Chemical & Adhesives Lab Technician

Full-Time – direct employee – not a contract

Reports To:

R&D Manager / Senior Scientist / Engineering Manager

Location:
Bethlehem, PA onsite

US Citizens Only

Compensation: $52,000 - $73,000

Our client seeks a hands-on Chemicals & Adhesives Laboratory Technician to support the development, testing, scale-up, and production of specialty polymers and adhesive products.

The Laboratory Technician will work closely with scientists, engineers, and manufacturing personnel to prepare chemical formulations, conduct experiments and product testing, operate laboratory equipment, document results, and support the transition of processes from laboratory to larger-scale production.

This position requires strong attention to detail, good laboratory practices, mechanical aptitude, and a willingness to perform a broad range of technical and laboratory responsibilities.

The position is well suited for someone who enjoys working in a small, fast-moving technical organization where responsibilities are varied and individuals are expected to take ownership of their work.

• Prepare chemical formulations, polymers, adhesives, and test samples according to established procedures and experimental protocols.

• Conduct laboratory experiments and physical, chemical, and performance testing of materials and adhesive products.

• Accurately measure, weigh, mix, dispense, and process chemical raw materials.

• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment and instrumentation.

• Record experimental procedures, observations, test results, and other technical data accurately and completely.

• Maintain laboratory notebooks, electronic records, batch records, and supporting documentation.

• Assist scientists and engineers with product development, formulation optimization, and process improvement activities.

• Support scale‑up activities and the transfer of laboratory processes to pilot and production operations.

• Prepare samples for internal testing, customers, field trials, and external laboratories.

• Maintain inventories of chemicals, raw materials, laboratory supplies, and test materials.

• Maintain an organized, clean, and safe laboratory and work environment.

• Assist with equipment calibration, preventive maintenance, and laboratory organization.

• Follow established SOPs and applicable safety, environmental, and quality procedures.

• Properly handle, label, store, and dispose of chemicals and laboratory waste.

• Associate or Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Technology, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering Technology, or a related technical discipline preferred.

• Laboratory experience in chemicals, polymers, adhesives, coatings, sealants, or related materials preferred.

• Experience working with chemical formulations and laboratory testing equipment.

• Strong mathematical skills and ability to accurately perform calculations involving weights, concentrations, ratios, and formulations.

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate documentation.

• Good mechanical aptitude and ability to operate and troubleshoot laboratory equipment.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and basic data collection and reporting tools.

• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with scientists, engineers, and manufacturing personnel.

• Adhesive, polymer, coating, sealant, or specialty chemical formulation experience.

• Physical and mechanical testing of adhesives and materials.

• Experience with mixing, blending, dispensing, curing, and other chemical processing equipment.

• Familiarity with laboratory‑scale reactors and process equipment.

• Experience supporting laboratory-to-pilot-scale process development.

• Familiarity with SOPs, batch records, quality systems, and controlled documentation.

• Knowledge of chemical handling, SDS requirements, laboratory safety, and proper waste disposal.