Lab Technician

Basic Function

The Product and Application Development (PAD) Technician is responsible for leading product development activities and solve technical problems in relation to new product development and existing products.  The purpose of the PAD position is to aid efforts to ensure we offer highly valued products while operating safely and efficiently.  The successful PAD technician will be helping implement new technologies and solutions by effectively collaborating with our customers, marketing, sales, manufacturing and technology.  This position will report into the Lab Supervisor. #LI-LL2

Roles & Responsibilities

• Support Goal Zero, safety, housekeeping, and compliance policies and practices.  
  • Operate in a safe, clean, and productive manner.  Support efforts to enhance the safety of LYB operations (for example assist in safe handling and use of raw materials in development and manufacturing, actively participating in HSE team, and actively participating in safety audits…).  Promote all aspects of the LYB Health, Safety, and Environmental guidelines.  
  • Leading housekeeping efforts to ensure that the lab area is safe and clean
  • Conform to safe work practices and compliant to corporate safety program.
  • Handle hazardous materials in a safe and cautious manner.

• Material processing
  • Efficiently convert raw materials into finished goods
  • Prepare samples and perform molding to generate parts and test specimens
  • Must have a working knowledge and strict compliance to all sample preparation techniques in testing.
  • Preferably have a working knowledge of blending equipment.
  • Set up, calibrate, and operate mixing, compounding, and converting equipment according to work instructions
  • Weigh up batches and load mixing vessels as required.

• Analytical testing
  • Performing routine and non-routine analytical testing working with a variety of specialized analytical machines (i.e. TGA, DSC, TMA, etc.)
  • Conducting analysis utilizing various microscopy techniques
  • Setting up and operating various test equipment.
  • Understand and apply technical information, and procedures related to test methods and standards (ASTM/ISO), instrumentation and quality control pertinent to physical and analytical lab operations.

• Mechanical Testing
  • Performing routine and non-routine mechanical testing (i.e. non-ambient testing) such as Tensile, Flex, Impact, etc.

• Lab Operations
  • Ensuring timely completion of work requests through assigned area(s)
  • Participating in test method development such as fixture design or establishing protocol
  • Performing or arranging equipment calibration as scheduled
  • Ensuring that testing results are accurate
  • Operating in an efficient and productive manner 
  • Training others on equipment operation and test protocol
  • Accurately use micrometers, calipers and various other measuring devices.
  • Training others on various test methods and assisting in the standardization of non-routine tests.
  • Ability to work well with customers during trials to ensure a professional attitude is being conveyed at all times.
  • Ability and knowledge of conversion from Metric to English standards.
  • Observe and record data in an accurate, precise and organized manner as required.
  • Assist with development of work instructions and procedures for all processing and testing equipment as needed.
  • Continue training and maintain competency in all physical and analytical testing equipment, processing equipment, and methods thereof, which are utilized on site.
  • Must have good or correctable vision as pertaining to job as well as being able to lift, move, stack, or load up to 70 lbs.
  • Follow instructions of supervisor as it pertains to job.

Min. Qualifications

• Education:
  • The position requires a minimum of an associate’s degree with courses in Algebra, Chemistry and Physics preferred. Related work experience also preferred.

• Experience:
  • A minimum of 5 years' experience in a plastics or materials-related field with prior employment in an analytical/physical-testing laboratory environment preferred.
  • The preferred candidate will have a fundamental knowledge of plastic processing or of plastic test methods and ASTM and ISO standards.  

Competencies