Sr Technician

The Pilot Line Engineer/Scientist actively participates in the pilot line team, focusing on developing new foam technologies that can be implemented to grow our foam markets domestically and internationally. This role supports existing production facilities with cost‑effective developmental improvements to lower operating costs and increase yields. The individual operates the equipment used to produce highly complex processes that create low density XPS foam and provides fundamental support such as material shipping and receiving for the Tallmadge Science and Technology site.

Reports to:

Tallmadge S&T Lab Leader

Span of Control:
Individual Contributor with room to grow

• Implements a personal safety action plan and reviews it with the leader.
• Regularly participates in monthly safety meetings.
• Ensures rigorous compliance with safety procedures and OC corporate policies.
• Focuses on sustaining a safe work environment for self and coworkers.
• Translates work safety knowledge to personal/home settings.
• Leads the safe, reliable operation of pilot line foam extrusion equipment, ensuring high equipment uptime and consistent trial execution.
• Owns day‑to‑day equipment health for the pilot line, including proactive inspection, troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair of extrusion, vacuum, blowing agent, and downstream handling systems.
• Diagnoses equipment and process issues during trials, rapidly restoring stable operation while minimizing downtime and sample loss.
• Partners with formulators and pilot line team members to translate experimental requirements into robust, repeatable operating conditions.
• Executes and supports foam extrusion trials by operating the twin‑screw extruder and associated systems, including start‑up, changeover, shutdown, and recovery from upset conditions.
• Leads and performs preventive and corrective maintenance activities; coordinates repairs and continuously improves equipment reliability and operating practices.
• Ensures experimental foam boards are produced safely, consistently, and to defined quality expectations, including cutting, handling, stacking, and documentation.
• Maintains accurate records of operating conditions, equipment performance, issues, and corrective actions using pilot line workflow tools and software.
• Manages pilot line materials, inventory, and logistics, including safe handling, shipping, and receiving of raw materials and blowing agents.
• Models strong safety ownership by rigorously following procedures, identifying hazards, and reinforcing safe work practices during all pilot line activities.

• Demonstrated ability to safely operate, maintain, and troubleshoot complex industrial or laboratory equipment in a hands‑on environment.
• Strong ownership mindset for equipment reliability, uptime, and safe operation; proactively identifies issues and takes action to prevent unplanned downtime.
• Proven problem‑solving capability, with the ability to diagnose mechanical and process‑related issues and work through them methodically under time pressure.
• Consistent focus on working safely, following procedures, and reinforcing a strong safety culture for self and others.
• Ability to learn new processes, equipment, and control systems quickly and apply that learning effectively in day‑to‑day operations.
• Demonstrated reliability and accountability—follows through on commitments, completes work to expectations, and communicates issues early and clearly.
• Comfortable working in a dynamic, trial‑driven environment where priorities may shift and experimentation is frequent.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including documenting operating conditions, issues, and corrective actions.
• Proficiency employing typical productivity software such as MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint).
• Willingness and ability to perform hands‑on work, including equipment operation, maintenance activities, and material handling in a pilot plant setting.
• Manual dexterity required for operating machinery and performing tool changes during maintenance and repairs. Hands‑on aptitude and flexibility to work in a service group supporting…