Research Technician

PURPOSE OF THE JOB

The technician actively participates in the foam R&D lab team to competitively drive results by delivering quality testing support and provide technical data and test results to inform business decisions that support growth of our North American Foamular business. The person in this role will provide hands-on technical support for foam materials testing by performing diverse tasks in the areas of laboratory testing and using LIMS. The role provides fundamental support within the innovation organization to key projects and communicates test results to innovation partners.

Reports to

Lab Leader, Tallmadge Technology Center

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Demonstrate a commitment to safety
• Ensures rigorous compliance to standard safety procedures and Owens Corning corporate policies
• Participates in monthly safety meetings and TC safety audits
• Authors SOPs and JHAs for new method development and implementation
• Completes all required safety training
• Ensures safety procedures exist for all current and new equipment used in the lab
• Led and innovates laboratory safety initiatives
• Executes materials testing in accordance with industry standards
• Understands testing protocols and conducts testing per ASTM, ISO or other laboratory test methods
• Converts testable sample from supplied material using power tools such as band saw or water-jet cutter
• Utilizes the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) process and software to manage tasks for efficient operation of lab
• Familiar with calibration, operation and maintenance of laboratory equipment and related data gathering techniques
• Follows detailed procedures and performs testing; communicates findings to innovation partners via LIMS
• Provides repeatable and reproducible test results using the correct methodology and process
• Technology Growth
• Supports development & implementation of characterization techniques/methods to expedite testing needs of our FOAMULAR business
• Applies technical knowledge to develop new test methods to evaluate materials quickly in support of product development programs when required
• Participates in sharing and learning best practices among network labs and incorporates lab learnings

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate’s degree in engineering or science field OR Technical knowledge and experience in manufacturing and/or lab setting
• Must have strong hands-on mechanical skills including ability to operate, maintain, and repair equipment
• Able to repetitively lift objects up to 40 lbs and stand for a large portion of the day
• Proficient in technical writing with the ability to produce detailed information
• Proficient in using a computer including MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
• Up to 5% travel needed to support project work and development opportunities

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

• 3+ years in R&D lab environment
• Bachelor’s degree in science, engineering or related field
• Working knowledge of Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) preferred
• Experience working with SAP
• Experience writing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Job Hazard Assessments (JHAs)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Hands-on aptitude and flexibility to work in service organizations supporting changing needs of innovation partners, ability to prioritize the top business needs
• Demonstrates an unconditional commitment to safety
• Solid communication and analytical skills
• Strong interpersonal skills & ability to work effectively in a global organization
• Creative mindset – willing to try new ways of doing things to improve effectiveness
• Self-starter – requires minimal supervision, plans work and balances multiple assignments
• Excellent organization and attention to detail
• Attention to detail and dedication to documenting knowledge
• Team-oriented with a desire to build strong relationships, collaborate and drive results