R&D Technician

Job Summary

The R&D Lab Technician will perform a variety of tasks that support mixing processes and mechanical testing, including testing that supports R&D, Consulting Services, Order Support, New Product Development, and Engineering Support. The Technician must be able to take written instructions and create test set‑ups using existing facilities and equipment. In some cases, the Technician will be asked to formulate a plan to create a new test set‑up, which includes developing a list of materials required to fabricate the test set‑up.

The ability to perform machining of metal parts, welding of metal parts and mechanical assembly is strongly desired. Interpersonal skills, both within the R&D group and with other groups such as Engineering and Manufacturing, are an expectation. This is a full‑time on‑site position with limited to zero travel.

• Preparing test set‑ups (including tank, tank internals, shaft and mixing impellers) from both written and verbal instructions.
• Using machine operations such as horizontal lathe, vertical mill, welding metal parts and assembling mechanical setups.
• Assembling and disassembling rotating equipment such as gearboxes and mechanical seals for inspection before and after testing.
• Testing rotating equipment, including measuring temperature, vibration and sound produced by the equipment; training on wiring electric motors will be provided and is an essential duty.
• Training will be provided in the rigging, lifting and landing of heavy equipment using cranes.
• Running equipment and logging data using existing data acquisition software; ability to perform mathematical calculations using Microsoft Excel is required.
• Taking samples from mixing vessels and performing testing on samples using a variety of lab equipment (e.g., viscometer, moisture analyzer, particle size distribution analyzer).
• Organizing the data collected during testing and providing a written summary report using Microsoft Word and/or Microsoft PowerPoint.
• Willingness to learn certain aspects of mixing theory and technology that can be applied to assigned test work.
• Maintaining R&D’s model shop’s inventory of consumables, including ordering material through Purchasing.
• General housekeeping of lab facilities, including routine cleaning of lab equipment and test areas.
• For tests that use customer materials, coordinating with Commercial to ship the material back and forth between the client and the lab.
• Adhering to all safety regulations and protocols at SPXFLOW.

• Minimum of a two-year technical degree or trade certification is desired, or similar working experience.
• Minimum of two years working in a production facility environment or machine shop experience is desired.

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and email correspondence using Microsoft Office products. Ability to interact with business clients that attend testing in a professional manner.

Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, areas, circumference and volume. Competent in the conversion of units of measurement. Able to apply concepts of geometry. Calculations for mixing parameters will be taught with application to work expected.

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and use hands, fingers, handle or feel, talk, see,…