R&D Laboratory Support Tech.: M-F: 1st Shift

R&D Laboratory Support Technician

Location: Batavia, IL Plant

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 1st shift, 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM

Pay Range: $19.00 - $22.00 per hour (based on experience and qualifications)

Since 1923, Hentzen Coatings, Inc. has remained an independent, privately held company dedicated to excellence in the development and manufacture of advanced coatings. Our commitment to innovation, quality, and service has earned us recognition as a trusted partner and technology leader in the aerospace, defense, and industrial markets. With nearly a century of experience, we ve mastered the art of custom-engineering coatings to meet the unique and demanding requirements of our customers.

This innovation comes to life in our state-of-the-art facilities, where talented teams collaborate to solve complex challenges and deliver cutting-edge solutions.

Position Summary

The R&D Laboratory Support Technician provides essential support to the Research and Development laboratory by maintaining a clean, safe, and organized work environment and ensuring the timely availability of raw materials and laboratory supplies. This role supports laboratory operations through proper housekeeping, materials handling, waste disposal, and adherence to safety and compliance requirements.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Restock raw materials daily from the plant in accordance with R&D laboratory needs.
• Maintain cleanliness of laboratory floors, work areas, storage spaces, and common lab areas.
• Safely collect, handle, and dispose of paint, solvents, and general laboratory waste in accordance with company procedures and regulatory requirements.
• Follow all safety policies, procedures, and work instructions, including the proper use of required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Perform routine spray booth maintenance, including changing and cleaning spray booth filters.
• Dispose of trash and recyclables in compliance with company and environmental procedures.
• Restock laboratory supplies, including gloves, wipes, containers, and cleaning chemicals.
• Maintain organized storage areas and ensure materials are properly labeled and stored.
• Promptly report spills, safety concerns, equipment issues, or supply shortages to supervision.
• Support a safe, efficient, and compliant laboratory environment.
• Maintain standards for housekeeping and safety.
• Clean up equipment and properly store equipment.
• As part of the housekeeping procedures, the employee may be involved with the disposal of hazardous waste. The initial training of how to properly dispose of hazardous waste will be performed by the Environmental and Safety department or the department supervisor. Annual training of the same will be performed by the EHS department.
• Comply with all quality, safety, and work rules and regulations.
• Perform other miscellaneous duties as assigned.

Qualification Requirements

• Preferred education level:
  High school diploma or GED.

Skills and Abilities

• Basic math skills.
• Effective verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work cooperatively in a team environment.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift moderate weights for extended periods.
• Reliable attendance and strong attention to detail.
• Ability to receive and follow instructions and provide feedback in a positive, professional manner.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to communicate verbally and audibly in a manufacturing or operational setting.
• Frequently required to stand, walk, and move throughout the work area.
• Regular use of hands and fingers to handle, manipulate, and control objects, tools, or equipment.
• Required to sit, balance, stoop, and occasionally reach above shoulder level.
• Occasional operation of machinery using foot controls.
• May be required to climb, balance, and reach overhead as part of job duties.
• Ability to regularly lift and/or move up to 65 lbs.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Safety shoes, safety glasses, and flame-retardant uniforms or lab coats are required in production areas.
• Respirators and ear plugs are required for specific production processes.

Benefits

• Competitive benefits package.
• Generous PTO policy.
• 401(k) Employer Match:
  We match employee contributions up to 8%…