R&D Fabrication Technician

JOB SUMMARY:

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

The technician will often be asked to run the test and log data using existing computerized data acquisition software and supply a written report. Most testing will also include using lab testing equipment. Interpersonal skills, both within the R&D group and with external groups such as engineering and manufacturing, are a must. The ability to be able to perform machining of metal parts, welding of metal parts, and mechanical assembly is strongly desired.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: (Other duties may be assigned)

• Preparing test setups (including tank, tank internals, shaft, and mixing impellers) from both written and verbal instructions. For tests that use customer materials, work with the sales force to coordinate the shipping of these materials back and forth between the client and the lab.
• Running equipment and logging data using existing data acquisition software. The ability to perform basic calculations using Microsoft Excel is a requirement.
• 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 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.
• Knowledge of Auto Desk and Microsoft Office programs is required.
• 3D printing knowledge is desired.
• Testing of rotating equipment, including measuring temperature, vibration, and sound produced by said equipment. Training on wiring electric motors will be provided and is an essential duty.
• Maintain the lab's inventory of consumables, which includes ordering materials through purchasing.
• Acts as an interface between sales and marketing in supporting trade show displays. This includes cleaning and repairing displays and ordering items that may be needed to repair said displays.
• General housekeeping of lab facilities, which includes routine cleaning of lab equipment and test areas.
• Adherence to all safety regulations and protocols at SPXFLOW is required. Potentially act as the safety representative for R&D with our local Safety Coordinator.
• The ability to machine, weld metal parts, and assemble mechanical setups is preferred.
• Training will be provided in the rigging, lifting, and landing of heavy equipment using cranes.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

A minimum of a two-year technical degree is required. Minimum of 2 years working in a production facility environment, Auto Desk experience is needed. Machine shop experience is desired.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence using Microsoft Office products. Ability to interact with business clients who professionally attend testing.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, areas, circumference, and volume. Competent in the use of conversions of units of measurement. Able to apply concepts of geometry.

REASONING ABILITY

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.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

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.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand and talk or listen. The employee is frequently required to walk and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit and use their hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential…