Lab Technician

Responsibilities

• Perform chemical, biological, physical, and mechanical analyses and tests to support application engineering, research, development, and quality control of processes and products.
• Operate and maintain laboratory instruments, including scanning electron microscopes (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and total organic carbon (TOC) analyzers, as needed.
• Follow established laboratory procedures, methods, and safety protocols to ensure accurate and reliable test results.
• Compile, analyze, interpret, and document experimental data in a clear and organized manner using appropriate software tools.
• Identify issues or problems during testing and analysis, and seek guidance or collaborate with team members to resolve them when necessary.
• Apply knowledge of physical chemistry, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, fluid dynamics, and thermodynamics to design and conduct experiments.
• Support product and process improvement initiatives by providing technically sound input based on laboratory findings.
• Recognize opportunities for product improvement or new product development through careful observation and analysis of test outcomes.
• Contribute innovative solutions to key technical problems and participate in advancing knowledge in areas of technological specialty.
• Handle and prepare samples involving dissolved gases, water filtration, water treatment, and related analyses.
• Use general knowledge of chemical usage and safety to conduct experiments safely and maintain a clean and organized laboratory environment.
• Work effectively as part of a self-directed team, communicating progress, challenges, and results in a timely manner.
• Perform hands-on tasks in varied environments, including areas where dust, dirt, and industrial fluids are present.
• Lift and move materials and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds as required for laboratory and testing activities.
• Manage time effectively to meet testing schedules and project deadlines, including occasional work outside standard hours when needed.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience working in a laboratory or technical environment performing analytical tests and experiments.
• Strong mechanical and chemical aptitude, with the ability to work confidently with laboratory instruments and equipment.
• Ability to follow detailed procedures and methods while maintaining high standards of accuracy and reliability.
• Experience or familiarity with scanning electron microscopes (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and total organic carbon (TOC) analyzers.
• Experience in physical chemistry or completion of coursework in physical chemistry.
• Experience with dissolved gases, water filtration, water treatment, and related analytical techniques.
• General knowledge of chemical usage and safety practices in a laboratory setting.
• Understanding of scientific and engineering principles relevant to physical chemistry, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, fluid dynamics, and thermodynamics.
• Demonstrated ability to make technically sound contributions to solving problems and advancing knowledge in a technological specialty.
• Ability to recognize product improvement and new product opportunities based on experimental data and observations.
• Demonstrated competence in documenting, compiling, and interpreting laboratory results using computer-based tools.
• Good communication skills for sharing findings and collaborating with colleagues.
• Evidence of effective time management skills to balance multiple tests, projects, and deadlines.
• Ability and willingness to perform hands-on work, including lifting up to 50 pounds and working in environments with dust, dirt, and industrial fluids.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Extensive technical expertise acquired through laboratory experience and related coursework in physical, organic, and inorganic chemistry, fluid dynamics, and thermodynamics.
• History of technical leadership and contributions that have a significant impact on business or project outcomes.
• Ability to produce innovative solutions to key technical problems and to support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Comfort working with advanced analytical equipment such as SEM, EDS, and TOC analyzers and learning new technologies as needed.
• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills for interpreting complex data sets.
• Computer literacy, including the use of software for data entry, analysis, and reporting.
• Willingness to work in different environments and adapt to changing project requirements.
• Ability to participate in a multi-step interview process, including virtual and in-person discussions.