Lab Technician - 3rd Shift

Do you want to take responsibility and make a difference with your work? With your expertise, we can achieve great goals together. We are WACKER - Reliable. Determined. Ambitious. As one of the world's most research-intensive chemical companies, we've been making countless products that are an integral part of your everyday life possible for over 100 years. From vegan food to resource-efficient buildings to solar cells, we develop sustainable solutions that change the future.

About the role

The Lab Technician is responsible for supporting the development and optimization of RTV and heat-curing silicone elastomer formulations for industrial applications. Compound, mix, process, and evaluate experimental silicone formulations using laboratory-scale processing equipment. Conduct formulation screening, benchmarking, and comparative performance studies against commercial products and competitive materials.

Responsibilities

• Perform physical, mechanical, thermal, and rheological testing in accordance with ASTM, ISO, and internal test methods. Evaluate material properties including:
  • Hardness (Shore A/D)
  • Tensile strength and elongation
  • Tear resistance
  • Compression set
  • Cure characteristics
  • Viscosity and rheology
  • Adhesion performance
  • Thermal aging and environmental resistance
• Operate and maintain laboratory instrumentation and test equipment, including mixers, curing ovens, tensile testers, rheometers, hardness testers, and environmental chambers.
• Accurately collect, analyze, and document test data using laboratory information systems and standard reporting tools.
• Maintain laboratory equipment through calibration verification, preventive maintenance, and troubleshooting activities, including:
  • Managing raw material inventories, including silicone polymers, fillers, crosslinkers, catalysts, pigments, and additives.
  • Ensuring proper chemical handling, storage, labeling, and disposal in compliance with EHS and regulatory requirements.
  • Maintaining detailed laboratory notebooks, test records, and technical reports consistent with company quality systems.
• Adhere to all company Environmental, Health, Safety, and Security (EHSS) requirements.
• Perform safe work practices, including:
  • Reading, following, and completing in-process instructions, including documenting work steps and results.
  • Sampling of in-process and finished products.
  • Maintaining housekeeping.
  • Reporting upset conditions and mechanical breakdowns.
• Implement 5S workplace organization method:
  • Sort (Seiri): Remove unnecessary items from the work area.
  • Set in Order (Seiton): Organize and arrange items so they are easy to use and label everything.
  • Shine (Seiso): Clean the workspace and equipment regularly to maintain standards and identify issues.
  • Standardize (Seiketsu): Establish procedures and schedules to maintain the first three S’s.
  • Sustain (Shitsuke): Make 5S a habit and part of the culture through training and regular audits.
• Participate in training, both as a trainer and a trainee.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED; Associate’s degree preferred.
• Must be able to lift up to fifty (50) pounds on occasion.
• 1–3 years of laboratory, product development, quality, or related technical experience preferred.
• Experience working in a chemical, materials, polymer, or manufacturing environment is beneficial.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow established procedures.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong organizational and time-management abilities.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Collaborative, team-oriented mindset.
• Experience with laboratory mixers, physical testing equipment, or elastomer testing.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and technical data recording.
• Sound written and verbal skills to share and receive information with a variety of team members and external agents.
• Extended periods of walking, standing, reaching, pulling, grabbing, stooping, bending, and twisting.

Benefits

WACKER strives to reward its employees in a fair and equitable manner. Our Total Rewards Package considers employee wellbeing and includes:

• Compensation and Incentive plans
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance effective day 1
• Paid Time Off in addition to personal days and holidays
• Paid parental leave
• Wellbeing fund
• Flexible hybrid work arrangements
• 401(k) with company match
• Education Assistance Program
• Career development and advancement opportunities
• Support for Community Involvement

Reference Code: 31394