R&D Lab Technician II

Continental's ContiTech Surface Solutions (SSL) North American Technical Center in Winchester, Virginia is a leading R&D center focused on developing innovative surface materials for the automotive and LivTec markets. Our team specializes in TPO-based interior trim technologies, including compact sheet, textile laminate, and foam laminate constructions used in instrument panels, door panels, center consoles, armrests, and other soft-touch interior components. Working closely with manufacturing, quality, and commercial teams, we transform ideas into high-performance products used by major automotive customers around the world.

About the role

The Lab Technician II contributes to successful completion of R&D development projects by accurately executing and documenting laboratory trials within the required time, quality, and cost framework. The role supports product realization, quality compliance, and innovation by preparing and testing product constructions and formulations, maintaining reliable and repeatable results, and proposing optimization steps during result reviews.

Responsibilities

• Execute accurate lab trials and document results; realize product constructions and formulations in the lab.
• Complete development tasks within agreed time, quality, and cost framework.
• Safeguard reliable and repeatable results; propose optimization steps in result-review meetings.
• Work in compliance with applicable quality guidelines, legal requirements, and safety regulations.
• Ensure complete and proper documentation of test and trial results.
• Contribute to innovation through cross-functional thinking, active use of applicable tools, and constructive input based on laboratory observations and results.
• Work safely and independently on defined laboratory tasks while interacting with R&D, Research, Operations, Purchasing, and laboratory contacts.

Safety is our highest priority and safety procedures and guidelines must always be adhered to. Applicants must be able to work in a manufacturing industrial environment and be able to wear personal protective equipment such as safety boots, safety glasses, hearing protection, etc. The use of a respirator may be required for specific job departments.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required; preferred- chemistry education/courses or equivalent science related background.
• Approximately 3 years of relevant laboratory, R&D, product-development, testing, or manufacturing-support experience.
• Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required. We will not sponsor individuals for employment visas now or in the future for this job posting.

Skills

• Quality Orientation: produce accurate, repeatable work and maintain complete documentation.
• Planning & Organizing: manage assigned lab work to meet timing, quality, and cost expectations.
• Taking Ownership: follow through on assigned tasks and communicate risks or delays early.
• Collaborating: work effectively with R&D, Research, Operations, Purchasing, and laboratory contacts.
• Problem Solving, Communicating Effectively, Continuous Improvement, and Fostering Teamwork.

Benefits

• Competitive Pay
• Immediate Benefits
• Paid Time Off
• Employee Discounts, including tire discounts
• Competitive Bonus Program
• Employer 401(k) Match
• On-Site Gym