Senior R&D Tech

Position: Senior R&D Tech I
We Make Life More Rewarding and Dignified

Location:
Libertyville
Department:
Research & Development

Summary

The Senior R&D Technician I supports Research and Development initiatives for new products, sustaining products, and packaging. This role works collaboratively with scientists and engineers to build and modify prototypes, perform laboratory testing, evaluate materials and technologies, and support test method development activities. The Senior R&D Technician I works with limited supervision, applies established technical skills to complete assigned work, and escalates complex technical issues to engineering or scientific staff as appropriate.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will have responsibilities for:

• Perform laboratory testing using established test methods, protocols, and work instructions with limited supervision.
• Document observations, test results, deviations, and issues accurately and communicate them in a timely manner.
• Build, modify, and troubleshoot prototypes using established instructions, drawings, or direction from engineering and scientific staff.
• Support prototyping capability improvements by identifying equipment, tooling, material, or process needs.
• Prepare materials, fixtures, samples, and test setups in accordance with applicable instructions and safety requirements.
• Create and maintain complete, accurate, and timely laboratory records.
• Use electronic document management systems and/or Novatek Stability LIMS to create and maintain electronic laboratory notebook entries.
• Participate on project teams as an extended team member and provide hands-on technical support for assigned activities.
• Generate basic Microsoft Excel spreadsheets, charts, or summaries to organize and communicate test results.
• Support evaluation of new or alternative test methods and provide observations or recommendations for improvement.
• Perform weekly eyewash and safety shower inspections.
• Set up, operate, clean, and perform routine preventive maintenance on laboratory equipment.
• Maintain organized, clean, and safe laboratory work areas.
• Identify inefficiencies, roadblocks, and opportunities for improvement within assigned work and communicate them to appropriate team members.
• Support test method development and validation activities, including Gage R&R studies, under technical direction.
• Provide informal guidance to new associates, students, co-ops, and interns on routine laboratory practices and equipment use.
• Complete all required training on time.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Essential Functions of the Role

• Conducting experiments, simulations, and feasibility studies.
• Applying scientific methods to process understanding and product development.
• Using tools like CAD, robotics, and lab instrumentation.
• Designing and testing prototypes.
• Iterating based on test results and market feedback.
• Maintaining detailed records of experiments and development processes.
• Writing technical reports and contributing to patent filings.
• Lifting, pulling and/or pushing up to 30 pounds

Education & Work Requirements

• Associate's Degree with 4-6 years of related experience

Education & Work Preferences

Specialized skills/technical knowledge

• Ability to work with limited direction from engineers or scientists on assigned tasks.
• Working knowledge of routine laboratory techniques, procedures, standards, and safety practices.
• Ability to use laboratory equipment, tools, fixtures, and materials to build and evaluate product prototypes.
• Strong verbal communication and technical documentation skills.
• Ability to learn new technical skills and processes and apply established procedures with limited support.
• Sound judgment in organizing work, prioritizing assigned tasks, and recognizing when escalation is needed.
• Technical problem-solving skills within assigned laboratory activities.
• Basic understanding of experimental design and data integrity expectations.
• Working knowledge of company products, materials, and customer needs preferred.
• Familiarity with equipment and processes used in new product development laboratories, such as leak testers and heat sealers.
• For Senior R&D Technician I roles supporting Technology Development: working knowledge of FTIR spectroscopy, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography, optical and digital microscopy, and mixing technology preferred.
• Working knowledge of Universal or MTS test equipment and software for tensile testing preferred.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Excel.
• Familiarity with medical device quality and regulatory systems preferred.

Competencies

• Be Agile
  - Innovates and adapts quickly, approaching change with curiosity while persisting through obstacles.
• Be Customer Centric
  - Considers the needs, experiences and feedback of customers in all we do.
• Be People-Focused
  - Builds trust and collaborates with an inclusive and empathetic approach.
• Be Performance Driven
  - Operates with an ownership mindset, driving meaningful outcomes.
• Live The Schneiders' Legacy, Our…