moving: The employee 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: Close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

• Office/Computer: Office/computer
• Manufacturing Plant: Manufacturing plant
• Noise Level: Noise level in the plant environment is usually high, as normal for a manufacturing plant. Some of the work in the operating units may require usage of required PPE including safety glasses, hearing protection, steel toe shoes, fall protection, hard hats, etc.

Company Information

Westlake offers you the potential to enrich your work life and career experience in an entrepreneurial environment. We work together to enhance peoples lives through our products and presence in the communities in which we operate.

Westlake is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristics protected by applicable legislation.