Research and Development Technician

About The Role

MSE is seeking an experienced Research & Development Technician to join our Quality team and report to the Quality Assurance Manager. In this role, you'll run trial productions on our 5-layer pilot lab line, test new raw materials and blends, and help build out the data that drives new product development. This is a hands-on role for someone who has worked in a production, lab, or extrusion environment and is comfortable with equipment, testing, and detailed documentation.

• Set up and operate the 5-layer pilot lab line to produce trial film blends, adjusting heat, tension, and extruder settings as needed
• Collaborate with Purchasing, Sales, and Design & Development teams to test new raw materials and formulations against Technical Data Sheet specs
• Conduct standardized material testing (gauge profile, tensile, elongation, Elmendorf tear, dart impact, haze, opacity, shrink, melt flow index, and more) using lab equipment
• Document and report test results accurately and promptly in our ERP system, Quality SharePoint, and
• Handle raw materials, manage and prioritize work orders, and keep the lab line area clean and organized
• Test finished goods, raw materials, and competitive samples, controlling any non-conforming product per MSE and customer specs

• High School Diploma or GED required; some college preferred
• Prior experience in film extrusion, plastics manufacturing, lab testing, or a similar production/quality role preferred
• Comfortable operating equipment and willing to obtain forklift certification
• Basic computer skills (Word, Excel, Outlook) and strong attention to detail
• Ability to lift up to 80 lbs. and stand, bend, and move throughout a plant setting
• Willingness to wear required PPE (safety glasses, steel-toed shoes, hearing protection, and more)

• Values-driven culture: everything we do is grounded in STACS — Servant Leadership, Trust, Accountability, Collaboration, and Stewardship — which shape how our teams work together and treat one another every day
• Room to grow: this role gives you direct exposure to Quality, R&D, Sales, and Production, with a clear path to build your skills and take on more responsibility over time
• Meaningful work: your testing and data directly shape new products before they ever reach commercial production
• Stability and investment: we're a growing manufacturer that invests in our people, our equipment, and our processes for the long term