Research and Development QC Technician

Description

Summary:

Assist chemists and senior laboratory staff in the performance of necessary lab functions for research and development and conducts quality control activities in accordance with established practices, processes, regulations, guidelines, and standards in a safe and efficient manner under general or minimal supervision. This position has daily tasks but overall work varies depending on the project assigned at changing cadences. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Other duties may be assigned.

Prepares and tests lab scale polyurethane systems:

· Builds up batches from 50g to 150 lbs according to given formulations accurately and efficiently.

· Conducts testing on production batches, raw materials and R&D formulations according to established procedures.

· Testing includes but is not limited to water titration, viscosity, specific gravity, density, age studies, hand mix and spray testing, thermal conductivity, compressive strength, open cell content, and dimensional stability along with observational notetaking and communication.

· With training and shown aptitude, completes small R&D projects.

· Operate and use spray equipment, with training.

Data Management and Communication:

· Records and reports results in an organized and legible manner in lab books, data sheets, Microsoft programs, email, and any other data system

· Write technical reports or prepare graphs or charts to document experimental results.

· Write and understand testing procedures 

· QC Data gathered must be tracked, charted, analyzed and reported monthly, quarterly, yearly and as needed.

· Perform various math equations by hand and/or in excel as needed.

Prepares, maintains and cleans spray applications rooms and equipment for testing:

· Set up and shut down of spray reactors as needed

· Disassemble, clean and reassemble spray guns as needed to maintain guns in working, ready-to-use order.

· Construct and disassemble wall and test frameworks and substrates using power tools and saws on a daily/weekly basis.

· Store an organize samples kept for testing

· Foam and waste will be disposed after each spray as directed.

· The spray applications areas will be tidied and swept to maintain a clean and safe environment.

Releases and Holds batches:

· Ability to read and interpret Certificates of Analysis and other documentation

· Responsible for releasing batches if they meet all specifications and criteria

· If batches do not meet specifications the technician must follow troubleshooting procedures to verify results and adjust batches as needed.

Calibration of Equipment:

· Sets up equipment calibration schedules

· Conducts calibrations or sets up appointments with professionals

· Maintains well organized calibration records for inspectors.

Maintains Laboratory and Workplace Cleanliness and Supplies:

· Weekly cleaning of surfaces and equipment

· Weekly general tidying and organization in the laboratory

· Daily expectations to take out the garbage and clean personal workspace.

· Weekly inventory of chemicals and building supplies must be maintained and communicated

· Weekly replenishing of chemicals, laboratory supplies and building materials

Conducts and/or assists chemists/ sales in Root Cause analysis of production or field issues.

Provide and maintain a safe work environment by participating in safety programs, committees, or teams and by conducting laboratory or plant safety audits.

Provide technical support or assistance to chemists, sales, tech service and customers as needed.

Requirements

Qualifications: 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education/Experience:

Minimum high school diploma or general education degree (GED) + <2 years Vocational/Technical Program, or equivalent; Associates degree in Science preferred. 

Minimum three months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience in spraying chemicals will have priority. Experience in mixing chemicals according to formulations is preferred. Wet lab experience is priority with chemistry experience. 

Language Ability: 

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.

Math Ability:

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.

Reasoning Ability:

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in or from situations encountered in the job in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. (Examples of rational systems include: bookkeeping, internal combustion engines, electric wiring systems, house building, farm management, and navigation.)

Computer Skills:

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of: Microsoft Office, this includes data entry into excel, writing lab reports in word and some PowerPoint work.

Certificates and Licenses:

None

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.