Lab Technician

Job Title:

Lab Technician

Job Description

The Lab Technician performs chemical, biological, physical, and mechanical analyses and tests that support application engineering, research and development, and quality control activities. This hands-on role involves operating specialized laboratory equipment, following established procedures and methods, and contributing to the interpretation and documentation of test results. The position requires strong mechanical and chemical aptitude, the ability to work with moderate direction, and effective collaboration within a self-directed team.

Responsibilities

* Perform chemical, biological, physical, and mechanical analyses and tests to support application engineering, research, development, and quality control of processes and products.

* Operate and maintain laboratory instruments, including scanning electron microscopes (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and total organic carbon (TOC) analyzers, as needed.

* Follow established laboratory procedures, methods, and safety protocols to ensure accurate and reliable test results.

* Compile, analyze, interpret, and document experimental data in a clear and organized manner using appropriate software tools.

* Identify issues or problems during testing and analysis, and seek guidance or collaborate with team members to resolve them when necessary.

* Apply knowledge of physical chemistry, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, fluid dynamics, and thermodynamics to design and conduct experiments.

* Support product and process improvement initiatives by providing technically sound input based on laboratory findings.

* Recognize opportunities for product improvement or new product development through careful observation and analysis of test outcomes.

* Contribute innovative solutions to key technical problems and participate in advancing knowledge in areas of technological specialty.

* Handle and prepare samples involving dissolved gases, water filtration, water treatment, and related analyses.

* Use general knowledge of chemical usage and safety to conduct experiments safely and maintain a clean and organized laboratory environment.

* Work effectively as part of a self-directed team, communicating progress, challenges, and results in a timely manner.

* Perform hands-on tasks in varied environments, including areas where dust, dirt, and industrial fluids are present.

* Lift and move materials and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds as required for laboratory and testing activities.

* Manage time effectively to meet testing schedules and project deadlines, including occasional work outside standard hours when needed.

Essential Skills

* Proven experience working in a laboratory or technical environment performing analytical tests and experiments.

* Strong mechanical and chemical aptitude, with the ability to work confidently with laboratory instruments and equipment.

* Ability to follow detailed procedures and methods while maintaining high standards of accuracy and reliability.

* Experience or familiarity with scanning electron microscopes (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and total organic carbon (TOC) analyzers.

* Background in physical chemistry or completion of coursework in physical chemistry.

* Experience with dissolved gases, water filtration, water treatment, and related analytical techniques.

* General knowledge of chemical usage and safety practices in a laboratory setting.

* Understanding of scientific and engineering principles relevant to physical chemistry, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, fluid dynamics, and thermodynamics.

* Demonstrated ability to make technically sound contributions to solving problems and advancing knowledge in a technological specialty.

* Ability to recognize product improvement and new product opportunities based on experimental data and observations.

* Competence in documenting, compiling, and interpreting laboratory results using computer-based tools.

* Good communication skills for sharing findings and collaborating with colleagues.

* Effective time management skills to balance multiple tests, projects, and deadlines.

* Ability and willingness to perform hands-on work, including lifting up to 50 pounds and working in environments with dust, dirt, and industrial fluids.

Additional

Skills & Qualifications

* Extensive technical expertise acquired through laboratory experience and related coursework in physical, organic, and inorganic chemistry, fluid dynamics, and thermodynamics.

* History of technical leadership and contributions that have a significant impact on business or project outcomes.

* Ability to produce innovative solutions to key technical problems and to support continuous improvement initiatives.

* Comfort working with advanced analytical equipment such as SEM, EDS, and TOC analyzers and learning new technologies as needed.

* Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills for interpreting complex data sets.

* Computer literacy, including the use of software for data entry,…