R&D Technician

At Greene, Tweed, you'll find cutting-edge technology, world-class polymer expertise, and endless advancement opportunities in an environment that embraces diversity, moves decision-making to the point of impact, and celebrates your success. If you enjoy continuous learning and are excited about working with and creating technological solutions, explore career opportunities with Greene, Tweed.

About the role

With little to no supervision, you will interact directly with personnel across the ATG material platform, R&D Support teams, and Business teams to set up, operate, and troubleshoot a variety of standard and complex analytical equipment and processes. You will conduct, record, and report R&D test results, quantifying chemical compositions, crystal structures, morphologies, and physical properties via SEM, EDS, FTIR, XRD, and other surface-sensitive techniques. You will recommend step-change improvements to R&D processes and testing protocols, assess current problem areas, and adapt responsibilities to achieve ATG goals.

Responsibilities

• Carry out experimental programs under guidelines established by Scientists or Engineers, including complex routine tasks requiring coordination among multiple people.
• Audit own and colleagues' work to ensure completion of routine tasks and project objectives.
• Prioritize work and apply understanding of systems and challenges in scaling up processes to identify potential issues.
• Utilize detailed knowledge of tools and techniques associated with R&D projects to anticipate problems and contribute to designs.
• Identify needed changes in experiments or work projects and determine appropriate procedures.
• Recognize key technical roadblocks based on testing observations and initiate actions or advise supervision.
• Advance technology and deliver results using diverse R&D equipment, troubleshooting as needed.
• Apply extensive knowledge of materials, substances, and production processes to support manufacturing scale-up, including time/cost estimates, material preparation, extrusion, injection molding, and custom test rig assembly.
• Execute experiments and processes, anticipating issues and coordinating data, sample, and information exchange with other labs.
• Plan projects of limited scope and duration with supervision, report unexpected results, and suggest troubleshooting steps.
• Analyze results, provide preliminary conclusions, and judge data validity.
• Capture data, create reports, and document test results and observations, providing summarized reports and communicating unexpected results to Scientists.
• Maintain clear communication within the team and with stakeholders, assisting in interpreting results and suggesting next steps.
• Organize and operate the lab, order materials and supplies, and maintain and calibrate mechanical and thermal lab equipment.
• Participate in lab safety incident investigations, observe safe lab practices, and contribute to improving Safety, Health, and Environmental procedures.
• Ensure compliance with product stewardship, export control requirements, and proper material characterization.
• Conduct product failure analysis testing, including visual inspection.
• Use SAP, email, request management systems, SharePoint, and other tools to facilitate cross-department workflows (Compliance, IP, FTO, PO, TSCA) and manage shipping, receiving, and inventory updates.

Requirements

• Education: Associate’s degree in Science or Chemistry preferred; High School diploma with 10+ years of equivalent R&D experience required.
• 7+ years of related experience in research and testing.
• Experience with basic lab equipment and troubleshooting analytical measuring instruments (e.g., calipers, scales).
• Ability to follow multi-step procedures, observe, measure, and record testing results in electronic reporting systems.
• Working knowledge of polymer compounding/molding equipment and processes, including mold operation and testing equipment (e.g., chemical aging, thermal).
• General mechanical aptitude for routine cleaning, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
• Strong mathematical and analytical background, including solving simple algebraic equations for sample preparation.
• Demonstrated initiative and ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Experience in safely handling chemicals and wearing personal protective equipment (e.g., eye, ear, foot protection).
• Proficiency in MS Office, particularly Excel.
• U.S. Person status as defined by applicable law for authorized access to ITAR-controlled data (includes U.S. Citizens, U.S. Nationals, lawful permanent residents, and workers granted refugee or asylum status).

Skills

• Technical troubleshooting and problem-solving.
• Data analysis and interpretation.
• Project planning and coordination.
• Communication and teamwork.
• Lab safety and compliance.
• Mechanical and thermal equipment maintenance.
• Use of enterprise systems (SAP, SharePoint, request management tools).

Physical Requirements

• Standing: Frequently (46-100%)
• Sitting: Frequently (46-100%)
• Lifting: Up to 25 lbs without assistance
• Carrying: Up to 25 lbs without assistance
• Walking: Occasionally (16-45%)
• Hearing: Ability to detect noises with or without corrective devices
• Vision: Clarity of vision, with or without corrective lenses

Mental Requirements:

• Problem Solving: Occasionally (16-45%)
• Decision Making: Moderate impact
• Supervision: Rarely (0-15%)
• Data Interpretation: Occasionally (16-45%)
• Organization: Occasionally (16-45%)
• Reading/Writing: Frequently (46-100%)
• Communication: Occasionally (16-45%)

Work Environment:

• High Temperatures: Occasionally (16-45%)
• Low Temperatures: Rarely (0-15%)
• Noises: Loud (manufacturing environment, movement of large equipment)
• Fumes Exposure: Occasionally (16-45%)

Occasional need to work flexible shifts to run experiments.

Benefits

• Competitive benefits package including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, and a health savings account.
• 401k savings plan.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Tuition assistance.