R&D Process Technician

About the role

As Lubrizol approaches its centennial in 2028, our Wickliffe campus will become the unified home of Lubrizol’s global headquarters, integrating Lubrizol’s Brecksville site capabilities and employees to the Wickliffe campus.

Responsibilities

• Assemble, prepare, and maintain extrusion, injection molding, and other processing equipment to ensure readiness for testing.
• Operate and adjust Henschel mixers, 2-roll mills, extrusion lines, injection molding, and compression molding equipment to execute R&D trials.
• Deliver accurate and timely laboratory results while demonstrating Lubrizol Cultural Beliefs and ensuring safe working conditions.
• Identify opportunities to improve equipment performance, test methods, and workflow efficiency within the lab environment.
• Review and validate test data for accuracy, identify inconsistencies, and communicate issues or non-conformances.
• Accurately document test conditions, observations, and results in Excel and internal systems.
• Communicate test results, equipment performance, and trial updates to scientists and engineers.
• Perform preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, and minor repairs on processing equipment following SOPs.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 1+ year of experience working in a manufacturing, pilot plant, R&D lab or similar industrial environment.
• Experience operating or supporting plastics process equipment (extrusion, injection molding, or similar).
• Strong observational and recordkeeping skills.
• Ability to analyze results, identify process issues, and support root cause problem-solving.
• Basic math skills and ability to interpret data and trends from test results.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other computer applications.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in polymer science, materials, or a related field preferred.
• Experience in plastic or rubber manufacturing and/or testing.
• Forklift experience or certification a plus.
• Experience working with industrial safety procedures, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), strongly preferred.
• Experience supporting emergency response or safety programs a plus.
• Experience with laboratory information systems (LIMS) or data management tools a plus.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 1+ year of experience working in a manufacturing, pilot plant, R&D lab or similar industrial environment.
• Experience operating or supporting plastics process equipment (extrusion, injection molding, or similar).
• Strong observational and recordkeeping skills.
• Ability to analyze results, identify process issues, and support root cause problem-solving.
• Basic math skills and ability to interpret data and trends from test results.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other computer applications.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team environment.

Skills

• Equipment operation and maintenance.
• Problem-solving and root cause analysis.
• Data interpretation and documentation.
• Team collaboration and communication.

Benefits

• Competitive salary with performance-based bonus plans.
• 401(k) match + Age-Weighted Defined Contribution.
• Comprehensive medical, dental & vision coverage.
• Health Savings Account (HSA).
• Paid holidays, vacation, and parental leave.
• Flexible work environment.
• Learning and development opportunities.
• Career and professional growth.
• Inclusive culture and vibrant community engagement.