Research Support Technician

Description

Summary: 

Responsible for supporting routine laboratory testing for product improvement and new product development. Additionally, responsible for laboratory equipment setup and maintenance, assisting with laboratory scale alloy melting and atomizing, customer technical service projects, manufacturing trouble shooting projects. Typical working hours will be on weekday daylight shift; however, the employee may be assigned to work weekend and alternate shifts for specific projects.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following:

• Follows safe work practices and reports/corrects unsafe conditions.

• Sets up and configures equipment for desired testing conditions 

• Responsible for smooth operation of general laboratory equipment including equipment repairs.

• Ability to move and configure larger pieces of testing equipment and test materials using a forklift. 

• Execution of R&D testing plans using laboratory equipment.

• Conducts required tests, interprets results, and summarizes findings. (written or verbal)

• Assists with routine technical service problems and reports findings and solutions to supervisor. 

• Reports findings, offers conclusions and recommends a possible course of action.

Competency:  

• Basic machine maintenance, electrical wiring, simple plumbing, able to read and implement equipment user manuals.

• Ability to learn and understand the manufacturing processes, products and their applications. 

• Creativity in product/process improvement and problem solving.

• Ability to do basic mathematical calculations with the aid of spreadsheet or calculator

• Takes on other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

• Ability to use MS Office computer programs including Excel and Word 

• Ability to implement and complete experimental plans.

• Ability to conduct tests properly and ensure reproducible and accurate data.

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 and/or Experience:  

• A high school diploma with 6 years of related experience in a technical or operational setting OR an Associate degree (A.A.) or equivalent from a two-year college or technical school with 3 years of related experience in a technical or operational setting.
• Experience with any or all of the following is preferred: metal processing, equipment maintenance, electrical controls, powder metallurgy, and/or prior laboratory experience.