Senior Technician - R&D

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Serve as key technical contributor to support initiatives within the department
• Support polymer research, formulation development, and new product development
• Perform material characterization and performance testing (e.g., FTIR, DSC, TGA, tensile, impact, rheology)
• Conduct and support polymer formulation studies in accordance with ASTM and ISO standards
• Assist with lab-scale polymer processing, compounding, and process development to improve quality and reduce cost
• Document experimental data and communicate results to R&D team
• Support continuous improvement, regulatory compliance, and laboratory safety initiatives
• Lead laboratory execution to impact product innovation and manufacturing efficiency

What You'll Bring:

• Bachelor's degree preferred in Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field
• 3-5 years of experience in polymer R&D, materials testing, laboratory development, or related experience (internship or academic lab experience considered for entry-level candidates)
• Knowledge of polymer characterization and testing methods
• Familiarity with ASTM and ISO testing standards
• Experience with polymer processing equipment a plus
• Strong communication, organization, and documentation skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

Within 3 months, you'll:

• Complete your Atkore immersion program
• Understand how your job and performance will help deliver Atkore's strategy
• Gain an understanding of your co-workers, facility, and team

Within 6 months, you'll:

• Independently execute projects according to projects timetable and establish daily or weekly schedules to meet project timetable.
• Work on laboratory testing and formulation development activities to support method development, materials characterization, manufacturing process validations, and troubleshooting, and selection of raw materials
• Contribute to the development of requirements and standard methodologies for material and processes to ensure compliance with industry standards and best practices
• Support to establish data-driven solutions in supplier selection, materials technology and formulation development, cost/benefit analysis, and improving quality of finished good

Within 12 months, you'll:

• Maintain conventional and cutting-edge materials and process solutions via testing activities to meet the requirements and to ensure cost effective processing, & high-quality performance
• Organize and maintain electronic and paper copies of information pertaining to the experiments performed including laboratory notebooks, sample databases, research reports, and other documents
• Observe and maintain laboratory safety management system requirements
• Perform chemical and thermal characterization of polymers and additives
• Collect, analyze, and summarize experimental data with accuracy and consistency
• Identify improvement opportunities and communicate results to R&D team
• Contribute to defining annual cost saving targets by providing experimental data to discover cost reduction opportunities

Join our team and align yourself with an industry leader!

As of the date of this posting, a good faith estimate of the current pay for this position is $33.12 . Placement in the range depends on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, relevant experience, skills, seniority, performance, shift, travel requirements, and business or organizational needs and may change over time. Other compensation may include, but not limited to, overtime, shift differentials, bonuses, commissions, stock, and other incentives.

Benefits available include:

• Medical, vision, and dental insurance
• Life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance
• 401k
• Paid Time Off
• Paid holidays
• Any leave required under federal, state, or local law

Benefits are subject to vesting and eligibility requirements.

Applications are being accepted on an ongoing basis.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.

For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.